Centenary challenge set

By Chris Ansell. Thursday, 04 October 2007.

Bradford Park Avenue v FC United of Manchester
FA Carlsberg Trophy Preliminary Round
Saturday 6 October, 3pm
Winning clubs receive £1,000
Click here for fixtures

Bradford Park Avenue are hoping to celebrate their centenary year with a prolonged run in The FA Trophy. First, though, they must see off the challenge posed by FC United of Manchester, a team whose history pales in comparison having been formed just two years ago.

However, the large difference in age is not reflected in league position, as only three places and just as many points separate fourth-placed Bradford from seventh-placed United in the Unibond League Division One North.

United have two games in hand on their Trophy opponents and confidence is high following last weekend's impressive 3-0 win at Chorley.

Meanwhile, Avenue's chairman Dr John Dean has revealed that he is looking forward to the game against their league rivals.

He said: "The FA Trophy is a high profile competition and in our centenary season to play FC United is certainly a special occasion.

"I'm sure it will be a very competitive match and I think fans of both clubs will be really looking forward to the day."

Avenue's Chief Executive Bob Blackburn added: "I think this first game will be an entertaining affair - the league ones may be tighter.

"I have to say that we viewed them as our main challengers this season, so to draw them in the cup as well adds something extra to this game."

Avenue brushed aside Whitby Town 4-0 in the previous round but this is not the only impressive result they have achieved this season.

They currently hold records for the best wins in their league this season - the biggest home win, 9-0 against Rossendale United and the biggest away win, 5-0 at Bridlington Town.

Saturday's tie at the Horsfall Stadium appears as though it will be a much closer affair.