Invicta’s pre-season tour takes us to Yorkshire on Saturday as we make our first ever trip to Bradford (Park Avenue)’s Horsfall Stadium.
Please remember that kick off is at 1pm.
Team News
Manager Jay Saunders spoke on Tuesday evening about trimming his squad as we enter the second half of our pre-season preparations, but supporters can expect a few trialists on show at Bradford. Ollie Black picked up a knock on Tuesday night at Ashford while Jeremy Santos will be suspended having been sent off at Homelands.
Kit
Invicta will be wearing our black and amber home kits, with our hosts in white. You can buy yours online now, or pop into Landau Sport at 111 Sandgate Road to buy in store.
From The Manager
First-team manager Jay Saunders spoke on Tuesday evening following our trip to Ashford United: “We are four games in now, at the halfway stage of our pre-season so from here we will try and trim it down and supporters won’t see as many changes and trialists.
“As much as we want to win these games it’s not about the results, it’s important we are getting minutes into the lads and preparing ourselves for the 9th August, but from now we will ramp up what we expect from them.
“This weekend is going to be a great trip for the lads to get to know each other and bond as a group, which is important, and a chance to test ourselves against a new opponent. Then we have two training sessions before we go into three really tough games to set us up for the season.”
The Opposition
Bradford (Park Avenue) play in the Northern Premier League East Division, at step four of the National League System. Bradford FC played as high as the First Division between 1914 and 1921.
Bradford (Park Avenue) slipped down the football ladder and eventually exited the Football League in 1970 and sold its Park Avenue home in 1973 before liquidation in 1974.
The club reformed, initially as a Sunday League side before returning to Saturday football in 1988. Bradford found new highs in the early 2010s, reaching the FA Cup First Round in both 2011 and 2012, alongside promotion to the National League North.
After 11 seasons at step 2, back-to-back relegations in 2023 and 2024 returned Bradford to the Northern Premier League.
Recent Meetings
Saturday will mark the first ever meeting between the two clubs.
Familiar Faces
Supporters won’t be shocked to find out neither side will field any players that have previously played for the other.
How To Follow
You can keep up to date with the action with updates from our X (formerly Twitter) account.
The Venue
Bradford (Park Avenue)’s Horsfall Stadium is situated on the South-Western edge of the city.
Travel
Always check rail times/strike action before you travel.
Bradford has two main stations: Bradford Interchange and Bradford Forster Square. Both are in the city centre and a 15-20 minute drive to the stadium, or a trip on the 613 or 681 bus.
Admission
Admission is FREE to all supporters.
