Also includes PP winning FL Outstanding Managerial Achievement Award. See below.
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
Highlights
http://www.beinsport.tv/capitalonecup/article/10rrsesgyyvgr1tdmzr2d9ogee/title/no-fairy-tale-ending
===========================
Match Media & Stats
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
===========================
Final whistle - match report
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10248976.Wembley_one_peak_too_many_for_Bradford_City/?ref=eb
Wembley one peak too many for Bradford City
6:30am Monday 25th February 2013
By Simon Parker
City 0, Swansea 5
This was not how the story should end. City were outpassed and outclassed in a Wembley walk-over.
They did not become the first fourth-tier team in European history to win a major domestic trophy. Phil Parkinson is not the first English manager to win the competition at the new Wembley.
Swansea inflicted Capital One Cup punishment to an embarrassing degree. The under-under-underdogs, as Michael Laudrup had described City, were crushed in a final that was effectively over once the first goal went in.
It hurt – how it hurt – but everyone with an affiliation for Valley Parade should still wake this morning with a feeling of pride. That they were there at all – going where 90 other clubs had failed – should mean more than a painful scoreline that will eventually fade.
Just think back over six months to when it all began; when Mo Farah eased away for his second gold medal in the Olympic 5000 metres, it put the cap on a glorious British sporting summer.
Few, barring those who were there, would have even glanced at the football score that afternoon from Notts County. City's win at Meadow Lane, memorable as it may have been locally, did not register on the national wavelength.
But James Hanson's curling left-footer not only took the Bantams through the first round for only the third time in 11 years. It also kicked off a fairytale story as spectacular as anything the Olympics could conjure.
Wembley, sadly, proved one peak too far for a team that had scaled so many mountains. They never got beyond base camp.
The form book and league tables, for once, proved spot on – the experts and "told you so" nay-sayers eventually got it right.
What could have been an historic final became the most lop-sided one as the three-division difference between the sides was exposed as a gaping chasm.
But do not let that diminish what City had done to get to this stage. The magnitude of their achievement in becoming the first club from the basement level to reach a major Wembley final – toppling three from the top flight on their way – should not be dismissed in the bitter disappointment of yesterday.
City have also secured their financial future with the £2.5million nest egg. Not a bad consolation...
With Swansea also making their debut in a proper final, it had made for tremendous anticipation at both ends of the famous stadium – the only shame was the empty seats dotted around the Club Wembley level. Surely they would have been snapped up had the clubs had the offer.
As contests went, it never got going. City were a goal down before they were able to get out the blocks.
Swansea had an early stranglehold on possession and their neat pass, pass and pass some more style created a header for Ben Davies – and a 17th-minute opener from Nathan Dyer.
Matt Duke could only parry Michu's cross-shot and the winger was first to the rebound to tap in at the far post for his first goal in 20 games.
History, at least, remained a straw to cling on to. Five of the previous seven winners of the competition had conceded first.
But there was a touch of the first half of Villa Park about City's cowed approach. Swansea's control of the ball accentuated it and Parkinson's side found it tough to make any mark on proceedings.
It took nearly half an hour for Hanson to win his first header and City had still not troubled the shots column. The fans sensed their edginess – "get amongst 'em" was a typical bellow but there had not been one robust League Two challenge to let the Swans know they were here.
Leon Britton, once a fourth-tier player himself, volleyed wide from a half-cleared corner and Rory McArdle, back in the thick of it after his ankle injury, showed no ill effects with a crucial intervention from Michu.
Swansea's reputation for folding from set-pieces – they have conceded from 14 in the Premier League this season – at least gave City a glimmer of hope. When Ki was booked for whacking the back of Nahki Wells, the roar went up in the claret and amber ranks but the free-kick failed to even make the box.
Swansea's complete control earned a second reward six minutes before the break. Pablo Hernandez played a low ball in to Michu and the Spaniard got half a yard on Carl McHugh to fire through his legs and past the diving Duke.
Parkinson had wondered aloud before the game why none of the big boys had shown an interest in the former Malaga marksman. The quality way he took his term's tally to 19 goals underlined his priceless value to South Wales.
It threatened to get even messier for City as Duke saved from Wayne Routledge and Hernandez. "Land of our Fathers" cascaded from the white half of Wembley; met by stunned silence at the other.
The pre-match optimism had drifted away into the freezing air – Parkinson had a mammoth team talk ahead to make any hint of a game of it.
He replaced the struggling Curtis Good with Andrew Davies and moved McHugh out of the middle. But the Irishman was immediately exposed by Dyer and a cute one-two with Routledge set him up for a curling finish for goal number three.
The game was up – and there were still 42 minutes left.
"Que Sera, Sera" became a chorus of "We've been to Wembley" as the gallows humour kicked in. There was the merest suggestion of a City flurry but Stephen Darby's long throw was claimed unopposed by keeper Gerhard Tremmel, his first catch of the day.
The nightmare continued to unfold at the other end. Jonathan De Guzman burst through, only to be denied by Duke's trip. The ball trickled past the post but referee Kevin Friend pulled play back for the foul – and gave Duke his marching orders.
City's keeper, the hero for so much of this cup run, became the seventh player to be red-carded in a League Cup final. Dyer, on a hat-trick, argued with his team-mates to take the penalty but it was De Guzman who picked himself up to slot past substitute stopper Jon McLaughlin.
Wells had been withdrawn for damage limitation purposes to bring on the keeper; the Bermudian unable to scratch the surface on his biggest stage. The same could sadly be said for pretty much all of his team-mates.
Swansea still hunted goals, Michu shooting wide and Ashley Williams straight at McLaughlin. The City fans responded by standing up to offer a defiant song as flags were waved across the stadium. Their team may have been caught in the headlights but the fans were bowing out with a bang.
"Shoot, shoot, shoot" they shouted as City finally won a corner four minutes from time. Gary Jones did eventually oblige and even though it bounced four times on its way to Tremmel, the roar was huge.
But Swansea had time for one more and, after Michu hit the woodwork, De Guzman nudged in his second at the near post.
Still the City fans sung – saluting their team at the end as loudly as the winners. Quite right too because, let's face it, they had won by making it to the final two.
Attendance: 82,597
===========================
Wells gutted not to complete final
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10250198.Wells_gutted_not_to_complete_final_for_Bradford_City/?ref=eb
Matt Duke sees red but he's not angry at referee
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10249020.Bradford_City_keeper_Duke_sees_red_but_he___s_not_angry_at_referee/?ref=eb
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10261589.Wemberglee__Result_could_not_spoil_an_unforgettable_weekend_for_Bradford_City_fans/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10261609.Comment__Flagging_up_Bradford_Fire_victims_did_not_sit_well_with_me/
http://www.sabotagetimes.com/reportage/bantams-banter-how-a-bradford-city-podcast-reached-no-1-in-the-itunes-chart/
===========================
The fans
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10250698.Bradford_City_fans_lauded_for_good_humour_and_passion/?ref=eb
Excellent video from the Swansea end
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqOSJInnljs
Churchillian promotion speech by Bantams boss
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J776zMrwpc0&list=PLGWcgpdYdRD0Z0x6-83ipV7WBcEa-XyUb&index=3
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10253115.Churchillian_promotion_speech_by_Bantams_boss_Parkinson/?ref=eb
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10249023.Proud_Bradford_City_boss_turns_his_attention_to_promotion/?ref=eb
Bradford City lose but are winners with their fans
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10249005.Bradford_City_lose_but_are_winners_with_their_fans/?ref=eb
McArdle flags up memorable contribution of Bradford City fans
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10249978.McArdle_flags_up_memorable_contribution_of_Bradford_City_fans/?ref=eb
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QakLQBQe-a8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLSXoYNrIHs&list=PLGWcgpdYdRD0Z0x6-83ipV7WBcEa-XyUb&index=2
===========================
Parade and reception must wait until end of season
www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10248969.Possibility_of_parade_and_reception_must_wait_until_end_of_season_for_Bradford_City_heroes/?ref=eb
===========================
===========================
March 24th
www.FLAwards.com
Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson has won the Football Manager Outstanding Managerial Achievement Award
http://inagist.com/all/315936046963642369/
https://twitter.com/football_league/status/315936046963642369/photo/1
http://www.football-league.co.uk/flawards/news/20130324/parkinson-wins-football-manager-outstanding-managerial-achievement-award_2293338_3116299
Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson has won the Football Manager Outstanding Managerial Achievement Award at the Football League Awards 2013.
Parkinson received the award at the gala ceremony at The Brewery, London, on Sunday evening in front of over 600 guests from clubs, sponsors and the football industry. This year there were a total of 17 awards with 34 clubs shortlisted for honours.
Parkinson beat three other shortlisted managers to the Award, Cardiff City's Malkay Mackay, Southend United's Paul Sturrock and Yeovil Town's Gary Johnson.
Parkinson was put forward after his historical achievement of taking a League 2 club to the Capital One Cup Final, beating three Premier League teams in the process.
Nominations for the award were invited from Sports Interactive's 'Football ManagerTM' community.
On winning his award, Parkinson said: "This is a special award and I feel very honoured to receive it. It is not just the team on the pitch; the efforts of the team behind the manager have been fantastic.
"For me to get the award is reward for everyone involved. I have loved what we have achieved this season and hope I can help the club to progress and go on improving."
Greg Clarke, Chairman of The Football League, said: "The Football League Awards 2013 has given us another opportunity to celebrate success at League clubs both on and off the pitch. It gives us the chance to reward those who have achieved fantastic results throughout the year. I would like to congratulate tonight's winners and all those who were nominated."
To find out more about The Football League Awards, and for a full list of Award categories, please visit www.FLAwards.com.
===========================
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Thursday, March 21, 2013
L2 W1-0 (H) Wycombe Wanderers Tuesday March 19, 2013. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
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
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Injuries
Ricky Ravenhill, shin
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
===========================
Match Media & Stats
http://espnfc.com/us/en/gamecast/360774/gamecast.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10299670.Live_blog__Bantams_v_Wycombe/?ref=eb
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/wycombe-gallery-726546.aspx
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21751456
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=360774&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
===========================
Final whistle - match report
Garry Thompson's sixth goal of the season earned City their first league home win of 2013.
Thompson struck after just seven minutes, forcing home after James Hanson had nodded down Kyel Reid's free-kick.
It was not a great game and Wycombe should have levelled when Matt McClure headed over from close range at the start of the second half.
But City played with a good spirit and deserved their first league victory at Valley Parade in six games. The win also cuts the gap to the play-offs to seven points.
The only downer on the night was an injury to Ricky Ravenhill, one of six changes from Saturday. But James Meredith came through his first game since New Year's Day.
Bradford City: McLaughlin; Darby, Davies, McArdle, Meredith; Hines (Atkinson 73), Jones, Ravenhill (Doyle 73), Reid; Hanson, Thompson (Wells 87). Unused substitutes: Duke, McHugh, Connell, Nelson.
Wycombe Wanderers: Archer; Harriman, Winfield, Doherty, Dunne; Grant (Ainsworth 66), Lewis, Scowen, Wood; Morgan (Morias 78), McClure. Unused substitutes: Ingram, Oli, McCoy, Kuffour, Hause.
Referee: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear).
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
Bradford City win is something to write home about
7:50am Wednesday 20th March 2013
By Simon Parker
Bradford City 1 Wycombe 0
One down, two to go. Having waited ages for a home win, let's hope they start to come back in a rush.
City finally claimed that elusive first Valley Parade league victory of 2013 last night – and rekindled a flicker of play-off hope as they reduced the gap to the top seven to seven points.
Now they have to follow it up again on Saturday against Bristol Rovers and Good Friday with Southend's visit. Do that and things might get interesting.
Early City goals have been like sunny days this season, very few and far between. But Garry Thompson's seventh-minute finish provided the perfect start and made sure there was no chance for any anxiety to build.
That was the only goal for Valley Parade's lowest league gate of the campaign of barely over 8,000. But at least they saw a home performance worthy of the long-overdue three points after a run of three defeats and two draws.
There was also a welcome return for James Meredith, who had not featured since New Year's Day because of glandular fever.
With Carl McHugh away on international duty with Republic of Ireland under-21s next weekend, Phil Parkinson could have played it safe and held the Australian back until the Rovers game.
But he'd seen enough from watching him in the reserves last week to feel Meredith was ready to be thrown straight in.
City's 3-0 win at Wycombe last month was one of only two league successes in the 14 games since beating Accrington on home soil on Boxing Day.
Nathan Doyle's strike in the opening minute at Adams Park was also the last time that City had scored before half-time – seven games ago.
Parkinson had the players in on Sunday morning to go through the Exeter DVD and he called for more willingness to go in where it hurts to try to rectify that worrying lack of firepower.
Meredith was one of six changes from the weekend, including a change of keeper as Matt Duke paid an immediate price for his poor performance.
