Hill fires Avenue closer to survival

BRADFORD PA 2 ALTRINCHAM 1

BRADFORD Park Avenue recorded a vital win to condemn relegation-threatened Altrincham to defeat at the Horsfall Stadium.

The home side took an early lead after impressive work from right-back Jake Hibbs. The defender spotted the run of Oli Johnson, and the striker slotted home from 12 yards.

But the away side fought back and deservedly equalised.

Former Avenue man Sam Patterson hit a stunning diagonal ball to Elliot Newby and the striker turned inside to fire past Jon Worsnop.

Minutes later, Johnson blazed a good opportunity over the bar from close range.

Shortly after the break, Newby was shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident with Wayne Brooksby.

But the visitors were stubborn in their resistance and Mark Bower’s men struggled to create any notable chances in their bid to find a way past goalkeeper Tim Deasy.

The Avenue scored the winner with fulltime approaching.

A well-directed header from substitute Chris Sharp was tipped onto the bar by Deasy, but left-back Matt Hill was unmarked to tap the ball home.

The win lifted the Avenue six points clear of the drop zone.