Peterborough Sports get back to winning ways with comeback victory at Bradford Park Avenue in National League North

Dan Lawlor's penalty secured all three points for Peterborough Sports against Bradford Park Avenue. Photo: James Richardson.

Jimmy Dean’s side came from 1-0 down at the Horsfall Stadium to secure a 2-1 win to move themselves back into top half of the National League North table.

Goals from Michael Gash and Dan Lawlor- who scored from the penalty spot- gave Sports a first win in seven in all competitions, six in league matches, and they scored two goals in a match for the first time in that period as well.

The result moved Sports up from 15th place into 12th, ahead of Banbury, Hereford and Chorley.

It was the second match in a row that Sports faced a side in the relegation zone, Bradford began the night in 22nd. On Saturday, they came from behind at home against Boston to snatch a point and had keeper Peter Crook to thank for saving a late penalty against his former side.

On this occasion, Sports summoned up the resolve to take all three points.

Sports started well and enjoyed some early possession before creating the game’s first chance but Saturday’s scorer Dion Sembie-Ferris could only head an effort wide.

They fell behind after 25 minutes though when Simon Richman volleyed an impressive effort over Crook and into the net.

That was the catalyst for Bradford to start to get on top of the game but Sports stood strong. They then nearly went into the break level after Ryan Fryatt saw a header saved from a corner and Maniche Sani hit the post with the follow-up shot.

It took only eight minutes of the second half for Sports to get their leveller though when Gash slammed home Kayden Williams Lowe’s cross that had been spilt by George Sykes-Kenworthy in the home goal.

Sports then seized control and were rewarded with a penalty kick just after the hour mark. Dan Lawlor stepped up and not for the first time this season, made no mistake.

Bradford pushed for the remainder of the match but struggled to create any clear-cut chances and Sports were able to hold on for a much-needed win.

Next up they host Spennymoor Town at the Bee Arena on Saturday (November 12) before travelling to face Hereford on Tuesday (November 15). Both sides currently sit below Sports in the table.