Saturday 11th January 2025, Kick-off 15.00
Western League Division One
King George V Playing Field, Avonmouth
Admission: £6.00
Programme: £2.00
Attendance: 145
Video highlights can be viewed by clicking here
A match report can be read by clicking here, also copied and pasted below
Avonmouth 2-3 Bradford Town
Western League Division 1, 15:00
King George V Recreation Ground, Avonmouth, Bristol BS11 9ND
14th (34pts from 27) vs 2nd (57pts from 24)
Distance between the clubs: 33 miles (~45 mins)
Reverse fixture: Bradford Town 4-0 Avonmouth (7/9/24)
The Teams
Bradford Town started the day second in the Western League Division 1, two points off leaders Hallen but having played two less games. They hadn't lost since September when mid table AEK Boco managed to get the better of them, and were coming into this off the back of a good 2-1 victory at home to third placed Calne Town. They were a step 5 side in the Western and Hellenic leagues between 2014 and 2023 and finished 8th last season in their first campaign back at this level
Avonmouth find themselves in fourteenth in their debut season at step 6 after successive promotions from the Bristol & Suburban League and the Gloucestershire County League. They had a fantastic opening to the season, winning 5 of the first 7 including emphatic victories over Longwell Green and Wells City who are both very much in the playoff conversation now. Things have been a little more up and down since then but on the whole it's been an impressive debut season. Their last game was boxing day when they drew 2-2 with local rivals 10th placed Shirehampton
The Game
Bradford dominated possession in the first half, playing the ball around well considering the muddy conditions. Avonmouth were ready to pounce on the counter attack, however, as was exemplified in the opening minutes with an effort blasted over the bar. It didn't take too long for Bradford to translate their possession into a goal however, with Curtis Dunn putting away a lovely strike about ten minutes in. The men from Wiltshire continued to control proceedings for the next twenty minutes or so, without creating masses of chances, but notably had an effort cleared off the line after half an hour. As the first half neared it's end however Avonmouth had a bright spell and were rewarded with a goal, a composed finish from Theo Thordarson after a save from the Bradford goalkeeper to level things up against the overall run of play. It wasn't to last long though with Bradford getting back ahead just before the break through Dan Demkiv
Things opened up in the second half with a more even balance of possession and Avonmouth gave a really good account of themselves, ultimately leading to them bringing things level with twenty minutes to go through Charlie Boorman. After this Bradford upped their game again though and Sammy Jordan secured victory with just a few minutes to go, prompting huge celebrations both on and off the pitch. On balance it was probably just about deserved, but it was a fantastic effort from Avonmouth against probably the best side in the league, which made for a fantastic game of football, especially in the second half
Both sides stay in the same positions in the table. Bradford travel to ninth placed Mendip Broadwalk in midweek before a tough clash against fifth placed Devizes Town next Saturday. Meanwhile Avonmouth travel to 17th placed Hengrove Athletic next week
The Ground
This is a relatively basic ground, which isn't surprising given Avonmouths speedy rise over the last few seasons, but by no means does this mean it isn't worth visiting: it has character, atmosphere and unique surroundings with the impressive M5 bridge towering over it
Entry is £6, which is standard for step 6, and is paid as you drive in. There is some parking available or public transport is plentiful with a bus stop right outside and Avonmouth railway station a fifteen minute walk away. There is an online programme which is a great read, and includes pictures and biographies of each player which I think is a really nice touch
There is hard standing on two sides of the pitch and a grassy area over the far long side with some goalposts that a group of children were making use of. The short side nearest to the motorway is inaccessible. The clubhouse and changing rooms are situated on the other long side. Notably there is no seated stand (although I believe one is to be built soon), just a covered area with a window at the front that makes it look a bit like a shed. It's probably quite good to watch the game from on a wet and windy day, but I didn't see anyone using it during the game today. Despite there being no seated stand there's a fair few benches on the clubhouse side which offer a good view of proceedings, and a bit of extra cover provided by the overhanging roof of the clubhouse
The atmosphere was great with 145 in attendance, including a sizeable away following from Wiltshire. Add this to the fantastic game of non league football and overall it was a very enjoyable afternoon. Avonmouth seem a great club who are firmly on the up both on and off the pitch - it will be interesting to see how they continue to progress in the next few years
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