City were straight into it and nearly repeated their first-minute trick of the last meeting. The game was barely 50 seconds old when Kyel Reid's curling corner to the far post was headed goalwards by James Hanson but Andrew Harriman managed to scramble off the line.
But they did not have to wait much longer for an early breakthrough. Stephen Darby was fouled to the right of the Wycombe box and the Reid/Hanson combo worked a treat again with Thompson ramming home the knockdown through a crowd of players.
A goal after seven minutes was just the tonic needed after last week's frustrations in Devon and Reid, confidence clearly high, flashed a snap-shot wide.
Reid was benefiting from Meredith's presence and the pair linked neatly for the winger to set up Thompson for a flick with the outside of the boot into the side-netting.
But the Aussie was given the slip by Josh Scowen and Sam Wood's header from his cross provided Jon McLaughlin's first real involvement of the night after half an hour.
After all the recent home disappointments, City's efforts were being appreciated by the crowd. It was not a classic encounter but there was a good shape about the home side and a bit of the devil in their play that Parkinson had demanded.
The Bantams were pushing for the security of a second as half-time approached and Zavon Hines was not too far away with a 20-yard drive from another Hanson header.
Then Meredith overlapped to whip a cross towards the near post but Thompson was caught on his heels and keeper Jordan Archer got there first.
But at least City enjoyed the luxury of going into the break in front. It was only the eighth time that had happened – and they had gone on to win all bar Southend away of those previous games.
Thompson almost conjured up an instant goal to begin the second half with some clever skill to flick over a defender and then shoot, the ball flying inches over the Wycombe bar.
But the home mood should have been punctured after 50 minutes as Matt McClure wasted a glorious chance to equalise. Dean Morgan's cross found him unmarked six yards out but the striker wastefully skied his header.
It was a warning sign for City and the Valley Parade volume noticeably dipped for a spell, apart from the small pocket of drum-bashing Wycombe fans.
Hanson was proving a handful for the visitors and collected a McLaughlin clearance before rattling a left-foot drive against the advertising boards.
Then Gary Doherty got in an important challenge to toe the ball away and prevent the big man having a free run on goal from another long clearance.
Hanson climbed to nod Thompson's deep cross back into the mix, where it flew past the leaping Rory McArdle.
Ricky Ravenhill had relished the physical edge to the contest and threw himself into a brave block against Scowen as Wycombe looked to have men over on the break. But he suffered for it, staying down after banging the ground in pain and was forced to limp out of the action.
On came Doyle in his place as well as Will Atkinson for Hines to look to shore up the victory.
Wycombe had not given it up as time ticked away and skipper Dave Winfield nodded wide from Wood's corner.
McArdle lost the ball in his own box but Reid covered with an important header – before appearing up the other end to whip in a threatening cross.
The injury delays meant six minutes of stoppage time, a potential minefield given the agonies of home results of late.
But City managed to keep the ball up the right end of the field and there was no late panic before Valley Parade could once again enjoy that winning feeling at long, long last.
===========================
Parkinson delighted at Bantams' victory Parade
7:00am Wednesday 20th March 2013
By Simon Parker
Phil Parkinson insisted the result mattered more than the league table after City broke their Valley Parade duck for 2013.
Garry Thompson's sixth goal of the season was enough to see off Wycombe and clinch a first home victory in League Two since Boxing Day.
The 11th-placed Bantams are now seven points adrift of Rotherham in the final play-off spot with eight games to go. Five of those are at home, with four against teams currently above them, including the Millers.
City's next two games are back at Valley Parade so Parkinson felt it was crucial to set the scene with three points.
He said: "I haven't looked at the league table in all honesty. It was just important we got the home win.
"We've got five home games left and it was important our supporters saw a spirited performance. We can build on that.
"The first one's in the bag. We put a lot of work in and the lads have earned their day off.
"We played well and were competitive all over the pitch. The difference to other home games is that we got a goal when we had a period of pressure, which we've not been able to do.
"I felt confident we would have got a second but we showed more resilience to make sure we got the points. It was a thoroughly deserved victory.
"Ricky Ravenhill's first-half performance set the tone. It becomes infectious when you've got someone playing like that with their heart on their sleeve."
Ravenhill, one of six changes from the 4-1 loss at Exeter, ended his game prematurely with a gashed shin after a tackle with Josh Scowen. City hope it is nothing serious but he will have an x-ray today.
Parkinson added: "It was as good a midfield display as any of our players have put in for a long while. He did his job excellently."
James Meredith also came through his first appearance since being struck down by glandular fever. The Australian, who last played on New Year's Day, lasted the full 90 minutes and earned huge praise from his manager.
"I thought it was an amazing performance from someone who's been out for so long.
"He's a leader, infectious in the way he plays and he wants to win.
"It's not being disrespectful to Carl McHugh, who's probably been one of our best players of late, but at 19, it was probably the right time to give him a little breather, especially as he's going on international duty at the weekend."
Thompson, who had also scored in City's last win at York, converted James Hanson's knockdown after a Kyel Reid free-kick.
Parkinson said: "I thought Thommo was excellent. He's a hard-working, strong powerful front player with quality. But the quality is not enough, he needs to have that hard-running, challenging side to his game as well.
"When he does that he's very difficult to play against because he's got pace."
===========================
Football League Awards: Murray, Ince and Vydra up for top prize
Crystal Palace striker Glenn Murray, Blackpool winger Thomas Ince and
Watford striker Matej Vydra have been shortlisted for the Championship's
Player of the Year at the Football League Awards.
Coventry's Leon Clarke, Notts County's Alan Judge and Bournemouth's Matt
Ritchie make up the League One list.
The League Two award is between Bradford's Gary Jones, Port Vale's Tom Pope
and Exeter's Jamie Cureton.
The awards are to be held this Sunday.
Last year's winners
* Championship Player of the Year: Rickie Lambert, Southampton
* League One Player of Year: Jordan Rhodes, Huddersfield
* League Two Player of Year: Matt Ritchie, Swindon
* Young Player of Year: Wilfried Zaha, Crystal Palace
* Goal of the Year: Peter Whittingham, Cardiff
* Outstanding managerial achievement: Gus Poyet, Brighton
===========================
Monday, March 18, 2013
L2 L1-4 (A) Exeter Saturday March 16, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
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
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Injuries
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
===========================
Match Media & Stats
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10294754.Live_blog__Exeter_v_Bantams/?ref=eb
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=345436&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
===========================
Final whistle - match report
EXETER 4 CITY 1
City's play-off dream was left a distant hope after a harsh defeat in Devon.
The Bantams played well but once again struggled to turn decent possession and chances into goals.
Keeper Matt Duke had a miserable afternoon. He was credited with the first goal after Craig Woodman's corner bounced in off his back.
And he was also caught out by the cross for Lawson D'Ath to nod number two.
James Hanson had a header scrambled off the line as City piled on the pressure after the break.
City's efforts were rewarded when sub Kyel Reid's corner was deflected in.
But comeback hopes were immediately dashed by the excellent Scot Bennett from 25 yards.
And John O'Flynn added some gloss to the result with a late tap-in on the break as City threw men upfield.
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
Soft goals leave Bradford City too much ground to make up
6:10am Monday 18th March 2013
By Simon Parker
Exeter 4, City 1
Not for the first time, Gary Jones traipsed away from St James Park with a scowl.
"I hate coming here," he muttered. "We always get beat by four. Rochdale got done here 4-0 last year when we got relegated and now this one."
In truth, the final scoreline in no way reflected the manner of the game. Some more open-minded Exeter fans in front of the press box even admitted their side were a bit fortunate to take another three-point step towards promotion.
But you could understand how the City skipper felt. He had done more than anybody to try to right the ship after two woefully soft goals in the first half destroyed any immediate plans of closing the gap to the play-offs.
City had given it a good go in the final 45 minutes, driven on by the sweat and toil of Jones and the pace and dancing feet of a rejuvenated Kyel Reid.
But ultimately a first defeat since Wembley has effectively consigned the Bantams among the mid-table also-rans. The distance to the top seven is now ten points – a fairly decisive margin, barring a late spurt of the 1996 variety.
It's not just Jones with bitter memories of this particular corner of Devon. For City, it felt like a depressing episode of déjà vu.
Four years ago, the Stuart McCall promotion bandwagon was derailed when a freak wind-assisted cross drifted over Rhys Evans from the touchline.
On Saturday, Evans was sitting on the home bench watching Matt Duke suffer similar indignities.
Ex again marked the spot where City's hopes of finally scrambling out of League Two were effectively buried for at least another 12 months.
A pre-match storm of Noah's Ark proportions transformed the pitch into a heavy, unpredictable field strewn with patches of surface water. The accompanying swirling wind just added to the problems for both keepers.
Duke's embarrassment soon followed when he was caught out by Exeter's first corner. Left back Craig Woodman drifted the ball on the gust and the keeper could only finger it on to the back post and in.
Exeter's second hardly made for better viewing. With half-time in sight – and the home side offering no threat since that early gift – Jake Gosling's looping cross flicked off Nathan Doyle to deceive Duke and allow loan midfielder Lawson D'Ath to mark his debut with a close-range header.
Phil Parkinson's team line-up – and set-up – had been well received with the City fans. Alan Connell, who has become their cause celebre over recent weeks, got his chance as the boss tweaked the system.
Making his first league start since December, Connell's return meant a reappearance for the diamond with instructions to play off the power of James Hanson and Garry Thompson.
But Parkinson had not factored in the weather and the sudden deterioration of the playing surface; best laid plans and all that.
The City chief said: "The pitch looked great when we came. But then there was the torrential downpour and it didn't really suit his type of play.
"Alan's more of a technical player but it became more about turning the opposition round. But he did okay, he showed some good touches and deserved to stay on the pitch because he had a go."
Connell converted to a more conventional striker when Parkinson threw on his two wingers at the break. Thompson and Doyle were sacrificed for Reid and Zavon Hines and City were ordered to push up the pitch.
Having sat too deep before, the back four now played a higher line and the team moved further into home territory as a result.
Admittedly Exeter hardly had reason to chase the game with a two-goal cushion. Their stylish gaffer Paul Tisdale, bedecked head-to-toe in the latest Ted Baker designer gear, looked a composed figure on the touchline.
Facing a side who had kept seven clean sheets in their last nine outings, Parkinson was predictably far more animated outside the adjoining dugout.
But he was pleased with what he saw – especially from Reid, who finally cast off the shackles that have been holding him back to look like the winger we all know can terrify any defence in this division.
Exeter resorted to triple-teaming him but that did not stop a steady supply of crosses that were begging to be finished.
With Hines trying to do the same on the right, admittedly with mixed success, City were having that "right go" that their manager had promised.
Hanson could have had two as one effort was bundled off the line and another stretching volley flew over with keeper Artur Krysiak a spectator.
Eventually the pressure brought a reward, with Reid following Woodman's lead with a goal direct from a corner – though the decisive touch came off the head of the Exeter defender at the near post.
But City's comeback ambitions were halted in their tracks within four minutes as the impressive Scot Bennett blasted past Duke from 25 yards.
A fourth Exeter goal, from a three-on-three break as John O'Flynn tapped in after Duke had parried from Mark Molesley, added some unnecessary gloss on the result.
So it was defeat in his 100th City game in charge for Parkinson and a growing sense of realism that the top seven is disappearing over the hill.
Parkinson said: "We made changes and you always take responsibility as the manager when it doesn't work. But I honestly don't believe it was the system or the personnel.
"I just don't think we played with enough drive or determination in that first half in difficult conditions. You've got to accept it's a battle first and foremost.
"If we'd been prepared to stand up and be counted then it would have given us a great chance because we were loads better in the second half. We had them on the rack."
One point from the double-header in Devon was at least three below par. The task is looking too great as the list of remaining games hits single figures.
With Exeter's own bid for an instant return to League One continuing to gather momentum, at least it may spare the Bantams a trip back there next season.
Not that it will have been any consolation for Jones and Co during their latest dissatisfying journey back up the M5.
Attendance: 4,199
===========================
Parkinson plots Reading-style future for Bradford City
7:10am Monday 18th March 2013
By Simon Parker
Phil Parkinson plans to sign for City again this week and then step up his ambitions to turn them into another Reading.
Parkinson is poised to commit his future to Valley Parade after fending off links with the Premier League strugglers.
The Bantams boss had been named among the short-list contenders for an emotional return to the club where he played for 11 years.
But after Saturday's 4-1 loss at Exeter left City's play-off hopes more distant than ever, Parkinson insisted the speculation had not been a distraction – and spelled out his intention to follow Reading's blueprint in West Yorkshire.
Parkinson said: "It's been a long week with being in Devon but we're getting close (to signing the new contract) and hopefully that will be sorted in the next few days. Then we can all plan for the rest of the season and on to next year.
"I want to try and create a Reading at Bradford. The way that club has developed and built over the years – that's what I'd like to do with the two chairmen.
