Bradford (Park Avenue) vs Sheffield

The quick-fire nature of the two goals either side of half-time — Fox's strike and Cook's penalty within a three-minute window — defined the contest. Sheffield entered the break having stemmed the damage at 2-1 rather than 2-0, which gave them momentum for the second period.

In the second half, a raft of substitutions from both sides disrupted the flow. Sheffield arguably shaded the half as they pushed for an equaliser, creating several half-chances, but Avenue's defence held firm to preserve the lead.

Ben Andreucci — The forward opened the scoring with a poacher's finish and led the line well before being substituted. Speaking after the match, he told the club's media team: "It was a good run out for the boys. It's always very difficult when you first come back and it's been tough graft these first couple of weeks of pre-season."

Robbie Fox — The new signing from Albion Sports made an immediate impression, scoring Avenue's second goal. Fox was prolific during his time at Albion and his early contribution suggests he could be a key attacking outlet this season.

Ryan Cook — Sheffield's penalty taker kept his composure to pull a goal back within two minutes of Fox's strike, giving his side a foothold in the contest at a crucial moment.

The match was played at a typical pre-season intensity, with both sides prioritising minutes in the legs over defensive organisation. The provider data shows three goals from five shots on target — a conversion rate that reflects the early-stage nature of pre-season more than clinical finishing. The fact that no cards were recorded suggests a friendly, competitive atmosphere throughout.

Bradford Park Avenue's 2-0 lead was built on efficiency in the final third rather than dominance, with Fox's goal arriving against the run of play. Sheffield's second-half improvement — pushing for an equaliser amid multiple substitutions — suggests they grew into the game as legs tired, a common pattern in pre-season friendlies.

Bradford Park Avenue begin their pre-season programme with a win as they prepare for the 2026-27 Northern Premier League East Division campaign. The club finished third in the regular season last term before losing the play-off final on penalties to Emley AFC — a result that still rankles. Andreucci acknowledged the lingering disappointment: "It still hurts to be honest, but we've got to use that as fuel. Hopefully we'll go one step further this year."

Sheffield FC, the world's oldest football club, also begin their pre-season preparations. They narrowly missed out on promotion from the NCEL Premier Division last season, losing a play-off semi-final on penalties to Tadcaster Albion.

Avenue's next friendly is away to Albion Sports on Saturday 18 July, with further fixtures against Thackley (20 July), Bradford City XI (28 July) and Gainsborough Trinity (1 August) scheduled before the competitive season begins.

A solid, workmanlike start to pre-season for Bradford Park Avenue. The early goal from Andreucci settled any opening-night nerves, and Fox's strike provided breathing room that proved necessary when Sheffield pulled one back. The second-half performance will need sharpening — Sheffield created enough to suggest Avenue will face tougher tests — but the foundations are there. For Sheffield, the organised response after going 2-0 down is a positive sign for their own campaign ahead.