THERE was a dreary air of familiarity as Bradford Park Avenue lost 5-2 to Matlock Town on the last day of the season. Both of the Bradford’s goal came with only 20 minutes of the game left.

The first chance of the game fell Avenue's way, when the ball fell at Ted Lavelle's feet, who took it on the half volley but fired it over the bar.

Matlock, were quick to prove they were there to play when with only ten minutes gone, they were two nil up. Olly Clarke scored his fourth of the season with a close-range finish. John Johnstone then doubled their lead with an amazing finish from a tight angle.

Johnstone tried his luck again four minutes later as his ball found Croft coming in at the back post, but his left-footed effort was off target.

Bradford's last chance of the first half came just before four minutes of added time as Jordan Preston fed the Blackpool loanee Jake Daniels through the middle, but his shot was just wide of the goal.

The first action of the second half is already five minutes in when John Johnstone made his first attempt of getting his Hatrick as he fired a shot straight at Craig Ellison who had no problem keeping it out of the net.

Moments later, Harry Wood received the ball on the edge of the box however his effort was over the bar.

The last action of the game saw Liam Hardy fire inches wide of the net after he was fed down the inside right channel.

With just over an hour of the game gone, Matlock continued to further deny Avenue the chance of even getting one point, as Liam Hardy scored the third of the day. The goal started with great work down the left-hand side with Ollie Clark’s lovely ball into the box which Hardy had no trouble finishing.

Minutes later, John Johnstone added another as he scored his second of the game. Craig Ellison came miles out to try and intercept it, however Johnstone got there first ; lobbing it over him and into the net from 40 yards out.

Avenue finally entered the game with only 20 minutes left as Adrien Thibaut scored from close range, securing only his second goal of the season.

James Hanson then added Bradford’s second goal of the game with only 13 minutes of the game to go. A brilliantly corner swung in and landed perfectly on his head. His first and last.

Johnstone secured his hattrick through an 80-minute penalty, which saw a great run by Curtis Durose who was unfortunately caught by one of the Avenue defenders.

The only card of the game went to Adrien Thibaut, his third of the season.

The last action of the game went to Matlock as Armond’s flick struck the post as he looked to get a sixth.

Bradford Park Avenue have finished this season with 30 points. They will be hoping for better to secure future in the Northern Premier League next season.

Report: Ella Baldwin