"I've got a really good working relationship with Julian (Rhodes) and Mark (Lawn) and enjoy working here.
"The Reading thing came out because I used to play for the club but that's it. It's not been a distraction at all.
"I want to focus on the job here and really work hard to finish the season well.
"If we don't get to where we want to be – and obviously it's drifted away from us to an extent – then we've got to make sure we're stronger next year. The finances we've got from the cup run will help us to do that."
Parkinson reached his 100th game in charge at St James Park. While City face up to the prospect of spending a seventh season in the bottom tier, he does not want to see an historic campaign drift to a flat finish – especially with six of the last nine games at Valley Parade.
He said: "We've got three in a row at home now and we've really got to have a go. It's really important to keep the season alive as much as we can.
"We can't let it peter out because I don't think our supporters or the players deserve that."
City's first loss since the Capital One Cup final was nowhere near as emphatic as the score suggested. And Parkinson was delighted with Kyel Reid's performance as a second-half substitute which threatened to engineer a comeback.
He said: "Reidy was back to how he can play, which I'm pleased with because he's such an important player. He's been disappointing of late but I thought he really sparked us off.
"You can see the lads running themselves into the ground, certainly in the second half, and it deflates you when the ball is coming in the box and it's not hitting the back of the net.
"We had enough crosses and enough quality on the pitch to score more goals."
===========================
Friday, March 15, 2013
L2 D0-0 (A) Plymouth A. Tuesday March 12, 2013. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
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
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
James Meredith is back in the City squad for Saturday's trip to Exeter.
Injuries
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
===========================
Match Media & Stats
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21665745
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://espnfc.com/uk/en/gamecast/345427/gamecast.html?soccernet=true&cc=5739
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21665745
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
Plenty of pressure but goals proving elusive for Bradford City
6:20am Wednesday 13th March 2013
By Simon Parker
Plymouth 0, City 0
A third stalemate on the bounce – is City's outside play-off push drawing to an early conclusion?
Once again, the Bantams could not convert pressure into goals and were unable to find their way through when they stepped it up second half.
While the unbeaten run stretched to five games since the Capital One Cup final, it was an unsatisfactory outcome for a side with aspirations of catching the top seven. Plymouth, who climbed off the foot of the table with a point, looked nervous and were there to be beaten. Phil Parkinson had a major reshuffle with the City line-up, making six changes from the team that had started on Saturday. But there was no place for Alan Connell, whose last-gasp penalty had rescued a point.
Instead, it was Andy Gray who got the nod to partner Garry Thompson up front. Gray, still looking for the first goal in his second spell with the club, had not been involved at all in the previous three games.
Matt Duke was also back in goal for the first time since his Wembley red card. And there was a rest for skipper Gary Jones, so Ricky Ravenhill took over the armband.
Home Park was not a traditionally happy hunting ground for City. They had won only one of the last 12 visits, when Paul Jewell scored a hat-trick in a 5-1 romp in 1994.
But Argyle boss John Sheridan was in no doubt about the challenge facing his relegation battlers, describing City before the game as "one of the best teams in the division". He gave an immediate debut to Bristol City midfielder Joe Bryan, who had only signed on loan earlier in the day.
Plymouth had the first chance as Andres Gurrieri flicked over the bar but City should have been ahead in the ninth minute.
The home defence were caught waiting for an offside flag that never came as they pressed up and Thompson suddenly found himself totally in the clear.
He could have gone round Jake Cole but instead opted to try to slide a low shot past him and the keeper stuck out a left leg to divert the ball behind. It was good work from the stopper but a gilt-edged opportunity gone begging for the visitors.
Kyel Reid, another of the City changes from the weekend, had a chance to test Cole with a free-kick just outside the box but his shot was poor.
There was an air of edginess about the home side and the crowd – not surprising given their precarious position. But both began to settle as Plymouth saw more of the ball.
A hopeful shot from captain Conor Hourihane sailed high into the hardy band of away fans. But on-loan Jason Banton, who had scored four in seven games, was starting to pull the strings.
The Crystal Palace midfielder latched on to a misdirected pass from Thompson to force a parried save from Duke and then cut back to Gurrieri, whose shot was blocked in front of the line by Carl McHugh.
Gray got his head to a Zavon Hines cross but it was too loopy to threaten. City had not troubled the Argyle stopper since Thompson's early chance.
Reid had been quiet but a good pass suddenly found Thompson in the box. He shaped to shoot but Lee Cox slid across with a vital block. Then the winger took a pot from a 30-yard free-kick but there was no power to test the keeper.
Guy Branston went right through the back of Thompson and rightly picked up the first booking of the night as the game went into first-half added time.
There was still time for City to win one last corner and McHugh came charging in to meet Reid's kick. Sadly the teenager's radar was completely awry as he leapt above the pack and the header flew well wide.
Nathan Doyle opened the second period with another wayward shot before Plymouth went a lot closer. The elusive Banton wiggled his way into space to the left of the goal before firing against Duke's near post.
Banton continued to pose a one-man threat to the City back four and he took another shot through Stephen Darby's legs, which Duke saved low down.
City responded with a corner and again McHugh got his head to Doyle's delivery but the ball flashed past the post. It was the closest the visitors had come for a while.
Ravenhill joined Branston in the book for one foul too many before City thought they had a penalty when Reid was sent tumbling by Maxime Blanchard. It looked to be in the box but referee Andy Davies called it a yard outside.
The Plymouth right back hurt himself in the challenge and needed treatment. The delay allowed Parkinson to make his first change, with the ineffective Gray replaced by James Hanson.
Paul Wotton, making his 468th Plymouth appearance, hammered a shot wide from 30 yards. The home side, like City, realised that a point was not enough.
Will Atkinson came on for Hines against the side where he spent the first half of last season. Sensing the urgency, Thompson ran menacingly across the Argyle box but his well-struck shot was blocked by Onismor Bhasera.
City were pushing for a breakthrough and almost had it when Cox miskicked into the path of Hanson. He set up Thompson for a strike which hit the top of the bar.
That proved Thompson's final touch as Connell took his place but the chances continued to build. Reid's shot was pushed out by Cole and Hanson's follow-up was deflected a yard wide.
Connell advanced menacingly towards goal but his low shot was held by Cole and Reid ran into traffic in the penalty area.
There were six added minutes to end the stalemate but City could find no repeat of Saturday's late, late show.
They won a corner and Duke wanted to go up for it. Instead it was pulled up for a foul by Rory McArdle and the danger had passed.
The game finished in farcical circumstances after McArdle miscued towards his own goal. Duke was bundled over by two Plymouth players before Darby blocked their attempts to force the loose ball over the line.
It was a blatant shove on the keeper and City were unimpressed that nothing was given. Now they head for Exeter in part two of the Devon double header urgently in need of a winning tonic.
Attendance: 5,609
===========================
Bradford City just need a spark up front
8:10am Wednesday 13th March 2013
By Simon Parker
Phil Parkinson admits City need a spark to get them back to winning ways after another night of frustration.
The Bantams were held to a goalless draw at struggling Plymouth – their third stalemate in a row as they failed to make any inroads into the League Two leading pack.
Once again, Parkinson's troops were cursing missed opportunities from a game which they should have won. Garry Thompson failed to finish when clean through and also hit the bar, while defender Carl McHugh put two headers just wide from corners.
Parkinson said: "Thommo knows he's got to score early on but I feel for the lads because they really are giving us absolutely everything.
"We're a team which needs a lift in front of goal. We need somebody to produce something and we're waiting for that to happen.
"We just need that moment and if one had gone in, then I'm sure we would have won the game comfortably.
"I've played in many teams away on a Tuesday night and your goal-scorer gets one early which gives you something to hang on to. But we're not getting that.
"It's across the team. We've had some great headers from set-plays and really good chances to score – it was the same on Saturday.
"But we're five games unbeaten and we've got to take the positives. I can't fault the lads and the way they are working.
"We're still asking for the players to keep scrapping and they did that."
Thompson was also nursing a swollen knee after a lunge from behind from former Bantams defender Guy Branston. Parkinson felt referee Andy Davies was wrong to only book the centre half.
The City chief argued: "It was a terrible tackle. Thommo's got a big scar right down the side of his knee – it's a definite red card.
"But what can I say, Reidy (Kyel Reid) also got pulled down in the box in the second half which everyone could see. But we didn't get a penalty and he gave it outside.
"Maybe it's me but I've been a manager for ten years now and I really do feel something's going to fall for us. We've hit the bar, had a one v one and had so many moments.
"Sometimes away from home you get one chance and score. We're getting six or seven every game.
"We know we've got to start taking them but we've got to keep believing and keep doing the right things in those areas of the pitch."
Parkinson also played down the speculation linking him with the managerial vacancy at his old club Reading. He insisted the rumours will not be a distraction.
He said: "Obviously I played there a lot of years and I've been linked with that job when it's come up previous times. It happens and you take no notice of it and carry on with the job here.
"I'm determined to finish this season in style and myself, the staff and the players are working tirelessly to do that.
"We've still got a chance of making it a fantastic season. We've already had a very good season and we want to keep it going."
===========================
Bradford City boss Parkinson rounds on his critics
6:50am Thursday 14th March 2013
By Simon Parker
Phil Parkinson says he is forced to chop and change the City side to prevent the players running themselves into the ground.
And he reckons that anyone who questions why he has to keep shuffling the pack "doesn't understand football".
The Bantams boss has come in for some flak for constantly changing the starting line-up.
He switched six names again at Plymouth in Tuesday's 0-0 draw – their fourth stalemate in five games since Wembley.
With City struggling to make any headway on the play-off race, the lack of a consistent team has been flagged up as a contributory factor.
But Parkinson admits the sheer volume of games in this "extraordinary" campaign has given him no other choice.
He said: "People always jump on the negatives. If you change the team it's wrong, if you don't it's wrong. But it's not an option, it's a necessity. I'm not thinking 'should I change' but that I have to.
"Anyone who doesn't understand that doesn't understand football.
"These players have played an extraordinary amount of games this season. I've got to back my judgement call. That's what you have to do as a manager.
"The staff and myself always look at the situation and who we think is struggling to go into a game and where we need a bit of freshness. These players are human beings and you've got to understand that."
City's three leading scorers – Nahki Wells, James Hanson and Alan Connell – were all on the bench at Home Park. Instead, Parkinson spearheaded the side with Garry Thompson, who hit the bar, and Andy Gray.
He also left out midfield general Gary Jones – the first league game City's skipper has missed since his back injury in October.
Parkinson added: "If we're going to get to where we want to be – and I still think we've got a good chance of that – then we're going to have to utilise the squad.
"We've had an extraordinary season and we need to use the full 20-man squad. The ones not in the team, like Michael Nelson and Gary Jones the other night, must do their bit on the touchline and in the dressing room to get the lads going who are playing.
"We're all in it together. We're all working for each other as a group.
"We've been five games unbeaten since the cup final, three of them on our travels against York, Port Vale and Plymouth. I know we've drawn four of them but it's still a good return.
"Every game is big at this stage. Exeter away on Saturday is another one we look forward to and it's important that everyone sticks together."
===========================
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
L2 D1-1 (H) Aldershot Saturday March 9, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc
NPower League Two
Bradford C (0) 1 Connell pen 90.
Aldershot (1) Cadogan 45.
Att: 10,397
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
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
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Injuries
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
===========================
Match Media & Stats
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10279251.Live_blog__Bantams_v_Aldershot/?ref=eb
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/aldershot-mages-705649.aspx
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21639267
===========================
Final whistle - match report
Report by Simon Parker (T&A)
Substitute Alan Connell rescued a point for City with a late, late penalty
deep in stoppage-time.
It looked a soft decision as Zavon Hines went down under Terrell Forbes'
challenge but the home side were not complaining.
Despite dominating the game, they were heading for a fourth defeat in five
home games after Kieron Cadogan's free-kick had deceived Jon McLaughlin
through a crowded box just before half-time.
City won 13 corners - Aldershot had none - but could not find a way through.
Shots keeper Jamie Young made three big saves in the first half, two from
the lively Hines and another from skipper Gary Jones.
Michael Nelson should also have scored with a near-post header he put wide.
It seemed that nothing would fall for City during some increasingly frantic
pressure. But with eight minutes of added time after Young had to go off
injured, the hosts waited until the very last one to grab a share of the
spoils.
But the draw still leaves them with all to do to catch the play-off pack.
Next match: (A) Plymouth, Wednesday March 13, 2013. K.O. 7:45 PM.
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
Cameo king Connell secures penalty point for dominant Bantams
7:20am Monday 11th March 2013
By Simon Parker
Bradford City 1 Aldershot 1
So the Alan Connell conundrum is back at the top of the agenda.
City brought up their half century of games and still the jury is out on how best to accommodate one of their best finishers.
