The Bradford City Onion

A light hearted look at the goings on at Bradford City Football Club in England. I sometimes just larf at the non-news items that is posted between game on the City web site. Typical comments are "if we had scored more goal than the opposition we would have won. We didn't so we lost". DUH! Coupled with the sarcastic news on "theonion.com" this is my blog. Want real BCFC news? Sign up for the City Forward! Email List I edit by sending a blank email to bantams-cfml-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Friday, October 28, 2011

L2 v Macclesfield (a) Tue October 25th Ko 7.45pm L0-1

CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html

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Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN

Pictures
http://www.mtfc.co.uk/page/CaughtOnCameraDetail/0,,10393~2495022,00.html?

"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html

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Signings & Loans

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The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

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Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results

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Tuesday evening match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/9325480.Bradford_City_feel_Rob_bed_by_controversial_referee/

Bradford City feel Rob-bed by controversial referee
7:20am Wednesday 26th October 2011
By Simon Parker

Macclesfield 1 Bradford City 0

We knew what to expect from referee Rob Lewis and sadly he didn't disappoint at the Moss Rose last night.

The Shrewsbury official has got history with the Bantams – and he was a central figure again to leave them still winless on the road.

Having turned down a strong penalty shout from Macclesfield in the first half, he gave one for virtually nothing midway through the second.

It looked a case of the official evening it up. Nobody really knew at the time, or afterwards, what he'd awarded it for.

City were livid – they, too, had seen a spot-kick appeal for handball waved aside – and their mood was darkened by several late bookings as Lewis started to lose control.

Macclesfield had always been a happy hunting ground for City. Think Stuart McCall's screamer in the League Cup, diddy David Brown, Scott Loach's penalty save and Peter Jackson's extra-special 50th birthday present.

That win in April – which Jacko described at the time as one of the top five of his managerial career – was also City's last away from Valley Parade.

Skipper Michael Flynn was back from his one-game ban as expected. Michael Bryan could consider himself unlucky to be dropped to the bench after Saturday's performance.

Phil Parkinson tweaked the formation to line up 4-3-3, with Craig Fagan operating on the right side of James Hanson and Kyel Reid the left.

Reid set up Hanson's winner at the weekend with a superb cross and should have got another assist after just six minutes. He put another dangerous centre to the far post, where Ritchie Jones failed to make contact with a gilt-edged opportunity.

Matt Hamshaw's half-volley fizzed off Flynn and over the City bar but Tony Diagne went closer with a 25-yarder after Hamshaw had nutmegged Robbie Threlfall to create the space.

Macc were knocking the ball round with intent and some neat passing across the edge of the penalty area set up Scott Boden for a shot on the turn that grazed the post.

City were under the cosh and nearly shot themselves in the foot when Luke Oliver undersold Matt Duke with a backpass. Ross Draper latched on to the loose ball, only to stumble and lose his footing as he pushed it round the keeper.

But referee Lewis ignored the huge home shouts for a penalty – and a certain red card for Duke – and instead awarded a corner, which had boss Gary Simpson jumping up and down with disbelief on the touchline.

Jones led a promising City counter-attack which was let down by Liam Moore's poor cross into the box. But Fagan showed his individual quality to wriggle a way through two challenges before shooting just over.

Jones was the first name in the book for a late challenge on Scott Kay as Macclesfield continued to have the lion's share of possession without properly testing Duke.

They still felt short-changed by the referee's refusal to act over the Duke and Draper incident midway through the half and Lewis was confronted by the aggrieved midfielder once again as the teams left the field at the interval.

In fairness, City would have been screaming blue murder if that had taken place at the other end.

Parkinson was forced into a change four minutes into the second half as Threlfall hobbled off. And bang went the left back's record as the only City player to have been on the pitch for every minute of the season.

Luke O'Brien was his natural like-for-like replacement and got a big cheer from the away end, which was one down by that point as stewards escorted a travelling fan away.

The sub immediately whipped an inviting low ball into the six-yard box, which was agonisingly out of Fagan's reach.

City were starting to turn the screw with three corners in as many minutes.

And it was their turn to curse the official when Marcel Seip showed neat footwork before shooting against Nat Brown's arm – again the penalty appeals went unrewarded.

