L1 L0-1 (a) Swindon Monday April 21, 2014. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries


Injuries

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


Preview
BBC
http://bbc.in/1lqtwfQ

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11161520.Live_blog__Swindon_1_City_0/
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/27016574


Highlight/ Goal
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_Pqn8dvOXc


Post Game Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqvFa46J614&list=TL4LMVd7WPXtnb5lCjotpstoZHWdCTwAc0


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

Final whistle - match report

League One
Swindon T (0) 1 Cox 64
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 8,377

Report by Simon Parker (T&A)

City lost away for the first time in four games with a disappointing defeat
at Swindon.

The seventh-placed Robins kept their outside play-off hopes going thanks to
a fine second-half strike from Lee Cox - who was about to be substituted
when he scored.

City had started the game fairly well but were pushed back as the first half
went on. And the second was dominated by the home side.

Jon McLaughlin made a couple of crucial saves including a superb point-blank
block from Michael Smith's header.

Gary Jones had City's only real threat at goal with an early free-kick but
there was no comeback once they had conceded their first away goal since
March 22.

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

When the dust settled - match report


A pointless trip for Bantams on this occasion

8:00am Tuesday 22nd April 2014

By Simon Parker

Swindon Town 1 Bradford City 0

It was only just over three weeks ago that City were looking down the barrel.

A run of tough away games were on the cards and the trapdoor was still very much open.

The fact that yesterday's defeat had no real impact on their position in League One shows how much hard work has been done in that time.

But that won't have done much for the 299 hardy souls who made the four-hour hike to watch them in the West Country.

For the princely sum of £28 admission, not to mention a tenner for the official car park, the away fans saw some very low-key entertainment.

After three successive clean sheets on the road, City conceded their first away goal since Shrewsbury on March 22. And there was little suggestion of an equaliser as the game drifted to its conclusion.

The loss of Nathan Doyle through injury at half-time was a real blow for the game-plan. But Phil Parkinson would have expected more of a reaction once his side fell behind.

City's Good Friday victory over Peterborough had thrown Swindon a play-off lifeline. After five wins from their previous six games, the Robins had moved within four points of catching Posh in sixth.

So at least there was something tangible riding on the outcome yesterday. City's role, if nothing else, was of the spoiling variety – something they had proved to be good at of late.

Having shut out three of the four play-off teams in recent outings, the backline was not surprisingly unchanged. But there was a welcome sight on the bench where James Meredith made his first appearance in the squad since New Year's Day.

The only change saw James Hanson spared duty, allowing the big striker to rest his back after playing the full comeback game three days earlier.

Kyle Bennett came back in as Parkinson resorted to the 4-3-3 set-up that had served City so well at the New York Stadium. Raffaele De Vita tucked in to the middle three at the club where he enjoyed two very successful seasons.

Stephen Darby was another Swindon old boy remembered affectionately – he scored the decisive penalty in a play-off shoot-out against Parkinson's Charlton!

Swindon's obsession with keep ball meant City needed to concentrate as the home side tried to pass, pass and pass some more.

But considering what was at stake for the home side, there was a flat feel to the opening stages. The early action seemed to be taking place at walking pace – not that the visitors minded.

Gary Jones tried to up the tempo with a free-kick to the side of the Swindon box. Shaping to cross, the skipper instead drilled it towards the near post, where keeper Wes Foderingham smuggled the ball behind.

Swindon were finally stirred from their slumbers midway through the half – but it was of City's own making.

Rory McArdle's poor touch from Darby's pass was picked off by Alex Pritchard inside the box. But the on-loan Spurs midfielder, scorer of a stunner at Valley Parade in December, dragged his shot into the side-netting.

Swindon still enjoyed the bulk of the possession but their failure to open up the Bantams was frustrating the locals and there were audible groans after a couple of mid-pitch one-twos went nowhere.

Andrew Davies, who saw red on City's last visit in 2011, was shown a yellow for sliding in the back of Pritchard as Swindon started to liven things up.

Darby headed away a dangerous cross from Miles Storey and Jones made an important block by the penalty spot from Michael Smith.

The Swindon striker, who bagged their winner in stoppage time on Good Friday, got a good connection on a half-volley from the edge of the box but Jon McLaughlin had everything behind it.

Doyle nicked the ball off Massimo Luongo bursting into the box, Nathan Thompson blazed over and Smith squeezed a weak shot straight at the City keeper.