Once again, Connell came off the bench with a big late goal – his ninth of a season where he has made more sub appearances than starts.
To reinforce his reluctant "supersub" tag, several of those strikes have been result-changing.
Add Saturday's 97th-minute penalty to winners at home to Torquay and Accrington – the last City triumph at Valley Parade on Boxing Day. There was also a late equaliser at Accrington early in September, his first goal for the club.
By my calculations, he's been worth an extra six points with those goals in the last ten minutes – a proper modern day David Fairclough.
So the clamour is growing to give him more game-time than a late cameo, particularly as top scorer Nahki Wells has gone off the boil in recent weeks.
That chance of another start could arrive at Plymouth tomorrow, perhaps alongside Garry Thompson. It is a dilemma that Phil Parkinson will chew over on the long hike to the south west.
Connell's style of play is different to anything his other strikers offer. He does not possess the pace of Wells or the physical strength of James Hanson but has that extra technical edge.
Given space to play in, Connell's skill and eye for an opening can be decisive. But that room tends to appear further on in games as fatigue sets in and they become more stretched, rather than from the opening whistle.
Hence the argument for holding him back until later on, something that Paulo Di Canio also favoured last season when Connell top-scored in Swindon's title win.
"It's just about getting the balance of the side right to get him in the team," admitted Parkinson. "I thought Alan was immense when he got on and his attitude is a credit.
"He's had a few setbacks but has always been great round the lads.
"I'm glad he grabbed the ball to take the penalty. Not that I watched it because I kept looking down and waited for the crowd to cheer! But I knew he wouldn't miss because he's a very good finisher.
"He's played well up front with Thompson. Those two were outstanding in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Port Vale and that was one of our best performances of the season, albeit in a cup competition.
"But if you look at it lately, Hanson scored a couple of goals, Thompson's scored a couple. Those strikers have been scoring."
For the second home game in a row, City left it late to grab a share of a contest they should have won hands down.
On the plus side, it shows there is still plenty of resistance and stamina in the tank. But once again this was another big opportunity missed.
While it remains as you were, with seventh-placed Exeter drawing goalless at Fleetwood, City should have seized the opportunity to close the gap with so many of the top bracket playing each other.
The statistics highlight the one-sided nature of the contest – 14 shots on goal compared to three from the visitors and a 13-0 whitewash on corners.
But Shots keeper Jamie Young stood up to the challenge with fine first-half saves from Zavon Hines twice and Gary Jones.
The only time he admitted defeat was after smashing into the shoulder of his own defender Aaron Morris, which left the Australian woozy and in need of hospital treatment for concussion.
Even then, sub keeper Glenn Morris carried on where he left off until the last-gasp penalty.
Shots boss Andy Scott swallowed his disappointment to salute a sterling defensive display. But he also felt City's approach was predictable.
"We got bombarded with long balls and that's all they had. They didn't create anything particularly until Connell came on in the hole."
Aldershot themselves were non-existent as an attacking force until Rory McArdle fouled Paul McCallum right on half-time.
Kieron Cadogan, a product of Jamie Lawrence's London academy, curled the free-kick into that awkward no man's land in front of Jon McLaughlin and Craig Reid's unsuccessful lunge to get a touch did enough to put the keeper off as the ball drifted inside the far post.
It was a complete sucker punch after a half that had been spent camped in opposition territory.
The second half followed a similar pattern without so many clear-cut chances. In fact, the best up to the equaliser came at the other end when McCallum went with the wrong foot as he slid on the end of a Cadogan counter-attack.
Jones, described as the "best midfielder in this division by a long stretch" by Scott, kept driving City onwards. Wells, who had again failed to spark, made way for Thompson and then on came Connell for Michael Nelson – who had also been guilty of missing a close-range header.
The system changed with Connell's arrival to 3-4-1-2 as Aldershot tried to counter by flooding midfield.
The departure of Young and then skipper Ben Herd – who had called pre-match for a Swansea-style effort from the Shots – meant it was going to be a hefty whack of added time. As the volume increased, Scott feared the worst with rookie referee Richard Clark.
"The ref said seven minutes initially, then six and he came up with eight. I think Steve Parkin and Phil Parkinson got in his ear.
"I warned our bench what was coming. The crowd got behind their team and had an influence and I felt the ref got a bit carried away towards the end."
It was nearly 5pm – a good seven minutes extra had passed – when Jones stabbed one last short ball into the corner of the box.
Hines initially paused then went for it. Similarly, the two defenders around him hesitated waiting for each other to take command.
Terrell Forbes was late in making the tackle and nicked the winger first. It was hardly the heaviest of contact but sufficient to draw the decision and Connell maintained his perfect record from the penalty spot.
===========================
Bradford City take a 'heavy hit' as catering firm pulls out of deal
8:00am Saturday 9th March 2013
By Simon Parker
City have lost a long-term contract worth over £200,000 a year after the collapse of their Valley Parade catering company.
Events Management Catering Ltd (EMC) went into administration ten days ago and pulled out of the deal on Wednesday.
The club will do the job in-house for this afternoon's clash with Aldershot and the six remaining home games until the end of the season. They will then have to decide whether to put the contract back out to tender.
News of EMC's demise came out of the blue. They had been City's caterers for the past six years and the current contract was set to run until 2016.
Director of operations David Baldwin admitted: "Nobody saw this coming and the club have taken a heavy hit. But in order to minimise the impact to the fans, we have our own staff taking over. I'd ask that supporters bear with us and we will be evaluating the situation between now and the end of the season.
"To help soften the blow, we'd encourage fans to buy their food and drink as normal from the corporate areas. They can be assured that the money raised from that will go towards helping off-set the loss that the club have made.
"This does not affect the stadium concourse which will remain open as usual."
Uxbridge-based EMC also provided food and refreshments for several football and rugby league clubs around Yorkshire, including Hull City and Hull FC at the KC Stadium, St Helens, Doncaster and Halifax. The company have been going for 30 years.
===========================
Bradford C (0) 1 Connell pen 90.
Aldershot (1) Cadogan 45.
Att: 10,397
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
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
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Injuries
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
===========================
Match Media & Stats
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10279251.Live_blog__Bantams_v_Aldershot/?ref=eb
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/aldershot-mages-705649.aspx
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21639267
===========================
Final whistle - match report
Report by Simon Parker (T&A)
Substitute Alan Connell rescued a point for City with a late, late penalty
deep in stoppage-time.
It looked a soft decision as Zavon Hines went down under Terrell Forbes'
challenge but the home side were not complaining.
Despite dominating the game, they were heading for a fourth defeat in five
home games after Kieron Cadogan's free-kick had deceived Jon McLaughlin
through a crowded box just before half-time.
City won 13 corners - Aldershot had none - but could not find a way through.
Shots keeper Jamie Young made three big saves in the first half, two from
the lively Hines and another from skipper Gary Jones.
Michael Nelson should also have scored with a near-post header he put wide.
It seemed that nothing would fall for City during some increasingly frantic
pressure. But with eight minutes of added time after Young had to go off
injured, the hosts waited until the very last one to grab a share of the
spoils.
But the draw still leaves them with all to do to catch the play-off pack.
Next match: (A) Plymouth, Wednesday March 13, 2013. K.O. 7:45 PM.
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
Cameo king Connell secures penalty point for dominant Bantams
7:20am Monday 11th March 2013
By Simon Parker
Bradford City 1 Aldershot 1
So the Alan Connell conundrum is back at the top of the agenda.
City brought up their half century of games and still the jury is out on how best to accommodate one of their best finishers.
Once again, Connell came off the bench with a big late goal – his ninth of a season where he has made more sub appearances than starts.
To reinforce his reluctant "supersub" tag, several of those strikes have been result-changing.
Add Saturday's 97th-minute penalty to winners at home to Torquay and Accrington – the last City triumph at Valley Parade on Boxing Day. There was also a late equaliser at Accrington early in September, his first goal for the club.
By my calculations, he's been worth an extra six points with those goals in the last ten minutes – a proper modern day David Fairclough.
So the clamour is growing to give him more game-time than a late cameo, particularly as top scorer Nahki Wells has gone off the boil in recent weeks.
That chance of another start could arrive at Plymouth tomorrow, perhaps alongside Garry Thompson. It is a dilemma that Phil Parkinson will chew over on the long hike to the south west.
Connell's style of play is different to anything his other strikers offer. He does not possess the pace of Wells or the physical strength of James Hanson but has that extra technical edge.
Given space to play in, Connell's skill and eye for an opening can be decisive. But that room tends to appear further on in games as fatigue sets in and they become more stretched, rather than from the opening whistle.
Hence the argument for holding him back until later on, something that Paulo Di Canio also favoured last season when Connell top-scored in Swindon's title win.
"It's just about getting the balance of the side right to get him in the team," admitted Parkinson. "I thought Alan was immense when he got on and his attitude is a credit.
"He's had a few setbacks but has always been great round the lads.
"I'm glad he grabbed the ball to take the penalty. Not that I watched it because I kept looking down and waited for the crowd to cheer! But I knew he wouldn't miss because he's a very good finisher.
"He's played well up front with Thompson. Those two were outstanding in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Port Vale and that was one of our best performances of the season, albeit in a cup competition.
"But if you look at it lately, Hanson scored a couple of goals, Thompson's scored a couple. Those strikers have been scoring."
For the second home game in a row, City left it late to grab a share of a contest they should have won hands down.
On the plus side, it shows there is still plenty of resistance and stamina in the tank. But once again this was another big opportunity missed.
While it remains as you were, with seventh-placed Exeter drawing goalless at Fleetwood, City should have seized the opportunity to close the gap with so many of the top bracket playing each other.
The statistics highlight the one-sided nature of the contest – 14 shots on goal compared to three from the visitors and a 13-0 whitewash on corners.
But Shots keeper Jamie Young stood up to the challenge with fine first-half saves from Zavon Hines twice and Gary Jones.
The only time he admitted defeat was after smashing into the shoulder of his own defender Aaron Morris, which left the Australian woozy and in need of hospital treatment for concussion.
Even then, sub keeper Glenn Morris carried on where he left off until the last-gasp penalty.
Shots boss Andy Scott swallowed his disappointment to salute a sterling defensive display. But he also felt City's approach was predictable.
"We got bombarded with long balls and that's all they had. They didn't create anything particularly until Connell came on in the hole."
Aldershot themselves were non-existent as an attacking force until Rory McArdle fouled Paul McCallum right on half-time.
Kieron Cadogan, a product of Jamie Lawrence's London academy, curled the free-kick into that awkward no man's land in front of Jon McLaughlin and Craig Reid's unsuccessful lunge to get a touch did enough to put the keeper off as the ball drifted inside the far post.
It was a complete sucker punch after a half that had been spent camped in opposition territory.
The second half followed a similar pattern without so many clear-cut chances. In fact, the best up to the equaliser came at the other end when McCallum went with the wrong foot as he slid on the end of a Cadogan counter-attack.
Jones, described as the "best midfielder in this division by a long stretch" by Scott, kept driving City onwards. Wells, who had again failed to spark, made way for Thompson and then on came Connell for Michael Nelson – who had also been guilty of missing a close-range header.
The system changed with Connell's arrival to 3-4-1-2 as Aldershot tried to counter by flooding midfield.
The departure of Young and then skipper Ben Herd – who had called pre-match for a Swansea-style effort from the Shots – meant it was going to be a hefty whack of added time. As the volume increased, Scott feared the worst with rookie referee Richard Clark.
"The ref said seven minutes initially, then six and he came up with eight. I think Steve Parkin and Phil Parkinson got in his ear.
"I warned our bench what was coming. The crowd got behind their team and had an influence and I felt the ref got a bit carried away towards the end."
It was nearly 5pm – a good seven minutes extra had passed – when Jones stabbed one last short ball into the corner of the box.
Hines initially paused then went for it. Similarly, the two defenders around him hesitated waiting for each other to take command.
Terrell Forbes was late in making the tackle and nicked the winger first. It was hardly the heaviest of contact but sufficient to draw the decision and Connell maintained his perfect record from the penalty spot.
===========================
Bradford City take a 'heavy hit' as catering firm pulls out of deal
8:00am Saturday 9th March 2013
By Simon Parker
City have lost a long-term contract worth over £200,000 a year after the collapse of their Valley Parade catering company.
Events Management Catering Ltd (EMC) went into administration ten days ago and pulled out of the deal on Wednesday.
The club will do the job in-house for this afternoon's clash with Aldershot and the six remaining home games until the end of the season. They will then have to decide whether to put the contract back out to tender.
News of EMC's demise came out of the blue. They had been City's caterers for the past six years and the current contract was set to run until 2016.
Director of operations David Baldwin admitted: "Nobody saw this coming and the club have taken a heavy hit. But in order to minimise the impact to the fans, we have our own staff taking over. I'd ask that supporters bear with us and we will be evaluating the situation between now and the end of the season.
