Grant Darley battles for the ball during Shaw Lane’s 1-0 win over Bradford (Park Avenue)
In torrential rain, a first half own goal from Ryan Qualter proved to be the difference as Bradford (Park Avenue) went down 1-0 at lower league Shaw Lane Aquaforce.
The former Ossett Town defender, playing against his old manager Craig Elliott’s side, accidentally headed the ball into his own net after 15 minutes of play.
Aquaforce had to survive a barrage of pressure, but the Barnsley-based side held their nerve to record a notable pre-season victory.
The match also provided a welcome return to action for popular level three referee Jason Knowles, who has been out of the game for a period of time.
Mr Knowles was arguably the best official in the Toolstation NCEL Division One during the 2013-14 season and it is hoped that he is back on the circuit on a permanent basis soon.
He faced a tough test himself as there were some tasty challenges from both sides.
It was great to see referee Jason Knowles back officiating
Shaw Lane’s Adam Priestley tries to stop Avenue’s attack
Steve Istead attempts to tackle Avenue forward Chib Chilaka
Shaw Lane manager Craig Elliott described Saturday as a “positive day”
Avenue’s Danny Schofield looking to break Shaw Lane down
No inches were spared at any point and Avenue had their work cut out in the first half.
Aquaforce took the game to them and an early warning was Gary Stohrer’s blistering strike which crashed against the crossbar.
The lead was soon taken when centre-half Qualter diverted a cross from the right-wing over the head of his goalkeeper Jon Stewart.
With the rain coming down, Avenue stepped up a few gears for the second half.
Avenue enjoyed lots of room down the right-side and that’s where most of their chances were created from.
Aquaforce defender Rhys Meynell prevented Avenue’s closest opportunity from finding the net after booting Craig King’s goal-bound attempt off-the-line.
The home side were penned in their own half for the closing stages as the pressure mounted.
Defender Dan Vinten nearly had a nightmare moment when his back-pass was missed by goalkeeper Danny Rusling and seemed to be heading into the net. Vinten’s and Rusling’s blushes were spared as the ball trickled past the far post.
Aquaforce escaped and despite efforts by powerful front two Chib Chilaka and James Walshaw, Rusling wasn’t to be beaten.
Shaw Lane Aquaforce manager Craig Elliott:
“It is good to win friendlies, but especially against quality sides like Bradford.
“The second half was hard going, but a win is a win and a clean sheet is a bonus.
“I thought we played in the first half. Bradford obviously upped their game in the second half and they put us under a lot of pressure.
“That’s why we wanted to play them because we knew they would be a quality outfit.
“We did well in the first half. In the second half we got a lot of fitness so it has been a positive day.”
Shaw Lane Aquaforce: Deakin, Austin, O’Brien, Foster (captain), Meynell, Sabo, Thornhill, Darley, Eyles, Morris, Stohrer. Subs: Istead, Fox, Priestley, Mawson, Vinton, Kilburn, Rusling.
Bradford (Park Avenue): Stewart, Pursehouse, Mather, Turner, Qualter, Ainge (captain), King, Schofield, Walshaw, Potts, McDonald. Subs: Chilaka, Dean, P Marshall, Clayton, R Marshall, Walker, Carole, Howarth.
Referee: Jason Knowles