Kevin Hector meeting the current Bradford (Park Avenue) players before the game
Bradford (Park Avenue) legend Kevin Hector watched on as his old club lost 1-0 to local rivals FC Halifax Town at Horsfall Stadium.
Hector, back at Avenue for the first time in over 20 years, was Avenue’s special guest for the game which launched the club’s new kit.
Former England International Hector struck 44 goals for Avenue during the 1965/66 Football League Third Division season before moving onto play for Derby County during their Brian Clough glory days.
The new shirt commemorates Hector’s goalscoring achievements in that season.
Hector met up with a number of players from that team last night, including his striker partner and current Halifax director Bobby Ham.
In the match itself, Avenue were on top for long periods, but lost courtesy of a wonder goal from Halifax’s Danny Hattersley.
The home side had the bulk of the chances against the National League Premier outside, but were unable to take them and ultimately lost the game.
As Avenue tired and the game lulled, Hattersley pulled a stunning strike out of nowhere.
Halifax played a long ball over the top to the big front man, who let it drop over his shoulder and, after the bounce, struck an excellent volley from the edge of the box, which flew over Jon Stewart into the far corner.
Bradford (Park Avenue): Stewart, Pursehouse, Mather (Grayson 79), Turner, Clayton, Ainge (c), King (Howarth 81), P.Marshall (Dean 79), Walshaw, Potts (Chilaka 69), Walker (McDonald 69)
FC Halifax Town: Glennon, Bolton, McManus, James, Hutchinson (Hibbs 46), Bencherif, Whitehouse, Walker, Hughes (MacDonald 60), Bishop (Hattersley 60), Tuton (Burrow 60)
Referee: Gareth Mellor
Attendance: 539
The Avenue 2015/16 Hector replica shirt is now available, adults £35 and child £25. Please contact Avenue club shop manager Dave Stordy-email davestordy@hotmail.co.uk for further information.