"To help soften the blow, we'd encourage fans to buy their food and drink as normal from the corporate areas. They can be assured that the money raised from that will go towards helping off-set the loss that the club have made.
"This does not affect the stadium concourse which will remain open as usual."
Uxbridge-based EMC also provided food and refreshments for several football and rugby league clubs around Yorkshire, including Hull City and Hull FC at the KC Stadium, St Helens, Doncaster and Halifax. The company have been going for 30 years.
===========================
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
L2 D0-0 (A) Port Vale Tuesday March 5, 2013. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc
Npower League Two
Port Vale (0) 0
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 4,281
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
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
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Injuries
Garry Thompson, ribs, being checked Wednesday
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
===========================
Match Media & Stats
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/port-vale-images-697563.aspx
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21583858
===========================
Final whistle - match report
PORT VALE 0 CITY 0
City took a very good point from second-placed Vale tonight - and it could have been more.
The Bantams were by far the better team after the break and carved several chances.
James Hanson saw one header tipped on to the bar and put another wide when he was unmarked.
Vale defender Richard Duffy also twice cleared off the line from a Gary Jones corner.
Jon McLaughlikn made a superb save to deny League Two top scorer Tom Pope in the first half. But otherwise City kept the Vale attack at bay.
And the home side had midfielder Doug Loft sent off in added time for a high challenge on Ricky Ravenhill.
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
Bradford City: Parkinson's promotion-chasers draw a blank
7:50am Wednesday 6th March 2013
By Simon Parker
Port Vale 0 Bradford City 0
If Port Vale are the second best side in this division then City must be a contender.
Phil Parkinson had said there was little to choose between the two teams – and last night's goalless clash at Vale Park underlined that.
The point would have been greeted with more relief in the home dressing room than the away one.
City's performance backed up the win at York three days before and the only tinge of disappointment was that it did not result in another victory on the road. And hearing that Cheltenham and Rotherham had both won would have left the Bantams feeling frustrated because they had deserved more.
But five points from the three games since Wembley keeps the tally ticking along, providing City can follow up with a long-overdue success at Valley Parade against struggling Aldershot on Saturday.
Jon McLaughlin was the only City player to have started all three of this season's meetings with Vale – five of the side from the JPT win at Vale Park three months earlier were no longer at the club, including the two goalscorers Ritchie Jones and Craig Forsyth.
Parkinson made three changes after York. Garry Thompson's reward for his decisive goal was a return up front in place of the out-of-sorts Nahki Wells.
Rory McArdle came back in defence for Andrew Davies and Zavon Hines, another to make a real impact from the bench at the weekend, replaced Kyel Reid. Will Atkinson switched to the left to help Carl McHugh counter the pacy threat of Jennison Myrie-Williams.
Saturday's star man Ricky Ravenhill kept his place in midfield, where he was up against his former Doncaster team-mate Anthony Griffith, who went straight into the Vale side after returning on loan from Leyton Orient on Monday.
Despite sitting pretty in the promotion places, Vale boss Micky Adams admitted confidence had waned after a dip of three defeats in four, including their last two at home.
Griffith's return was intended to add some bite – and he needed only five minutes to go into James Adcock's book for a late lunge on Thompson.
The edginess among the Vale fans was audible in the opening exchanges as City enjoyed plenty of play in the home half. There was no real cause for concern as Hines had two wild thrashes at goal.
City won the first corner after 18 minutes and it bounced invitingly in the box but nobody was able to pounce in time.
Jones and James Hanson worked hard to keep the ball alive for Will Atkinson to find room for a shot but his low left-footer skewed wide.
Vale's first effort came from a City corner with a quick break before Louis Dodds' effort at the other end was deflected wide. League Two's top scorer Tom Pope was first to the corner but could not direct his header on target.
As the hosts livened up, McLaughlin produced a superb save to deny Pope his first goal in eight games. Darren Purse nodded a Myrie-Williams free-kick into the goalmouth, where the striker met it with a reaction header but the City keeper, who appeared to be going the wrong way, stuck out a strong arm to turn it behind.
Myrie-Williams overhit another set-piece into the box as half-time arrived but there were warning signs that Vale were starting to up their game. It was still a satisfying 45 minutes for the visitors – and certainly backed up Parkinson's pre-match suggestion that there was not much between the sides despite the disparity in the league table.
City began the second half brightly and Hanson was a whisker away from scoring for the third game in a row.
McHugh's deep cross from the left was met with a confident header, which Neal tipped up and onto the Vale bar.
The contest was opening up and Vale responded with a driving run from Doug Loft. Then Stephen Darby produced a fine sliding block to deny Ashley Vincent.
Hanson immediately had another chance and should have done better with his header after finding himself space to meet Gary Jones' free-kick. But the ball rattled the advertising board a couple of yards wide of goal.
City needed to make the spell count and thought they had done so from a low corner by Jones. McArdle appeared to have the first shot that was blocked on the line by Richard Duffy and then the full back did the same to deny Hanson's jab from the rebound.
The chances were stacking up but the stalemate remained as City made their first change at the midway point. Thompson required treatment after taking a whack and left the action gingerly to be replaced by Nahki Wells.
Vale had been very much second best since the restart but Dodds roused the home crowd with an instinctive volley from 25 yards over the bar.
Ravenhill was booked after a midfield hand ball but the officials were unmoved by City's claims for a penalty when Purse shoulder-charged Wells to the ground. It looked the correct decision despite the pleas from behind the goal.
Reid was ready to come on for Hines but before he could appear, Vincent had bent a dangerous cross onto Pope's head and his effort didn't miss by much.
Good pressing won a fourth corner but again it was a Vale head under the crossbar to clear out the danger. Even with time ebbing away, City were not content to sit on their point.
Micky Adams threw on Lee Hughes for the ineffective Myrie-Williams for the last five minutes. And the sub striker almost had an assist with his first touch.
City were undone by a long ball and suddenly looked outnumbered at the back as Hughes back-heeled into Pope's path 12 yards out. But McArdle was across with a crucial intervention to block his shot.
As Vale continued to look for a late winner, Pope was again on the end of Daniel Jones' cross but his downward header was straight at McLaughlin.
Parkinson brought on Nathan Doyle for Jones to see it out for City but Vale's building momentum was cut short when they were reduced to ten men in the first of the five added minutes. Loft went in high on Ravenhill and Adcock reached straight for the red card.
There was still time for Hanson to loop another header into the danger zone and it needed both Vale centre halves to scramble the ball away from the waiting Wells. And Reid put in a teasing cross which Neal just managed to get to first as Hanson looked to pounce.
===========================
Parkinson pleased with night's work
01:16 6th March 2013
City boss Phil Parkinson felt there were plenty of positives to take from his side's goalless draw with second-placed Port Vale this Tuesday evening - including the point itself.
Parkinson's men enjoyed the better of the second period at Vale Park, with James Hanson heading against the crossbar from one of a few decent scoring chances for City after the restart, as the Bantams pushed for their second away win in four days.
With Vale's current League 2 top-scorer Tom Pope looking to threaten on occasion though, including forcing Jon McLaughlin into a world-class save in the first half, Parkinson felt City could be happy to leave Stoke-on-Trent with a share of the spoils.
Parkinson said: "I thought we started the game quite well, then Port Vale had a decent spell where we had to be strong and weather it.
"I felt we were terrific in the second half. We dominated for long periods and had some good chances, unfortunately we just couldn't take one of them.
"Equally though, let's remember Jon McLaughlin has had to pull off one of the best saves I've seen in a long time to deny Tom Pope in the first half.
"Pope also had a couple of chances in the second half, so it wasn't all about our attacking play, we've had to defend well at times also.
"Port Vale are a good side, and I don't want it to be a hard luck story tonight just because we've played well and haven't won.
"It should be a big 'well done' to the lads for the way they have played.
"We have created chances, but it could easily have been one of those games, like we had at home to Port Vale, where we dominate but still somehow end up losing the game.
"All in all then, I'm pleased with the point.
"We've set out to win it, we've made substitutions to win it, but I thought the overall performance from the lads, despite not getting the win, was terrific."
Garry Thompson came off at Vale Park just after the hour mark nursing a knock to his ribs.
Despite the attacker's early withdrawal, Parkinson believes Thompson, who was replaced by Nahki Wells, has only suffered mild bruising to the area.
Parkinson added: "Gaz has got a bit of a whack on his ribs.
"We'll have a look at him tomorrow (Wednesday) but I don't think it is anything too serious.
"As we know with Gary Jones earlier this season though, you have to be careful with rib injuries sometimes.
"In fairness, we were probably going to make that change sooner rather than later anyway because I felt it was getting to the stage where we just needed Nahki's freshness up top."
===========================
Exeter away - club advisory
10:30 6th March 2013
Bradford City FC has expressed its concern about suggestions from Police that an unruly element may be planning to travel to the club's npower League 2 away fixture at Exeter City later this month.
There were issues after the game in the city of Exeter in 2009 when a group of Bradford City supporters were ambushed by so-called Exeter City fans who did not attend the game and have since banned for life from the club.
The Devon Police have confirmed that there will be a large Police presence both at the game and in the city before and after the game. If anyone is planning to travel to Exeter for the wrong reasons, please think again.
Bradford City showed at Wembley how great their supporters can be. Let's make sure that the achievements of that day are not lost through any problems in Devon.
Game is March 16th
===========================
Port Vale (0) 0
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 4,281
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
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
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Injuries
Garry Thompson, ribs, being checked Wednesday
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
===========================
Match Media & Stats
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/port-vale-images-697563.aspx
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21583858
===========================
Final whistle - match report
PORT VALE 0 CITY 0
City took a very good point from second-placed Vale tonight - and it could have been more.
The Bantams were by far the better team after the break and carved several chances.
James Hanson saw one header tipped on to the bar and put another wide when he was unmarked.
Vale defender Richard Duffy also twice cleared off the line from a Gary Jones corner.
Jon McLaughlikn made a superb save to deny League Two top scorer Tom Pope in the first half. But otherwise City kept the Vale attack at bay.
And the home side had midfielder Doug Loft sent off in added time for a high challenge on Ricky Ravenhill.
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
Bradford City: Parkinson's promotion-chasers draw a blank
7:50am Wednesday 6th March 2013
By Simon Parker
Port Vale 0 Bradford City 0
If Port Vale are the second best side in this division then City must be a contender.
Phil Parkinson had said there was little to choose between the two teams – and last night's goalless clash at Vale Park underlined that.
The point would have been greeted with more relief in the home dressing room than the away one.
City's performance backed up the win at York three days before and the only tinge of disappointment was that it did not result in another victory on the road. And hearing that Cheltenham and Rotherham had both won would have left the Bantams feeling frustrated because they had deserved more.
But five points from the three games since Wembley keeps the tally ticking along, providing City can follow up with a long-overdue success at Valley Parade against struggling Aldershot on Saturday.
Jon McLaughlin was the only City player to have started all three of this season's meetings with Vale – five of the side from the JPT win at Vale Park three months earlier were no longer at the club, including the two goalscorers Ritchie Jones and Craig Forsyth.
Parkinson made three changes after York. Garry Thompson's reward for his decisive goal was a return up front in place of the out-of-sorts Nahki Wells.
Rory McArdle came back in defence for Andrew Davies and Zavon Hines, another to make a real impact from the bench at the weekend, replaced Kyel Reid. Will Atkinson switched to the left to help Carl McHugh counter the pacy threat of Jennison Myrie-Williams.
Saturday's star man Ricky Ravenhill kept his place in midfield, where he was up against his former Doncaster team-mate Anthony Griffith, who went straight into the Vale side after returning on loan from Leyton Orient on Monday.
Despite sitting pretty in the promotion places, Vale boss Micky Adams admitted confidence had waned after a dip of three defeats in four, including their last two at home.
Griffith's return was intended to add some bite – and he needed only five minutes to go into James Adcock's book for a late lunge on Thompson.
The edginess among the Vale fans was audible in the opening exchanges as City enjoyed plenty of play in the home half. There was no real cause for concern as Hines had two wild thrashes at goal.
City won the first corner after 18 minutes and it bounced invitingly in the box but nobody was able to pounce in time.
Jones and James Hanson worked hard to keep the ball alive for Will Atkinson to find room for a shot but his low left-footer skewed wide.
Vale's first effort came from a City corner with a quick break before Louis Dodds' effort at the other end was deflected wide. League Two's top scorer Tom Pope was first to the corner but could not direct his header on target.
As the hosts livened up, McLaughlin produced a superb save to deny Pope his first goal in eight games. Darren Purse nodded a Myrie-Williams free-kick into the goalmouth, where the striker met it with a reaction header but the City keeper, who appeared to be going the wrong way, stuck out a strong arm to turn it behind.
