Horsfall

Since my last visit to Horsfall Stadium they've done some upgrades, in particular erecting a new white pitch boundary fence. I kept expecting to see horses running around in there. The going was soft.

Bradford (Park Avenue) have had a poor start to the season following the surprise removal of last year's play-off securing manager and team during the summer. Having realised things weren't working out, the manager was restored a few weeks ago and he's slowly trying to restore some of the playing staff, although many were cup tied today.

This was an FA Trophy First Round fixture against Halesowen Town, making it the second time this week I've seen West Yorkshire hosting West Midlands teams. Halesowen sit two steps down the pyramid from Avenue, in the Southern League Division One Central, but there was little difference between the teams today. Conditions were poor and the pitch very heavy so mistakes contributed to the goals. After a goal apiece in the first half, Halesown looked like they might have won the tie with a penalty mid way through the second half. Bradford secured a late equaliser though, so it finished 2-2. They do it all over again in Halesowen on Tuesday night to see who progresses to the next round and keeps their Wembley dreams alive.