BRADFORD (Park Avenue) began the new season in disappointing fashion, as Mark Bower’s men were bested by a recently relegated King’s Lynn Town side.

Ian Culverhouse’s Linnets made the long journey up from Norfolk and stole the three points in the last ten minutes, thanks to a pinpoint finish by former Coventry City and Wrexham forward Jordan Ponticelli.

Bower’s side consisted of three debutants in the form of Eddie Church, Jamie Spencer and Shane Madroodza, who had been announced earlier in the day joining from Sheffield United alongside Andre Brooks.

The Avenue nearly got off to the perfect start thanks to a venomous start from Spencer, who had rejoined the club from relegated Guiseley, but the midfielder’s audacious effort fell narrowly wide of the target.

King’s Lynn looked to take an early advantage as well, as chances for Olly Scott and Cameron Hargreaves tested George Sykes-Kenworthy in goal.

Heading into the second half, chances were few, but SykesKenworthy was handling them when they came, as an Aaron Jones strike from 20 yards stung the palms of the former City shot-stopper.

Sykes-Kenworthy was in fine form again, as Gold Omotayo’s flick on was turned goalwards by Ponticelli, but the goalkeeper was able to adjust himself and parry the effort wayward.

But with just under ten minutes remaining, Ponticelli found the breakthrough, latching onto a teasing cross and prodding the ball past Sykes-Kenworthy to grant the Linnets a dream return back to the National League North, as well as a much happier trip home to Norfolk.

Bradford are next in action next Saturday with their first away trip of the season, making the journey to face Kettering Town, who also suffered defeat this weekend.