REPORT: UNITED 2-0 BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)

BY LOUIS WHEELDON

United rounded off their home double-header with a second consecutive win on Saturday afternoon, as a delightful brace from Jordan Hallam - his third in two games since arriving recently - secured the points following a brilliant all-round team showing.

Against a Bradford (PA) side that offered threat with a high press and a patient passing game, Basford held their nerve and defensive fortitude and took advantage through the impressive Hallam, who whipped home two brilliant finishes either side of the break.

The action reel kicked off with a free-kick right on the edge of the area that saw stand-in captain Kieran Fenton strike into the wall, with both Fenton and Remaye Campbell unable to wriggle a fresh chance out of the recycled play.

Brodie Litchfield almost opened the scoring with a superb effort, dancing his way around Lucas Odunston on the left-hand side before forcing a fantastic tipped save out of Heath Richardson.

A few minutes later, however, and a deserved opener came when defender Mitch Lund gave the ball away to Hallam who drove forwards and smashed a dipping drive inside of Richardson's near post to hand the Ambers the lead.

BPA sought to resurge with Lewis Hey and Harry Colville both flashing dangerous crosses across the face of goal at the end of the first half and the start of the second, but it was Hallam who again came closest as he let fly, only to smash the foot of the post from range.

Fenton was the next man to strike the woodwork when a corner from Jack Thomas was headed down by Toby Ritzema and scuffed into his path, but his left-footed half-volley deflected off the upright as the visitors held on unconvincingly.

And they could little to prevent a second with 17 minutes remaining. Down the right, some champagne football and instrinsic play saw Dom Roma, Thomas and Campbell all combine to set up the onrushing Hallam to double United's lead with a rasping drive into the top-left corner with his weaker left foot, leaving Richardson flapping.

With the home faithful in a buoyant mood, Campbell and the returning Harry Wakefield - making a second debut - almost grabbed a third, with the former seeing Richardson tip his low, powerful drive onto his near post and the latter curling over with his left after leaving Jack Whiting for dead.

With the visitors bereft of ideas, the Ambers held on for a massive three points for the second time this week.

Next up, we travel to Lancashire and Bamber Bridge next Saturday (3pm), before a trip to Macclesfield on Tuesday night (7.45pm).

UNITED: Preston; Roma, Barnes, Fenton (c), Frizelle; Ritzema, Thomas (Lewis 81'), McDonald (Harry Wakefield 65'), Litchfield; Hallam (Charlie Wakefield 90'), Campbell
SUBS (not used): Wade, Alexander

ATT: 377