by Matthew Burdin
Bradford Park Avenue come out victorious against Brighouse Town in New Years Day Derby clash
Two second half goals from Bradford Park Avenue proved to be the difference against Brighouse who looked unthreatening throughout.
A cagey first half between the two sides saw both teams go into the break level at 0-0.
Neither side could find a rhythm throughout the first half, with a lot of the half being cut up due to stoppages in play for the numerous injuries and fouls that occurred.
When the ball was in play, a lot of the play was in the air with both sides trying to unlock their attacks through winning aerial duels.
Brighouse failed to create any real chances of conviction during the first half, whereas Bradford Park Avenue created a few good attacks however they couldn’t find the back of the net, except for the time when Number 11, Connor Shanks slotted one home -however the flag went straight up.
The second half started and it was more of the same during the opening 10 minutes.
Brighouse Number one, Michael Acquah was forced into making a fabulous save following a close range shot that was fired at him with some power.
The Orange Army could have seen themselves go ahead shortly after following a counter attacking opportunity which arose as a result of the press from Romario Dunne who put the ball on a plate for Youssef Chentouf who couldn’t generate the power or the placement of his shot resulting in an easy save for Bradford Park Avenue keeper, Jack Hall.
Eventually, the deadlock was broken via Bradford Park Avenue number nine, Marcus Carver who executed a cheeky backheel which stylishly went through the legs of the Brighouse goalkeeper, Michael Acquah.
Bradford Park Avenue then started to apply even more pressure as they looked to kill the game off, and eventually that second goal came.
Kareem Hssan-Smith found himself in a great position following a cross that had passed everyone in the box, and the forward player composed himself and placed a fine finish past Acquah to make it 2-0 to the away side.
Following the second goal, the game deflated as both sides seemingly settled with the scoreline as the final whistle approached.
In relation to the league table, this result means Bradford Park Avenue are in 5th place, and only six points away from 2nd.
Whereas for Brighouse, they are in 15th place and only 3 points below 12th place – however they are also only four points above 19th place, therefore showing just how tight the margins are down near the bottom of the table.