Moore calmly swept away from in front of his own goal after Draper had breezed past O'Brien, and Shaun Brisley's header from the resulting corner was the first save from either keeper.

City were certainly getting closer and Jones, who was popping up in the box more and more often, nearly found the bottom corner with a low drive.

Fagan and Moore were seeing plenty of the ball on the right flank but City were undone when one break broke down. And the referee was again at the centre of it.

Macc took advantage of Moore's absence to head the other way but the danger seemed to have passed when Duke slid in to gather off Draper's toes in the box. Draper was sandwiched between two defenders and went down – and this time, Lewis pointed to the spot.

Given the two much stronger shouts that he had turned down earlier, it was a curious decision. Nobody in a blue shirt had really appealed for it.

Now it was Parkinson's turn to complain on the sidelines and he angrily confronted the fourth official after Lewis Chalmers had drilled home the penalty.

City were in the familiar position of chasing an equaliser on their travels and Adam Reed made way for Bryan.

Hanson tested Jose Veiga with a shot on the turn but the Cape Verde international was up to it with a confident save. Then Reid was clipped 20 yards out but wasted the opportunity with a woeful free-kick.

Parkinson made his final sub with 12 minutes left and Jamie Devitt was sent on for the tiring Jones.

Elliott Hewitt was booked for a foul on Reid but Devitt's free-kick pinged away off the wall. Macc were being pinned in their own half before Flynn's wayward shot ended a good spell of pressure.

City still piled forward but the referee further annoyed them by booking Fagan for squaring up to Veiga.

The travelling fans had had enough of Lewis and blasted him with a chant of "you're not fit to referee". Meanwhile Parkinson again confronted the fourth official over Veiga's time-wasting.

Oliver headed Reid's cross back across goal and Hanson nodded straight into the keeper's arms after good work from Devitt.

There was still time for Oliver to see yellow before the big centre half glanced just wide after being picked out by Seip.

It was a frustrating end to a hugely frustrating night, summed up by Parkinson booting the ball away after the final whistle was blown.

City had been sunk by the penalty that never should have been.

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HUNT MAKES BANTAMS EXIT

Defender Lewis Hunt has left Bradford City by mutual consent after
struggling to make the first team with the Bantams.

The 29-year-old left-back, who was brought to the club from Wycombe in 2010
by Peter Taylor, has only featured once this term and has struggled to make
an impact under either Peter Jackson or new manager Phil Parkinson.

A club statement on the Bantams' official website read: "The football club
would like to thank Lewis for all his efforts during his time here and wish
him all the very best for the future."

===========================

BRADFORD CITY TO REPORT REF ROB LEWIS
Exclusive By Simon Parker (T&A)

City are reporting referee Rob Lewis to the Football League for swearing at
a player.

The club will make a formal complaint against him of verbal abuse during
Tuesday's defeat at Macclesfield.

Craig Fagan is thought to be the player involved in the incident, which
allegedly took place when he was shown a yellow card.

Phil Parkinson was fuming with Lewis over the penalty decision for
Macclesfield's winner and his all-round handling of the game. They are now
calling into question his "lack of respect".

Head of player development Archie Christie said: "We are making a complaint
about the ref for verbally abusing our player.

"Two players have come to me who were within earshot at the time and
confirmed what they heard. To verbally abuse one of our players like that is
totally unacceptable.

"They want a respect campaign which we all work very hard towards and this
reeks of double standards.

"They expect us to respect officials but if that's the case, players should
receive the same respect in return. If you want it, you've got to give it
back."

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Monday, October 24, 2011

L2 v Northampton Town (h) Sat October 22nd Ko 3pm W2-1

CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html

===========================

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN

Pictures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2491258,00.html?

"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html

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Signings & Loans

From Friday 21st

RODNEY JOINS QUAKERS ON LOAN

Bradford City have allowed striker Nialle Rodney to join non-league side
Darlington on a one-month loan deal.

The 20-year-old moved to Valley Parade in the summer from Nottingham Forest,
but he quickly picked up an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for six
weeks.

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson is keen for Rodney to work his way back to full
fitness at the Blue Square Bet Premier side.

Rodney will join the Darlington squad for their trip to Braintree on
Saturday.

===

Guy Branston was shown a straight red card less than an hour into
his second Millers debut. Branston is also ineligible for the clash
with parent club Bradford City and the FA Cup first round in November,
meaning he will be missing for the next five matches.

