Vill Powell, the manager of Brighouse Town, has made a dual acquisition of two players associated with Bradford City, both of whom are anticipated to participate in the team’s inaugural match on Saturday against Ashington at 3pm.
Rejoining the club is 19-year-old winger Jack Wilson, who has been granted a release by the Bantams. Additionally, centre forward Sam Bentley has joined the team on a Youth Loan deal from Valley Parade, valid until October 1.
Wilson showcased his skills during a loan tenure last season until an ankle injury sustained in a West Riding Cup match against Campion led him to Pinderfields Hospital. Following around two months of recovery, he returned to Bradford’s academy squad.
Bentley had been on Powell’s radar for the past three weeks and was eventually secured on Monday of the current week. He left an impression during the pre-season friendly against Town in early July, though he was substituted in the first half.
The squad has also enlisted Aderemi Efunnuga, a 21-year-old central midfielder from Manchester. Efunnuga has previous experience with Stoke City and more recently Matlock Town. He exhibited a commendable performance during Town’s most recent pre-season friendly, a 2-0 home defeat to Guiseley, along with trialist striker Shohaib Mazir.
The management of Town and their supporters were content with the team’s performance against the formidable NPL side Guiseley. Noteworthy was the presence of former FC Halifax Town and Chesterfield striker Tom Denton in the first half, and former Brighouse striker Laurence Sorhaindo in the second half for the opponents.
Guiseley managed to take the lead in the 11th minute through Jameel Ible, who found the net in a congested goalmouth, eluding Harry Garman.
It wasn’t until the 86th minute that Guiseley secured their second goal, courtesy of Leigh Whelan.
While Town’s players demonstrated swiftness and finesse, often unsettling the visiting team, they struggled to convert opportunities into goals.
Ashington, champions of the EBAC Northern Division One, primed themselves for Town’s visit with a resounding 4-0 victory at home in the Emirates FA Cup Extra Preliminary round, playing against relegated NPL East Division side North Shields.
During the prior Saturday, Town also learned their opponents for the Preliminary round, scheduled for Saturday in the following week, August 19. The fixture entails a journey to the Holt House Stadium, Colne, recognised for its inclined pitch and past association with Colne Dynamoes. Departure for the match is scheduled from the Dusty Miller at 11:30 am.
Colne, presently positioned in the North West Counties League Premier Division, clinched a 2-1 triumph against another former NPL side, Glossop North End, thanks to a goal scored in the 90th minute.
On Monday at 7:45 pm, North Ferriby, guests at The Heffernan Utilities Stadium, secured a 2-1 victory over Crook Town in their Extra Preliminary round match.