Myrie-Williams overhit another set-piece into the box as half-time arrived but there were warning signs that Vale were starting to up their game. It was still a satisfying 45 minutes for the visitors – and certainly backed up Parkinson's pre-match suggestion that there was not much between the sides despite the disparity in the league table.
City began the second half brightly and Hanson was a whisker away from scoring for the third game in a row.
McHugh's deep cross from the left was met with a confident header, which Neal tipped up and onto the Vale bar.
The contest was opening up and Vale responded with a driving run from Doug Loft. Then Stephen Darby produced a fine sliding block to deny Ashley Vincent.
Hanson immediately had another chance and should have done better with his header after finding himself space to meet Gary Jones' free-kick. But the ball rattled the advertising board a couple of yards wide of goal.
City needed to make the spell count and thought they had done so from a low corner by Jones. McArdle appeared to have the first shot that was blocked on the line by Richard Duffy and then the full back did the same to deny Hanson's jab from the rebound.
The chances were stacking up but the stalemate remained as City made their first change at the midway point. Thompson required treatment after taking a whack and left the action gingerly to be replaced by Nahki Wells.
Vale had been very much second best since the restart but Dodds roused the home crowd with an instinctive volley from 25 yards over the bar.
Ravenhill was booked after a midfield hand ball but the officials were unmoved by City's claims for a penalty when Purse shoulder-charged Wells to the ground. It looked the correct decision despite the pleas from behind the goal.
Reid was ready to come on for Hines but before he could appear, Vincent had bent a dangerous cross onto Pope's head and his effort didn't miss by much.
Good pressing won a fourth corner but again it was a Vale head under the crossbar to clear out the danger. Even with time ebbing away, City were not content to sit on their point.
Micky Adams threw on Lee Hughes for the ineffective Myrie-Williams for the last five minutes. And the sub striker almost had an assist with his first touch.
City were undone by a long ball and suddenly looked outnumbered at the back as Hughes back-heeled into Pope's path 12 yards out. But McArdle was across with a crucial intervention to block his shot.
As Vale continued to look for a late winner, Pope was again on the end of Daniel Jones' cross but his downward header was straight at McLaughlin.
Parkinson brought on Nathan Doyle for Jones to see it out for City but Vale's building momentum was cut short when they were reduced to ten men in the first of the five added minutes. Loft went in high on Ravenhill and Adcock reached straight for the red card.
There was still time for Hanson to loop another header into the danger zone and it needed both Vale centre halves to scramble the ball away from the waiting Wells. And Reid put in a teasing cross which Neal just managed to get to first as Hanson looked to pounce.
===========================
Parkinson pleased with night's work
01:16 6th March 2013
City boss Phil Parkinson felt there were plenty of positives to take from his side's goalless draw with second-placed Port Vale this Tuesday evening - including the point itself.
Parkinson's men enjoyed the better of the second period at Vale Park, with James Hanson heading against the crossbar from one of a few decent scoring chances for City after the restart, as the Bantams pushed for their second away win in four days.
With Vale's current League 2 top-scorer Tom Pope looking to threaten on occasion though, including forcing Jon McLaughlin into a world-class save in the first half, Parkinson felt City could be happy to leave Stoke-on-Trent with a share of the spoils.
Parkinson said: "I thought we started the game quite well, then Port Vale had a decent spell where we had to be strong and weather it.
"I felt we were terrific in the second half. We dominated for long periods and had some good chances, unfortunately we just couldn't take one of them.
"Equally though, let's remember Jon McLaughlin has had to pull off one of the best saves I've seen in a long time to deny Tom Pope in the first half.
"Pope also had a couple of chances in the second half, so it wasn't all about our attacking play, we've had to defend well at times also.
"Port Vale are a good side, and I don't want it to be a hard luck story tonight just because we've played well and haven't won.
"It should be a big 'well done' to the lads for the way they have played.
"We have created chances, but it could easily have been one of those games, like we had at home to Port Vale, where we dominate but still somehow end up losing the game.
"All in all then, I'm pleased with the point.
"We've set out to win it, we've made substitutions to win it, but I thought the overall performance from the lads, despite not getting the win, was terrific."
Garry Thompson came off at Vale Park just after the hour mark nursing a knock to his ribs.
Despite the attacker's early withdrawal, Parkinson believes Thompson, who was replaced by Nahki Wells, has only suffered mild bruising to the area.
Parkinson added: "Gaz has got a bit of a whack on his ribs.
"We'll have a look at him tomorrow (Wednesday) but I don't think it is anything too serious.
"As we know with Gary Jones earlier this season though, you have to be careful with rib injuries sometimes.
"In fairness, we were probably going to make that change sooner rather than later anyway because I felt it was getting to the stage where we just needed Nahki's freshness up top."
===========================
Exeter away - club advisory
10:30 6th March 2013
Bradford City FC has expressed its concern about suggestions from Police that an unruly element may be planning to travel to the club's npower League 2 away fixture at Exeter City later this month.
There were issues after the game in the city of Exeter in 2009 when a group of Bradford City supporters were ambushed by so-called Exeter City fans who did not attend the game and have since banned for life from the club.
The Devon Police have confirmed that there will be a large Police presence both at the game and in the city before and after the game. If anyone is planning to travel to Exeter for the wrong reasons, please think again.
Bradford City showed at Wembley how great their supporters can be. Let's make sure that the achievements of that day are not lost through any problems in Devon.
Game is March 16th
===========================
Tuesday, March 05, 2013
L2 W2-0 (A) York Saturday March 2, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc
Npower League Two
York City (0) 0
Bradford C (0) 2 Hanson 77, Thompson 86.
Att: 5,678
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
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
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Turgott returns to West Ham
Good expected to return to Newcastle this week, details to be finalised
Injuries
James Meredith, back in training (glandular fever)
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
===========================
Match Media & Stats
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10263622.Live_blog__York_v_Bantams/?ref=eb
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21556976
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=345406&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
===========================
Final whistle - match report
Report by Simon Parker (T&A)
Second half goals from James Hanson and sub Garry Thompson clinched a
crucial derby win at York this afternoon.
The Bantams got the three points they urgently needed to launch their
late-season push with a controlled display at a packed Bootham Crescent.
Phil Parkinson made another five changes from midweek with Nathan Doyle
rested in midfield to give Ricky Ravenhill an outing.
The club captain was in his element in an uncompromising first half not
helped by the bobbly surface.
There were too many free-kicks to make it a flowing spectacle but York had
the closest sight of goal six minutes before the break. Jason Walker eluded
Jon McLaughlin but Carl McHugh, playing at left back, was covering to make a
comfortable block in front of the goal-line.
City looked brighter at the start of the second and James Hanson's flick
header was saved low down by Michael Ingham.
Walker fired over for York and McLaughlin was equal to a dipping effort from
Matty Blair.
Zavon Hines had found himself back on the bench but came on for the final
quarter as City went at York with both wingers. On the other flank, Reid
immediately tested Ingham with a 25-yard crack.
Andrew Davies then met the corner with a header that flew straight at the
relieved keeper.
But City made the vital breakthrough when Hanson's header squirmed through
Ingham's grasp for his tenth goal of the season.
And Thompson, who had come on for Wells, made sure with an emphatic finish
from Ravenhill's ball over the top.
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
Bradford City striker Hanson picking up a head of steam
7:00am Monday 4th March 2013
By Simon Parker
James Hanson proved that practice makes perfect to get City back on the play-off track.
Hanson reached ten for the season with his second goal in successive games in a 2-0 win at York on Saturday.
The big targetman, who has been criticised for his scoring ratio, revealed that an extra session on the training ground had paid off handsomely.
Hanson said: "I was working with the gaffer on Friday getting my headers right. The York keeper threw it in a bit but at least I'm hitting the target, which I haven't been doing recently.
"I've been waiting a while for goals even though I've been getting the chances. It's amazing that when you get one goal, how lucky you suddenly become and that's what happened.
"I'm in double figures now with 13 games left and hopefully can get another five or six. But it's more important that we kick on as a team and push towards that play-off."
After drawing with Dagenham, the win over struggling York – who sacked boss Gary Mills after the game – keeps City in contention ahead of tomorrow's trip to second-placed Port Vale.
Hanson added: "It was a shame we couldn't get the win on Wednesday but four points over the two games isn't bad. If we can continue that ratio over the next 13 games we'll be there or thereabouts.
"It was a typical Yorkshire derby and they shaded it a bit first half. But the experienced lads were saying at half-time that something would happen for us and it did.
"My goal seemed to happen in slow motion. I thought the keeper was already there but he must have let it slip through his legs.
"We had tremendous support again, especially after last weekend when the fans spent all their money to go to Wembley. I'm just glad the boys dug in and got the win for them."
Boss Phil Parkinson believes City can head to Vale Park in confident mood after another strong away performance He said: "Look at the last four away performances and we've done well on our travels.
"We went to Fleetwood and should have won the game but got a penalty given against us that never was. Then we beat Wycombe playing some of our best football of the season. We lost 2-1 at Wimbledon which I'm still shell-shocked about but then got this win."
Meanwhile, Blair Turgott and Curtis Good have both returned to their Premier League parent clubs at the end of their loans.
Parkinson added: "We're getting our own group of contracted players back now."
James Meredith stepped up his recovery with a fitness session on the pitch before Saturday's game.
===========================
Turgott leaves Bradford City and Good could follow
6:27pm Saturday 2nd March 2013
By Simon Parker
Phil Parkinson tonight confirmed that Blair Turgott has left City – and fellow loanee Curtis Good is expected to follow.
Winger Turgott returned to West Ham and featured in their FA Youth Cup tie with Manchester United. Newcastle defender Good is also likely to go back once Parkinson has spoken to Geordies boss Alan Pardew.
Parkinson said: "We're getting our own group of contracted players back now.
"Blair's a terrific lad and he wanted to play more. I'm sure he will have a very good career.
"Curtis will probably be going back too. He's made a good contribution as well but we haven't finalised that totally."
===========================
BRADFORD CITY 2012/13 SQUAD
1. Jon McLaughlin
Signed by: Stuart McCall. Contracted to: June 2013
2. Stephen Darby
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2014
3. James Meredith
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: June 2014
4. Ricky Ravenhill
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: June 2014
5. Andrew Davies
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: May 2013
6. Luke Oliver
Signed by: Peter Taylor. Contracted to: June 2014
7. Kyel Reid
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2013. Club have 1 year option
9. James Hanson
Signed by: Stuart McCall. Contracted to: May 2014
10. Andy Gray
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: June 2014
11. Garry Thompson
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2013
12. Matt Duke
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2013
14. Will Atkinson
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2013
15. Ryan Dickson
On loan from Southampton until end of the season.
16. Carl McHugh
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: June 2013
17. Alan Connell
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2014
18. Gary Jones
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: June 2013
19. Adam Baker
Signed by: Trainee. Contracted to: June 2013
20. Zavon Hines
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: June 2013
21. Nahki Wells
Signed by: Peter Jackson/Archie Christie. Contracted to: July 2015
22. Michael Nelson
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2014
23. Rory McArdle
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: June 2014
24. Nathan Doyle
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2013
30. Scott Brown
Signed by: Peter Jackson/Archie Christie. Contracted to: June 2013
31. Forrayah Bass
Trainee . Contracted to: June 2013
Steve Williams
Signed by: Stuart McCall. Contracted to: June 2013
===========================
York City (0) 0
Bradford C (0) 2 Hanson 77, Thompson 86.
Att: 5,678
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
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
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Turgott returns to West Ham
Good expected to return to Newcastle this week, details to be finalised
Injuries
James Meredith, back in training (glandular fever)
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
===========================
Match Media & Stats
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10263622.Live_blog__York_v_Bantams/?ref=eb
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21556976
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=345406&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
===========================
Final whistle - match report
Report by Simon Parker (T&A)
Second half goals from James Hanson and sub Garry Thompson clinched a
crucial derby win at York this afternoon.
The Bantams got the three points they urgently needed to launch their
late-season push with a controlled display at a packed Bootham Crescent.
Phil Parkinson made another five changes from midweek with Nathan Doyle
rested in midfield to give Ricky Ravenhill an outing.
The club captain was in his element in an uncompromising first half not
helped by the bobbly surface.
There were too many free-kicks to make it a flowing spectacle but York had
the closest sight of goal six minutes before the break. Jason Walker eluded
Jon McLaughlin but Carl McHugh, playing at left back, was covering to make a
comfortable block in front of the goal-line.
City looked brighter at the start of the second and James Hanson's flick
header was saved low down by Michael Ingham.
Walker fired over for York and McLaughlin was equal to a dipping effort from
Matty Blair.
Zavon Hines had found himself back on the bench but came on for the final
quarter as City went at York with both wingers. On the other flank, Reid
immediately tested Ingham with a 25-yard crack.
Andrew Davies then met the corner with a header that flew straight at the
relieved keeper.
But City made the vital breakthrough when Hanson's header squirmed through
Ingham's grasp for his tenth goal of the season.
