Nathan Turner scored his first ever goal for Bradford (Park Avenue)
Ten-man Bradford (Park Avenue) held onto a famous 2-1 victory over National League outfit Lincoln City in dramatic circumstances in the FA Trophy last night.
Nathan Turner and Craig King gave Avenue a commanding lead, but goalkeeper Jon Stewart’s red card put their position in jeopardy.
With no goalkeeper on the bench, defender Tom Burgin had to go between the sticks for the last ten minutes.
He was only beaten by Jack Muldoon in stoppage time.
Jason St Juste, a Trophy winner last season with North Ferriby, beat two Lincoln players for the opening goal on the half hour mark. His play exposed Lincoln’s defence and enabled Turner to score from a pass.
Lincoln gifted Avenue their second goal late on. Megan Everington’s terrible back-pass fell straight into the lap of King. He raced clear and scored with a powerful strike.
Avenue looked home and hosed until Stewart kicked out at Lincoln’s Matt Rhead, ensuring a early exit.
Fortunately Lincoln failed to mount a comeback as their only goal came in the dying seconds.
Bradford (Park Avenue): Stewart, Scott, Pursehouse, Turner, Qualter, Priestley, King, P.Marshall (Burgin 80), Chilaka (Walshaw 86), R.Marshall, St Juste. Subs unused: Schofield, Potts, Price
Referee: Simon Bennett
Attendance: 360