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The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

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Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results

Stats: Bradford C - Northampton
Possession: 45 - 55%
Shots on target: 2 - 3
Shots off target: 4 - 1
Fouls: 8 - 7
Corners: 1 - 7

Ref: Steve Rushton (Staffordshire)
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Reed (52 min)
Northampton: Baldock (60 min), Johnson (63), Tozer (90+3).

BRADFORD C: 34. Matt Duke, 24. Liam Moore, 6. Luke Oliver, 36. Marcel Seip,
28. Robbie Threlfall, 26. Michael Bryan (74), 37. Adam Reed, 8. Ritchie
Jones, 32. Kyel Reid, 39. Craig Fagan, 9. James Hanson.
SUBS: 1. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 3. Luke O'Brien (74), 12. Steve Williams, 16.
Chris Mitchell, 35. Jamie Devitt.

NORTHAMPTON: 1. Sam Walker, 14. John Johnson, 25. Ashley Westwood (76), 11.
Andy Holt, 2. Lewis Young (65), 4. George Baldock, 5. Ben Tozer, 17. Michael
Jacobs, 29. Chris Arthur (76), 9. Saido Berahnio, 28. Kelvin Langmead.
SUBS: 26. Freddy Hall (GK), 8. Jake Robinson (76), 15. Paul Turnbull, 22.
Nick McKoy (65), 27. Bas Savage (76).

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Saturday evening match report

NPower League Two
Bradford C (0) 2 Fagan pen 64, Hanson 69
Northampton (0) 1 Jacobs 58
Att: 9,925

By Simon Parker (T&A)

City came from behind to grab a morale-boosting victory over Northampton
this afternoon.

The Bantams fell behind to another long-range rocket but hit back quickly
through skipper for the day Craig Fagan's penalty.

And James Hanson, back from his calf injury, sealed the fight-back when he
headed home City's second.

The first half was a sterile spectacle with very little to keep the crowd
entertained.

Northampton's on-loan debutant Saido Berahino nearly managed to wriggle his
way clear, only to be thwarted by a crucial tackle from Marcel Seip in the
box.

It took City half an hour to show any hint of a threat as Robbie Threlfall's
dangerous cross just eluded both front two in the six-yard area.

There was no chance at either end until two minutes before the break when
Michael Bryan, making his first start for two months, cleverly fashioned
some room in a crowded midfield to chip over keeper Sam Walker and against
the Northampton bar.

It was a rare moment of inspiration in a disappointing 45 minutes and raised
hopes that City would pick things up after the break.

Fagan's shot on the turn flew over at the start of the second half before
the striker missed a clear chance, putting a free header wide from Kyel
Reid's cross.

Just as City seemed to be raising the tempo, they were shaken up by another
long-range stunner as Michael Jacobs rifled home from 35 yards.

But they got straight back four minutes later as Bryan's cross was handled
by Andy Holt. Once Northampton's protests died down, Fagan confidently
thumped the spot-kick into the roof of the net.

And City then got their noses in front after 69 minutes. Reid delivered a
superb cross to the far post where Hanson stooped to head home his fifth
goal of the campaign.

There was a late scare when sub Jake Robinson - a previous hat-trick scorer
against City for Shrewsbury - fired over the bar when unmarked.

===========================

Extract from
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2492537,00.html?

City boss Phil Parkinson has made an alteration to his backroom staff by promoting Dave Hanson up to the position of Head Physio.

Hanson originally joined the Bantams on a part time basis back in August to work with City's Under 18's but he will now work full time with Parkinson's senior squad members.

The 42 year old has also left his role as FC Halifax Town's first team physio as a result.

Parkinson said: "Dave has joined us now as our head physio.

"I felt that the physio department needed changing around a bit and Dave will bring some more experience to the position.

"I'm delighted Dave has agreed to accept the role and I look forward to working with him going forward this season."

Current member of the club's physiotherapy department Chris Royston will remain at the football club but his colleague Mark Cox has now departed.

...

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http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/9321404.

Craig Fagan and James Hanson put boot into Cobblers
6:20am Monday 24th October 2011
By Simon Parker

City 2, Northampton 1

What have Saturday and last New Year's Day at Lincoln got in common? City won both 2-1 – but there is another significant similarity.