And Thompson, who had come on for Wells, made sure with an emphatic finish
from Ravenhill's ball over the top.
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
Bradford City striker Hanson picking up a head of steam
7:00am Monday 4th March 2013
By Simon Parker
James Hanson proved that practice makes perfect to get City back on the play-off track.
Hanson reached ten for the season with his second goal in successive games in a 2-0 win at York on Saturday.
The big targetman, who has been criticised for his scoring ratio, revealed that an extra session on the training ground had paid off handsomely.
Hanson said: "I was working with the gaffer on Friday getting my headers right. The York keeper threw it in a bit but at least I'm hitting the target, which I haven't been doing recently.
"I've been waiting a while for goals even though I've been getting the chances. It's amazing that when you get one goal, how lucky you suddenly become and that's what happened.
"I'm in double figures now with 13 games left and hopefully can get another five or six. But it's more important that we kick on as a team and push towards that play-off."
After drawing with Dagenham, the win over struggling York – who sacked boss Gary Mills after the game – keeps City in contention ahead of tomorrow's trip to second-placed Port Vale.
Hanson added: "It was a shame we couldn't get the win on Wednesday but four points over the two games isn't bad. If we can continue that ratio over the next 13 games we'll be there or thereabouts.
"It was a typical Yorkshire derby and they shaded it a bit first half. But the experienced lads were saying at half-time that something would happen for us and it did.
"My goal seemed to happen in slow motion. I thought the keeper was already there but he must have let it slip through his legs.
"We had tremendous support again, especially after last weekend when the fans spent all their money to go to Wembley. I'm just glad the boys dug in and got the win for them."
Boss Phil Parkinson believes City can head to Vale Park in confident mood after another strong away performance He said: "Look at the last four away performances and we've done well on our travels.
"We went to Fleetwood and should have won the game but got a penalty given against us that never was. Then we beat Wycombe playing some of our best football of the season. We lost 2-1 at Wimbledon which I'm still shell-shocked about but then got this win."
Meanwhile, Blair Turgott and Curtis Good have both returned to their Premier League parent clubs at the end of their loans.
Parkinson added: "We're getting our own group of contracted players back now."
James Meredith stepped up his recovery with a fitness session on the pitch before Saturday's game.
===========================
Turgott leaves Bradford City and Good could follow
6:27pm Saturday 2nd March 2013
By Simon Parker
Phil Parkinson tonight confirmed that Blair Turgott has left City – and fellow loanee Curtis Good is expected to follow.
Winger Turgott returned to West Ham and featured in their FA Youth Cup tie with Manchester United. Newcastle defender Good is also likely to go back once Parkinson has spoken to Geordies boss Alan Pardew.
Parkinson said: "We're getting our own group of contracted players back now.
"Blair's a terrific lad and he wanted to play more. I'm sure he will have a very good career.
"Curtis will probably be going back too. He's made a good contribution as well but we haven't finalised that totally."
===========================
BRADFORD CITY 2012/13 SQUAD
1. Jon McLaughlin
Signed by: Stuart McCall. Contracted to: June 2013
2. Stephen Darby
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2014
3. James Meredith
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: June 2014
4. Ricky Ravenhill
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: June 2014
5. Andrew Davies
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: May 2013
6. Luke Oliver
Signed by: Peter Taylor. Contracted to: June 2014
7. Kyel Reid
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2013. Club have 1 year option
9. James Hanson
Signed by: Stuart McCall. Contracted to: May 2014
10. Andy Gray
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: June 2014
11. Garry Thompson
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2013
12. Matt Duke
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2013
14. Will Atkinson
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2013
15. Ryan Dickson
On loan from Southampton until end of the season.
16. Carl McHugh
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: June 2013
17. Alan Connell
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2014
18. Gary Jones
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: June 2013
19. Adam Baker
Signed by: Trainee. Contracted to: June 2013
20. Zavon Hines
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: June 2013
21. Nahki Wells
Signed by: Peter Jackson/Archie Christie. Contracted to: July 2015
22. Michael Nelson
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2014
23. Rory McArdle
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: June 2014
24. Nathan Doyle
Signed by: Phil Parkinson. Contracted to: July 2013
30. Scott Brown
Signed by: Peter Jackson/Archie Christie. Contracted to: June 2013
31. Forrayah Bass
Trainee . Contracted to: June 2013
Steve Williams
Signed by: Stuart McCall. Contracted to: June 2013
===========================
L2 D1-1 (H) Dagenham Wednesday February 27, 2013. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
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
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match Media & Stats
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10256172.Live_blog__City_v_Dagenham/?ref=eb
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=360134&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
===========================
Final whistle - match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10256396.Bradford_City_homecoming_cut_up_by_Daggers____directness/?ref=eb
Bradford City homecoming cut up by Daggers' directness
6:30am Thursday 28th February 2013
By Simon Parker
City 1, Dagenham 1
It was as if Sunday had never happened; nothing more than a glorious day-dream.
If being at Wembley felt like a parallel universe, City returned to planet earth with a bump against a traditional nemesis.
At least James Hanson made sure that the Bantams grabbed a share of the spoils with a deserved late equaliser. A fourth home defeat in a row in the league would have been unjust.
But it felt flat after all the euphoria – and the top seven is still a way off even with those games in hand.
Mark Lawn had called for a proper homecoming atmosphere to greet the return to League Two normality. And those who were there could not be faulted in creating a decent noise.
But the 10,006 crowd figure was well down on the joint-chairman's estimate – and at least 23,000 fewer than the weekend's turn-out.
So, many of those who had screamed City 'Til I Die three days before had decided against following it up on familiar soil.
After the artists of Swansea, the artisans of Dagenham; from the Spanish inquisition at the twinkling feet of Michu and Pablo Hernandez to the no-nonsense boot of the self-proclaimed small pub team from Essex.
Nothing could be further removed from the Welsh wizards stroking the ball hypnotically around Wembley than the Daggers pumping it long into the channels to play for corners and throw-ins.
But if it was a case of City quickly having to get their heads back out of the Capital One Cup clouds, it was also a strange night for Dagenham as they began life without John Still.
The former longest-serving gaffer in the Football League had occupied their hot-seat – in his second spell with the club – since April 2004.
To put it into context, Bryan Robson was the Bantams boss at that time and his side were in the final throes of relegation from the Championship.
Dagenham, under Still, regarded Valley Parade as a second home – they had never lost in four previous visits. City had to buck that trend to reignite hopes of regaining some ground on their play-off rivals.
Parkinson shuffled the pack as promised, with six changes from Sunday. Jon McLaughlin was the only enforced one in goal for his first league action since October.
The City boss urged his side to go for it in the last leg of their marathon season and the presence of both Kyel Reid and Zavon Hines was proof of his attacking intent.
Dagenham sportingly gave them a guard of honour to walk on to the pitch and City were greeted by a sea of Wembley flags and plenty of noise from the stands.
Rory McArdle, playing at right back, had the first chance with a stretching volley that flashed over the bar after eight minutes.
But McLaughlin needed to be on his toes with a fine save on to the bar to deny Medy Elito as Dagenham countered. Matt Saunders dribbled past Michael Nelson to feed the winger, who cut inside and unleashed a fierce shot which the keeper was equal to.
Nathan Doyle took his bookings tally to nine for flattening Luke Howell but City tried to stay on the front foot. The home fans were certainly in a positive vein and doing their bit.
The tempo was fierce, with Dagenham double-teaming Reid to keep the winger in close check. And despite plenty of energy from the home side, McArdle's early effort was their only chance in the first half hour.
Centre half Scott Doe, a veteran of previous Daggers raids on City soil, nicked the ball off Garry Thompson as he tried to latch on to a Gary Jones through-ball. But there was a threat from the corner as McArdle again popped up with a flick-header across goal.
A little bit of devil was finally creeping into City's play but not enough and keeper Chris Lewington watched as Jones drove low and wide from 30 yards.
Dagenham were doing the job defensively with a foot here or a toe there, Luke Wilkinson robbing Andy Gray – who was finding it hard to get into the game – and Lewington diving at the feet of Thompson right on the edge of the penalty area as half-time arrived without a breakthrough.
But City had a huge escape four minutes into the second half after Dagenham fluffed a penalty.
Reid stumbled into the back of Wilkinson and it looked a harsh call as the assistant flagged. But justice – in home eyes –was done as Sam Williams fired a woeful spot-kick well wide of the right post.
Left back Olafemi Ilesanmi had been walking a disciplinary tight rope after a serious of debatable tackles on Hines. But referee Chris Sarginson's patience finally ran out as his latest lunge earned a yellow card.
Lewington clawed away Nelson's header in a crowded six-yard box and Gray showed good juggling skills with his back to goal before shooting wide.
City were trying but Williams nearly atoned for his hash from 12 yards with a clever curling effort that was not far off.
The hosts responded with a flurry of corners. McArdle's curled shot from the first was deflected just over and then Andrew Davies panicked Doe into a hurried clearance against his own bar.
Parkinson swapped his strikers round and brought Nahki Wells and Hanson off the bench. But the pair had not even had a touch when Dagenham stunned Valley Parade into near silence with a 69th-minute goal.
City coughed up possession to the right of the box and Ben Strevens cleverly slipped inside McArdle. As the defence tried to recover, the ball broke sideways into the path of Howell, who gave McLaughlin no chance with a drive into the bottom corner.
On came Alan Connell for Stephen Darby as Parkinson threw everyone in search of an equaliser – and it came with four minutes to go.
Hines, who had troubled Dagenham all night, drilled in a cross which Wells touched on for Hanson to knock home from close range.
City sensed a dramatic victory now and almost had it as Wells was thwarted on the line by Abu Ogogo. All in all, an opportunity missed as the play-offs remain ten points away.
Attendance: 10,006
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10256413.Parkin__Why_the_pessimism_over_Bradford_City_draw_/?ref=eb
Parkin: Why the pessimism over Bradford City draw?
8:10am Thursday 28th February 2013
By Simon Parker
Steve Parkin questioned the "pessimistic" reaction after City's Wembley homecoming ended in a stalemate.
James Hanson's ninth goal of the season rescued a late point in a 1-1 draw with Dagenham at Valley Parade.
It leaves City still ten points behind the final play-off spot, although they have games in hand on everyone above them.
While it was a frustrating start to the 15-game mini-campaign that Phil Parkinson has targeted, his assistant Parkin is baffled by any suggestion that they have already blown it.
Parkin said: "I just feel there's an air of pessimism around the place and I don't know why. It's almost as if the place needs a lift.
"We've come off the back of a fantastic cup run. We let ourselves down a little bit at the weekend but we've got to make sure we see it through to the end.
"We've got two or three games in hand on most people and we've got to play a lot of teams above us. So we'll see what happens.
"Is it because Bradford City are expected to win every game? I don't think that's the case.
"Dagenham came here and played very well. We did our best and the players couldn't have given any more.
"There's no guarantee you're going to win just because you're playing Dagenham & Redbridge.
"They've been very committed in their performance in terms of the manager leaving and trying to impress the new guy.
"Our league form has not been what we want it to be over the last few weeks. But the easy thing to do is look directly at the end of the season before the end of the season's here."
Parkinson made six changes from the Swansea defeat, with Hanson and Nahki Wells replaced up front by Andy Gray and Garry Thompson. The regular pair came off the bench midway through the second half and both were involved in City's equaliser.
Parkin said: "I thought (Thompson and Gray) were good in the first half. They were a threat and started to make inroads into their defence in the last 15 minutes.
"We should give the two central defenders some credit. (Luke) Wilkinson has had an outstanding season and a lot of people are looking at him.
"I thought Thommo and Andy were starting to get on top but it was the time to make the change and bring the two lads on after giving them a breather from Wembley.
"In terms of possession, some of the way we played was really good until we got ten or 12 yards from goal. We were found wanting a little bit but we kept going to the very end and that's all you ask for."
Winger Zavon Hines came in for some physical treatment and Parkin felt referee Chris Sarginson could have cracked down sooner. He also thought City should have done more to make their set-pieces count.
He said: "This was a difficult game in terms of bouncing back after Wembley. But it could have been a lot more difficult if they hadn't put in the energy and effort.
"A lot of players have run their socks off. Zav Hines and Gary Jones have put a massive shift in."
===========================
A matter of trust as Parkinson plots best way forward for Bradford City
7:40am Friday 1st March 2013
By Simon Parker
Phil Parkinson has told City fans to trust him as he continues to chop and change the team.
Tomorrow's derby clash with York will be City's 48th game of the season – the same as Chelsea, who have played the most of any team in the country.
It is a record number of matches for the Bantams by this stage and there are still another 13 after that to go.
That is why Parkinson will continue to rotate his options as he looks to launch a strong push in the final two months.
"I'm going to keep freshening up the team between now and the end of the season," said the City boss.
