Michael Potts scored twice for Avenue in the 2-2 draw with Alfreton
Bradford (Park Avenue) surrendered a two-goal lead against nine-man Alfreton Town in the feisty 2-2 draw on the opening day of the Vanarama National League North season.
A controversial last minute penalty earned Alfreton their point at Horsfall Stadium.
Michael Potts gave Avenue a comfortable lead with a double before half-time, but Alfreton pulled a goal back at the start of the second half through Andi Thanoj.
That triggered an explosion of dramatic events. Alfreton defender Sam Berry was the first to leave the field after pulling down Avenue striker James Walshaw in a situation that was deemed as an obvious goal-scoring opportunity.
The job then looked done for Avenue as Berry’s centre-half partner Tom Allan was dismissed for a second bookable offence after wiping out Craig King.
Somehow Alfreton remained in the contest and referee Shaun Hudson won’t be welcome back at Bradford after awarding a contentious 95th minute spot kick.
A hopeful punt into the Avenue box saw Joe Ironside end up on the deck and the official deemed that Alex Pursehouse had committed the foul.
The fouled player took the penalty and successfully sent Stewart the wrong way to secure a dramatic point.
Even then the talking point weren’t over as players and management staff from both sides became involved in a free-for-all after the final whistle.
Avenue’s Luke Dean was shown a red card for his involvement in it and so was Alfreton’s Dan Bradley, who bizarrely wasn’t even involved in the game as a player because of injury.
Bradford (Park Avenue): Stewart, Pursehouse, Mather, Dean, Clayton, Ainge (captain), King, P.Marshall, Chilaka, Potts (R.Marshall 72), Walshaw. Subs not used: Schofield, Howarth, Qualter, Carole.
Alfreton Town: Draper, Moyo (Paling 57), Heaton (Leesley 57), Jordan (captain), Allan, Berry, Jones, Wilson, Ironside, Johnston (Jackson 46). Subs not used: Smith, Galinski
Referee: Shaun Hudson
Attendance: 428