When James Hanson stooped to nod home Kyel Reid's peach of a cross, incredibly it was the first time that both of the Bantams front two had scored in the same game since January 1.

Hanson also netted that day at Sincil Bank before Gareth Evans drilled the winner. Now, 42 matches later, it has finally happened again. Fair to say, it's not a moment too soon.

Phil Parkinson has consistently championed the potential of a Hanson and Fagan partnership.

The signs were very promising at Burton before Hanson's calf went and kept him sidelined for three weeks. The pair were finally back in unison at the weekend, where their manager's faith was immediately justified.

Okay, you can get picky and say that Fagan's goal came from the penalty spot, not open play. It's hardly an indication of a Mills and Blake reincarnation.

But fans can see the emergence of a pretty decent double act – and it's been far too long since we've witnessed that at Valley Parade.

The scoreline and the names on the scoresheet were the major pluses in a game that will not live very long in the memory. But a win's a win and this one was much needed to give everyone a little peace of mind.

Parkinson has repeatedly preached patience while his new arrivals find their feet in regular action. But even he had stressed on Friday that it was about time now that they came to the party.

Ahead of back-to-back away games this week – and City currently suffer the worst travelling record in the division – three points at home was imperative.

Having said that, the first half is best glossed over. It was a non-event as a spectacle, though Gary Johnson could claim a tactical victory over Parkinson with Northampton's 3-5-2 set-up catching the home side off their guard.

Parkinson had watched the Cobblers roll over at Port Vale the previous week and that formation had certainly not come up in his intensive preparations.

With the man advantage in midfield, Northampton effectively stifled the game to the point of tears. City were unable to find any room to work in and the uncertainty following on from Hereford was evident in their caution.

The only spark came two minutes from the break when, out of nothing, Michael Bryan cleverly conjured a chance single-handed and chipped against the bar.

The Watford winger had been brought in from the cold for his first start in two months but, like his team-mates, had made little headway up to that point.

But thankfully that strike seemed to release the handbrake. Bryan and City improved noticeably from the restart.

Fagan had two chances, one a glaring miss from a free header set up by Reid. But then Northampton suddenly struck with their first shot in anger – and what a shot it was.

If City want to make a few bob in the Christmas market, they should think about releasing a DVD of great goals scored against them.

The 30-plus yarder from Michael Jacobs took its place alongside Steve Leslie's free-kick the week before and others that have flown past Matt Duke from way out.

City's keeper has still to convince many supporters but, while his command of corners looked uncertain at times, he had absolutely no chance with the wickedly swerving effort that crashed inside his near post.

It was a pivotal moment for the home side. How would they react to the shock of finding themselves trailing out of the blue? Within four minutes we had a positive answer – with a helping hand from Northampton.

It was Andy Holt's left arm actually which blocked Bryan's cross. Desperate claims that the midfielder had taken the ball on his nose were ignored by referee Steve Rushton and Fagan shrugged off some blatant time-wasting to blast the spot-kick into the roof of the net.

A collective weight was lifted as Valley Parade came alive. An afternoon that had drifted from tedium to despair had suddenly become one of hope and redemption.

And the result that Parkinson craved to wipe away the misery of Edgar Street was secured seven minutes later thanks to the cross of the match from Reid.

Bryan got the sponsors' vote for man of the match and could be well pleased with his efforts after a long spell on the shelf. But it is Reid who gets people on their feet and scares the living daylights out of defenders.

His pass had power and bend and totally foxed the Northampton back three as it sought out Hanson's obliging head at the far post.

The big man made an awkward finish look a formality as he gobbled up his fifth goal of the campaign.

Valley Parade, which had been a wall of silence during that mind-numbing first 45 minutes, was alive again with relief as much as joy. With Reid pulling the strings and Fagan making sure every pass forward stuck, City too found that spark to their play.

There was one last scare for a defence that had been well marshalled by Marcel Seip and the ultra-consistent Luke Oliver. Adam Reed, again an unconvincing figure in centre midfield, gave the ball away with a loose header and allowed Saido Berahino to set up an unmarked Jake Robinson on the edge of the penalty area.

Fortunately the fella who had put a hat-trick past the Bantams with Shrewsbury on the opening day of last season fired this one high into the TL Dallas Stand and the danger had passed.