"Supporters might think 'why isn't he in the team when he's played well last week' but they are just going to have to trust me and the coaching staff.
"We need to play fresh legs every game and it might be the case that some players are best utilised from the bench.
"We've played an unprecedented amount of games and people will have to live with me on the team selection. I would be very surprised if the majority of our supporters don't understand that.
"I will be up front with them. I am going to make changes because we need to keep freshening it up."
Parkinson started with six different players from Wembley for the 1-1 draw against Dagenham at Valley Parade in midweek.
James Hanson and Nahki Wells were among those benched as he reverted to the Garry Thompson and Andy Gray partnership that had worked at Wycombe and Wimbledon in the previous two league outings.
But the pairings were swapped round midway through the second half and Hanson forced home the late equaliser – with a touch from Wells in the build-up – to claim his ninth goal of the campaign.
Parkinson said: "I thought James was excellent when he came on. He won every header and I was really pleased for him to get the goal."
The Bantams boss was encouraged by his side's fightback against opponents who always raise their game against them.
He admits that will be the case even more with other teams now because of City's new-found fame from their incredible Capital One Cup success.
"Teams all want to beat Bradford and we've got to accept that and deal with it," he said.
"Dagenham's players turned up on Wednesday and they were taking pictures of the ground before the game.
"It's got even worse because of the exposure we've had. People have seen our players on the telly and they want to go out and get the best of them.
"So teams are going to be up for a fight and we've got to match them. But I thought we did that and put in a really committed performance."
The victory at Wycombe remains City's only one in the league since Boxing Day. Next opponents York, who last beat Burton on New Year's Day, have now gone ten games without a win.
But Parkinson was happy with the performance in his side's first appearance after the cup final.
He said: "We dominated the game in the main. But getting that first goal at home has been a bit of a problem for us.
"Then they go ahead with their first shot on target. So you've got to give the lads credit to keep driving and going to the end.
"We've hit the bar from three yards out, (Rory) McArdle had a header wide in the first half and (Michael) Nelson's headed one back across goal that the keeper has clawed off the line.
"On another day, we would have probably scored from at least one of them. But we didn't give up and that was a very important point for us.
"Every game from now on is a big one and now we've got a local derby. I saw York at Rotherham and they played well but we're ready to move on and go again."
===========================
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
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
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Match Media & Stats
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10256172.Live_blog__City_v_Dagenham/?ref=eb
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=360134&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
===========================
Final whistle - match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10256396.Bradford_City_homecoming_cut_up_by_Daggers____directness/?ref=eb
Bradford City homecoming cut up by Daggers' directness
6:30am Thursday 28th February 2013
By Simon Parker
City 1, Dagenham 1
It was as if Sunday had never happened; nothing more than a glorious day-dream.
If being at Wembley felt like a parallel universe, City returned to planet earth with a bump against a traditional nemesis.
At least James Hanson made sure that the Bantams grabbed a share of the spoils with a deserved late equaliser. A fourth home defeat in a row in the league would have been unjust.
But it felt flat after all the euphoria – and the top seven is still a way off even with those games in hand.
Mark Lawn had called for a proper homecoming atmosphere to greet the return to League Two normality. And those who were there could not be faulted in creating a decent noise.
But the 10,006 crowd figure was well down on the joint-chairman's estimate – and at least 23,000 fewer than the weekend's turn-out.
So, many of those who had screamed City 'Til I Die three days before had decided against following it up on familiar soil.
After the artists of Swansea, the artisans of Dagenham; from the Spanish inquisition at the twinkling feet of Michu and Pablo Hernandez to the no-nonsense boot of the self-proclaimed small pub team from Essex.
Nothing could be further removed from the Welsh wizards stroking the ball hypnotically around Wembley than the Daggers pumping it long into the channels to play for corners and throw-ins.
But if it was a case of City quickly having to get their heads back out of the Capital One Cup clouds, it was also a strange night for Dagenham as they began life without John Still.
The former longest-serving gaffer in the Football League had occupied their hot-seat – in his second spell with the club – since April 2004.
To put it into context, Bryan Robson was the Bantams boss at that time and his side were in the final throes of relegation from the Championship.
Dagenham, under Still, regarded Valley Parade as a second home – they had never lost in four previous visits. City had to buck that trend to reignite hopes of regaining some ground on their play-off rivals.
Parkinson shuffled the pack as promised, with six changes from Sunday. Jon McLaughlin was the only enforced one in goal for his first league action since October.
The City boss urged his side to go for it in the last leg of their marathon season and the presence of both Kyel Reid and Zavon Hines was proof of his attacking intent.
Dagenham sportingly gave them a guard of honour to walk on to the pitch and City were greeted by a sea of Wembley flags and plenty of noise from the stands.
Rory McArdle, playing at right back, had the first chance with a stretching volley that flashed over the bar after eight minutes.
But McLaughlin needed to be on his toes with a fine save on to the bar to deny Medy Elito as Dagenham countered. Matt Saunders dribbled past Michael Nelson to feed the winger, who cut inside and unleashed a fierce shot which the keeper was equal to.
Nathan Doyle took his bookings tally to nine for flattening Luke Howell but City tried to stay on the front foot. The home fans were certainly in a positive vein and doing their bit.
The tempo was fierce, with Dagenham double-teaming Reid to keep the winger in close check. And despite plenty of energy from the home side, McArdle's early effort was their only chance in the first half hour.
Centre half Scott Doe, a veteran of previous Daggers raids on City soil, nicked the ball off Garry Thompson as he tried to latch on to a Gary Jones through-ball. But there was a threat from the corner as McArdle again popped up with a flick-header across goal.
A little bit of devil was finally creeping into City's play but not enough and keeper Chris Lewington watched as Jones drove low and wide from 30 yards.
Dagenham were doing the job defensively with a foot here or a toe there, Luke Wilkinson robbing Andy Gray – who was finding it hard to get into the game – and Lewington diving at the feet of Thompson right on the edge of the penalty area as half-time arrived without a breakthrough.
But City had a huge escape four minutes into the second half after Dagenham fluffed a penalty.
Reid stumbled into the back of Wilkinson and it looked a harsh call as the assistant flagged. But justice – in home eyes –was done as Sam Williams fired a woeful spot-kick well wide of the right post.
Left back Olafemi Ilesanmi had been walking a disciplinary tight rope after a serious of debatable tackles on Hines. But referee Chris Sarginson's patience finally ran out as his latest lunge earned a yellow card.
Lewington clawed away Nelson's header in a crowded six-yard box and Gray showed good juggling skills with his back to goal before shooting wide.
City were trying but Williams nearly atoned for his hash from 12 yards with a clever curling effort that was not far off.
The hosts responded with a flurry of corners. McArdle's curled shot from the first was deflected just over and then Andrew Davies panicked Doe into a hurried clearance against his own bar.
Parkinson swapped his strikers round and brought Nahki Wells and Hanson off the bench. But the pair had not even had a touch when Dagenham stunned Valley Parade into near silence with a 69th-minute goal.
City coughed up possession to the right of the box and Ben Strevens cleverly slipped inside McArdle. As the defence tried to recover, the ball broke sideways into the path of Howell, who gave McLaughlin no chance with a drive into the bottom corner.
On came Alan Connell for Stephen Darby as Parkinson threw everyone in search of an equaliser – and it came with four minutes to go.
Hines, who had troubled Dagenham all night, drilled in a cross which Wells touched on for Hanson to knock home from close range.
City sensed a dramatic victory now and almost had it as Wells was thwarted on the line by Abu Ogogo. All in all, an opportunity missed as the play-offs remain ten points away.
Attendance: 10,006
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10256413.Parkin__Why_the_pessimism_over_Bradford_City_draw_/?ref=eb
Parkin: Why the pessimism over Bradford City draw?
8:10am Thursday 28th February 2013
By Simon Parker
Steve Parkin questioned the "pessimistic" reaction after City's Wembley homecoming ended in a stalemate.
James Hanson's ninth goal of the season rescued a late point in a 1-1 draw with Dagenham at Valley Parade.
It leaves City still ten points behind the final play-off spot, although they have games in hand on everyone above them.
While it was a frustrating start to the 15-game mini-campaign that Phil Parkinson has targeted, his assistant Parkin is baffled by any suggestion that they have already blown it.
Parkin said: "I just feel there's an air of pessimism around the place and I don't know why. It's almost as if the place needs a lift.
"We've come off the back of a fantastic cup run. We let ourselves down a little bit at the weekend but we've got to make sure we see it through to the end.
"We've got two or three games in hand on most people and we've got to play a lot of teams above us. So we'll see what happens.
"Is it because Bradford City are expected to win every game? I don't think that's the case.
"Dagenham came here and played very well. We did our best and the players couldn't have given any more.
"There's no guarantee you're going to win just because you're playing Dagenham & Redbridge.
"They've been very committed in their performance in terms of the manager leaving and trying to impress the new guy.
"Our league form has not been what we want it to be over the last few weeks. But the easy thing to do is look directly at the end of the season before the end of the season's here."
Parkinson made six changes from the Swansea defeat, with Hanson and Nahki Wells replaced up front by Andy Gray and Garry Thompson. The regular pair came off the bench midway through the second half and both were involved in City's equaliser.
Parkin said: "I thought (Thompson and Gray) were good in the first half. They were a threat and started to make inroads into their defence in the last 15 minutes.
"We should give the two central defenders some credit. (Luke) Wilkinson has had an outstanding season and a lot of people are looking at him.
"I thought Thommo and Andy were starting to get on top but it was the time to make the change and bring the two lads on after giving them a breather from Wembley.
"In terms of possession, some of the way we played was really good until we got ten or 12 yards from goal. We were found wanting a little bit but we kept going to the very end and that's all you ask for."
Winger Zavon Hines came in for some physical treatment and Parkin felt referee Chris Sarginson could have cracked down sooner. He also thought City should have done more to make their set-pieces count.
He said: "This was a difficult game in terms of bouncing back after Wembley. But it could have been a lot more difficult if they hadn't put in the energy and effort.
"A lot of players have run their socks off. Zav Hines and Gary Jones have put a massive shift in."
===========================
A matter of trust as Parkinson plots best way forward for Bradford City
7:40am Friday 1st March 2013
By Simon Parker
Phil Parkinson has told City fans to trust him as he continues to chop and change the team.
Tomorrow's derby clash with York will be City's 48th game of the season – the same as Chelsea, who have played the most of any team in the country.
It is a record number of matches for the Bantams by this stage and there are still another 13 after that to go.
That is why Parkinson will continue to rotate his options as he looks to launch a strong push in the final two months.
"I'm going to keep freshening up the team between now and the end of the season," said the City boss.
"Supporters might think 'why isn't he in the team when he's played well last week' but they are just going to have to trust me and the coaching staff.
"We need to play fresh legs every game and it might be the case that some players are best utilised from the bench.
"We've played an unprecedented amount of games and people will have to live with me on the team selection. I would be very surprised if the majority of our supporters don't understand that.
"I will be up front with them. I am going to make changes because we need to keep freshening it up."
Parkinson started with six different players from Wembley for the 1-1 draw against Dagenham at Valley Parade in midweek.
James Hanson and Nahki Wells were among those benched as he reverted to the Garry Thompson and Andy Gray partnership that had worked at Wycombe and Wimbledon in the previous two league outings.
But the pairings were swapped round midway through the second half and Hanson forced home the late equaliser – with a touch from Wells in the build-up – to claim his ninth goal of the campaign.
Parkinson said: "I thought James was excellent when he came on. He won every header and I was really pleased for him to get the goal."
The Bantams boss was encouraged by his side's fightback against opponents who always raise their game against them.
He admits that will be the case even more with other teams now because of City's new-found fame from their incredible Capital One Cup success.
"Teams all want to beat Bradford and we've got to accept that and deal with it," he said.
"Dagenham's players turned up on Wednesday and they were taking pictures of the ground before the game.
"It's got even worse because of the exposure we've had. People have seen our players on the telly and they want to go out and get the best of them.
"So teams are going to be up for a fight and we've got to match them. But I thought we did that and put in a really committed performance."
The victory at Wycombe remains City's only one in the league since Boxing Day. Next opponents York, who last beat Burton on New Year's Day, have now gone ten games without a win.
But Parkinson was happy with the performance in his side's first appearance after the cup final.
He said: "We dominated the game in the main. But getting that first goal at home has been a bit of a problem for us.
"Then they go ahead with their first shot on target. So you've got to give the lads credit to keep driving and going to the end.
"We've hit the bar from three yards out, (Rory) McArdle had a header wide in the first half and (Michael) Nelson's headed one back across goal that the keeper has clawed off the line.
"On another day, we would have probably scored from at least one of them. But we didn't give up and that was a very important point for us.
"Every game from now on is a big one and now we've got a local derby. I saw York at Rotherham and they played well but we're ready to move on and go again."
===========================
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)