FORMER FC Halifax Town player Richard Marshall scored the only goal as Bradford PA won 1-0 at The Shay.

It was only the Shaymen’s second defeat in 15 games, but they will be looking to get instantly back to winning ways as they are in action again in the Blue Square North tomorrow night away at Guiseley.

The first half of the West Yorkshire derby against Park Avenue, played in front of a Bank Holiday crowd of 1,611, proved a goalless and torrid affair.

Town’s Ryan Toulson – who was alleged to have stamped on Martin Drury – was shown the red card on 26 minutes and that was followed by bookings for the Shaymen’s Scott McManus and Park Avenue’s Aiden Savory after coming to blows on 38 minutes with the home side’s and Sean Williams also receiving a caution on the stroke of half-time.

A second red saw Savory sent off in the second half but Bradford gained the lead when Marshall curled home a well-placed shot.

The Shaymen pushed for an equaliser and came close on a number of occasions.

Dan Gardner forced a good save from Park Avenue keeper John Lamb with a delicate flick.

Matt Pearson then tested the keeper from range, but Lamb proved equal to everything Town had to offer.