City could celebrate back-to-back home wins and once again – maybe, just maybe – start looking upwards. At least they can look at the forwards with some optimism.

Attendance: 9,925

===========================

Friday, October 21, 2011

L2 v Hereford United (a) Sat October 15th Ko 3pm L0-2

CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html

===========================

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN

Pictures

"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html

===========================

Signings & Loans

Tweet forwarded by @Bantam_Watch
"Branston has gone on loan to Rotherham for 3 months. Could play tonight @ Bristol rovers #bcafc"

===========================

The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

===========================

Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results

Stats: Hereford - Bradford C:
Possession: 50 - 50%
Shots on target: 4 - 1
Shots off target: 6 - 5
Fouls: 12 - 12
Corners: 6 - 4

Ref: Lee Collins (Reading)
Red card: Flynn (79 min) 2nd yellow.
Yellow cards:
Hereford: Pell (5 min.)
Bradford C: Flynn (71 min.)

HEREFORD: 28. David Cornell, 6. Robert Purdie, 24. Stefan Stam, 29. Andy
Todd, 3. Joe Heath, 8. Nicky Featherstone, 4. Harry Pell, 18. Simon Clist
(66), 21. Tom Barkhuizen, 7. Steven Leslie (90), 25. Nathan Elder (66).
SUBS: 38. Russell Hoult (GK), 5. Michael Townsend (90), 9. Yoann Arquin
(66), 10. Delroy Facey (66), 20. Benoit Dalibard.

BRADFORD C: 34. Matt Duke, 24. Liam Moore (83), 6. Luke Oliver, 36. Marcel
Seip, 28. Robbie Threlfall, 8. Ritchie Jones, 4. Michael Flynn, 37. Adam
Reed (67), 32. Kyel Reid, 39. Craig Fagan, 35. Jamie Devitt (67).
SUBS: 1. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 3. Luke O'Brien (67), 7. Mark Stewart (67),
12. Steve Williams, 26. Michael Bryan (83).

===========================

Saturday evening match report

NPower League Two
Hereford U (0) 2 Leslie 79, Barkhuizen 89
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 2,462

By Simon Parker (T&A)

Two second-half goals sent City slumping to a dismal defeat at Hereford -
and they again finished with only ten men.

Skipper Michael Flynn was dismissed for two bookings and the Bulls, who had
lost five of their previous six home games, took full advantage.

Steve Leslie whammed home the resulting free-kick from way out, though Matt
Duke will feel he should have done better given the distance.

And Tom Barkhuizen ensured it would be another miserable away trip with a
late second.

The first quarter of the game was uneventful with City playing some neat
football without success.

But they were giving the ball away too often and a needlessly-conceded
corner nearly proved their undoing in the 26th minute. The set piece was
cleared out to left back Joe Heath whose 30-yard screamer flew past Duke and
smacked against the bar.

City had a big chance five minutes later after great skill from Jamie
Devitt. His reverse pass set up Fagan against Dave Cornell but the striker
lifted his shot over the bar as he dinked it over the keeper.

Nathan Elder looped a header over at the other end and Duke saved Heath's
nod from one of Hereford's regular long throw-ins. But it had been a bitty
half.

Luke Oliver's battle with Elder was a good one and the big defender won a
crucial challenge on the edge of the six-yard box.

Adam Reed half-volleyed over from a City corner but they escaped a strong
penalty shout from Hereford's next one as the ball struck Ritchie Jones on
the arm.

Flynn was booked after 70 minutes for a foul on Leslie, whose free-kick then
forced an alert tip-over from Duke.

And the skipper was given his marching orders seven minutes later as he ran
into the breaking Harry Pell.

Leslie threw salt into the wounds by firing the free-kick over the wall and
past Duke from 30 yards out.

And as City pushed desperately for a response, Hereford made sure of the win
when Barkhuizen finished off following a neat interchange with Pell.

After the elation of the previous week, it was back down to earth with a
bump for the Bantams who still cannot win away.

They were off the pace after the break and instead of maintaining their
momentum up the table find themselves dragged back far too close to the
bottom.

===========================

Monday morning match report

===========================

http://www.herefordtimes.com
Full-time: Hereford United 2 Bradford City 0
4:57pm Saturday 15th October 2011
By Ian Morgan

Full time: Hereford 2 Bradford City 0

LATE goals from loan rangers Steven Leslie and Tom Barkhuizen fired Hereford to a vital victory over 10-man Bradford at a delighted Edgar Street this afternoon.

Barkhuizen sealed the win, in the 89th minute, when he linked up superbly with substitute Yoann Arquin to poke the ball past Matt Duke from close range.

A wonderful Beckham-esque free-kick from Leslie had put Hereford on the road to only their second win of the campaign with the Bulls' opener in the 79th minute.

Leslie's brilliant 30-yard curler was just seconds after City skipper Michael Flynn had been red-carded for his second caution when he brought down Harry Pell in full flight.

Leslie had signalled his intent in the first half when his 25-yard beat Matt Duke but crashed against the underside of the bar before being cleared to safety.

Hereford deserved their win – they created the best chances in a scrappy second half with Nathan Elder miscuing in front of goal after a run and cross from the lively Barkhuizen.

Former Blackburn and Derby defender Andy Todd was outstanding on his Hereford debut alongside skipper Stefan Stam.

Bradford threatened in the first half and the experienced Craig Fagan missed a glorious opening in the 31st minute.

Fagan was played in by Jamie Devitt and, with only Dave Cornell to beat, he lifted the ball over the top from six yards.

A low drive from Bradford's Flynn, in the 17th minute, flashed narrowly wide of the diving Cornell's left-hand post.

United's Elder was not too far away from his first goal for the Bulls five minutes before the break when he headed Joe Heath's cross over the bar.

===========================

BRADFORD CITY PLAN TO REPEAT CUT-PRICE TICKET OFFER
By Simon Parker (T&A)

City will look to drop prices again later in the season after 11,738 fans
watched the win over Torquay.

The club's decision to slash admission fees to a fiver for home and away
supporters last week attracted the biggest crowd of the campaign – up 1,500
on the previous Valley Parade attendance.

Joint-chairman Mark Lawn said: "We were fairly happy with the turn-out and
if we were doing it when the results were better we'd probably have got a
few more.

"But it was a good response and seemed to go down well with the fans. They
generated a loud atmosphere around the ground and I'm sure that helped the
team."

City topped the division for attendances once again last season with an
average of 11,127. That was boosted by two bumper figures when prices were
slashed to just £1 entry.

A 15,332 crowd saw Peter Taylor's last game against Stockport in February,
with 13,814 enticed by the same offer for a midweek meeting with Burton two
months later.

But before Saturday, the Valley Parade average from the first five home
games of the current campaign had dipped just below 10,000. The matches with
Dagenham and Barnet, admittedly clubs with low travelling support, had seen
the first four-figure gates since the cut-price scheme was introduced in
2007.

City hope the Torquay offer will rekindle interest and plan a repeat at some
later stage.

Lawn added: "We did a couple last season when we dropped the prices and we
will look to do it again, as and when we can. But we've got to make sure we
don't alienate our season-ticket holders. They are our main importance
because season tickets are a major part of our income."

City are already discussing their season-ticket scheme for next year and are
holding regular meetings with a panel of supporters to canvas their views.

Lawn said: "We're getting some very interesting feedback from the fans; not
particularly on the pricing but the ways they want to structure it and
whether we should have a membership scheme.

"We normally do something around Christmas time and the focus group seem to
like the idea of that. So that's something we're looking at again.

"We haven't gone to a particular supporters' group. The focus panel is made
up of individual fans across the whole demographic, whether it's single
parents, families, unemployed people.

"It's quite a varied group and has proved very interesting and worthwhile so
far."

===========================

Man Utd ordered to cough up Cleverley fee to Bradford
Submitted by tribalfootball.com on Fri, 10/14/2011 - 09:18
Manchester United will have to cough up to Bradford City for the signing of Tom Cleverley.

The Sun says the League Two strugglers, who lie 89th in the football pyramid, argued they were due fees totalling over £100,000 for Cleverley's loan moves.

The midfield star, 22, who has been included in the England squad, left Bradford for United when he was 12.

A clause in the contract stated Bradford would be paid 10 per cent of fees whenever Cleverley's registration was transferred.

United argued the agreement only applied to a permanent transfer but Bradford claimed it applied to loans too and the clubs have now settled.

===========================

Phil Parkinson on the Hereford United defeat

The City boss has the following to say about the game and Michael Flynn's sending off: "The sending-off killed us. To get booked I was annoyed with – then to do the other foul when there was no need for it cost us the game. Their second goal came when we were chasing the game, when we were trying to get back in there. Our two centre-halves played well and were unlucky to be on the losing side, but the sending off cost us."

"We didn't produce the football I know we can, but sometimes when you are away from home you don't get the chance to do that. But you want to make sure you get back on the coach with something. Our centre-halves dealt with everything and I can't fault them, but when we went down to 10 men we became disjointed."

More of PP's musings can be read here
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~2483483,00.html?

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Friday, October 14, 2011

L2 v Torquay (h) Sat October 8th Ko 3pm W1-0

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

JPT v Huddersfield Town (a) Tue October 4th Ko 7.45pm W 2-2 (4-3 pens)

CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

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Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN

Pictures

"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html

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Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results

Stats: Huddersfield - Bradford C
Possession: 39 - 61%
Shots on target: 6 - 3
Shots off target: 13 - 2
Fouls: 11 - 10
Corners: 10 - 4

Ref: Paul Tierney (Lancashire).
Yellow cards:
Huddersfield: P Clarke (2 min), Kay (54), Hunt 86.
Bradford C: Duke (12 min), Rodney (21).

HUDDERSFIELD: 25. Nick Colgan, 32. Jack Hunt, 5. Peter Clarke, 15. Liam
Cooper (46), 3. Gary Naysmith, 11. Daniel Ward, 10. Oscar Gobern (30), 22.
Anton Robinson, 20. Donal McDermott (71), 21. Lee Novak, 19. Alan Lee.
SUBS 13. Ian Bennett (GK), 18. Tommy Miller (30), 16. Scott Arfield, 8.
Antony Kay (46), 7. Gary Roberts (71).

BRADFORD C: 34. Matt Duke, 24. Liam Moore, 5. Guy Branston, 6. Luke Oliver,
28. Robbie Threlfall, 3. Luke O'Brien, 16. Chris Mitchell (67), 4. Michael
Flynn, 11. Jack Compton (74), 7. Mark Stewart, 10. Ross Hannah (8).
SUBS: 1. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 19. Nialle Rodney (8), 26. Michael Bryan, 32.
Kyel Reid (74), 38. Andrew Davies (67).

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Tuesday evening match report

JP Trophy
Huddersfield (0) 2 Miller pen 63, Clarke 70
Bradford City (0) 2 Kay og 55, Oliver 64
Att: 10,489

AET 2-2.
Bradford City won 4-3 on penalties.

By Simon Parker (T&A)

City won another JPT penalty shoot-out thriller to shock neighbours
Huddersfield at the Galpharm.

Sub Nialle Rodney held his nerve to slot home the deciding kick as City won
4-3 from the spot.

It was no more than they deserved having led twice before the game finished
2-2 in 90 minutes.

Phil Parkinson made six changes from Saturday but one of them, Ross Hannah,
lasted only seven minutes before limping off with a knee injury.

Huddersfield had most of the first-half possession without really
threatening. Danny Ward twice fired wide and Matt Duke saved from Alan Lee
and Lee Novak but City were defending solidly.

City's best chance came just after the half hour with a Mark Stewart header.
The Scot also had another shot deflected over.

Lee should have put Huddersfield in front at the start of the second half
before City grabbed the lead ten minutes in as Kay headed Chris Mitchell's
free-kick into his own net.

Huddersfield levelled with a Tommy Miller penalty before Luke Oliver nodded
City ahead for the second time.

But again the advantage did not last long as Peter Clarke volleyed another
equaliser with 20 minutes left.

Jack Hunt denied Andrew Davies a City third but the visitors held their
nerve once again in the shoot-out to clinch a memorable win.

Michael Flynn fired the first one over but Duke saved from Miller before
Mark Stewart, Kyel Reid, Robbie Threlfall and Rodney all successfully
converte

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BANTAMS JPT TIE SCHEDULED FOR SKY

Next round v Sheffield Utd

The tie will be played on Tuesday 8th November at Bramall Lane with kickoff
at 7.45 PM.

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