Swindon seemed to have remembered why they were here and were pushing the Bantams back as the game reached half-time.

City had started on the front foot but the home side took over as the half progressed and were asking a few questions.

Doyle had been doing an important job in that screening role in front of the back four but he did not reappear after the break – which meant a return to arms for Meredith.

Adam Drury stayed at left back with the Aussie directly replacing Doyle in the midfield holding role.

Swindon tried to turn the screw again as Pritchard skied a 20-yarder and Darby was first to a dangerous pass into the box from Luongo with Smith hovering.

The defensive resolve that had thwarted some big-name scalps of late was being called upon once more.

That was certainly the case in the 56th minute when Storey's cross was met with a decisive downward header by Smith. It looked a goal all the way but McLaughlin saved superbly and then Davies crucially won the scrum for Jay McEveley's follow-up ball in the six-yard box.

A goal was coming – and it arrived ten minutes later. Pritchard's drive was charged down but the ball rebounded into the path of Lee Cox, who wriggled into space and found the bottom corner with a precise curler.

Having got one, Swindon were hungry for another and McLaughlin produced a good save at the near post from Storey.

Parkinson responded by bringing on Aaron Mclean as an extra striker, De Vita leaving the field to a standing ovation from the home fans.

But City had done nothing going forward since the opening quarter of the game and Swindon continued to carry all the threat.

Luongo was again the provider for Pritchard to slide another shot the wrong side of the post with McLaughlin at full stretch.

Pritchard set his sights when McArdle gave away a foul 25 yards out. His low free-kick was whipped in with plenty of venom but the keeper was down in time to push it on to the post and away.

City showed a flicker of late resistance when Davies nodded down a long free-kick but Mclean ran the loose ball into the keeper.

Optimistic penalty appeals for a foul on Jon Stead were ignored as Swindon comfortably closed out for the three points they needed.


=----

Bradford City boss reflects on lacklustre defeat to Swindon
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11161971.Bradford_City_boss_reflects_on_lacklustre_defeat_to_Swindon/

Bradford City sees fewer injuries after buying new aerator says head groundsman
http://www.hortweek.com/news/1291073/

Phil Parkinson ready to talk contracts
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11163713.Bradford_City_boss_Parkinson_ready_to_talk_contracts/?ref=eb


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

From the Official BCFC Website:

TRANMERE AWAY ALL TICKET

The football club can confirm that City's final match of their 2013/2014 Sky
Bet League 1 campaign at Tranmere Rovers will now be ALL TICKET for Bradford
supporters.

Phil Parkinson's men are due at Prenton Park on Saturday 3 May 2014 for
their forty-sixth and final fixture of the league season.

City have been given an initial allocation of 1,500 match tickets for the
Prenton Park fixture, leading up to 2,000 tickets if and when needed.

Given the level of interest expected from City supporters for this fixture,
Tranmere have decided to make the match ALL TICKET for travelling Bradford
fans.

Having previously put Tranmere match tickets on sale exclusively to Priority
Travel Members and then Season Tickets holders, tickets are now on sale at
the Bantams Ticket Office to all City members.

Supporters will be registered as a member if they currently own a Priority
Travel membership, Season Ticket or FlexiCard, or if have travelled to a
match this season using one of the club's official supporters' coaches.

Supporters are also classed as ticket members if they have previously
registered their details with the ticket office or online. Fans can ring the
club's ticket office on 0871 978 8000 if they are unsure, however.

TICKETS WILL BE RESTRICTED TO THREE PER MEMBER.

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

From the Official BCFC website:

MINUTE'S SILENCE THIS SATURDAY

The football club would like to confirm to supporters that there will be a
minute's silence held ahead of Saturday's (26 April 2014) final Sky Bet
League 1 home match of the season with Crawley Town.

In keeping with tradition, the minute's silence will allow those within the
Coral Windows Stadium to pay their respects to the 56 people who sadly lost
their lives in the 1985 Valley Parade fire disaster.

Although the actual anniversary of the fire disaster isn't for another two
weeks or so, the club have traditionally used the final home fixture of the
season as an opportunity to honour the lives of the fifty-four Bradford City
supporters and two Lincoln City supporters who tragically passed away on
Saturday 11 May 1985.

The minute of silence will also give fans the chance to remember those who
we have lost over the last twelve months.

Turnstiles around the ground will close for the minute's silence, so fans
are requested to please arrive as early as possible on Saturday so they can
be part of the respectful marking of the disaster that took place 29 years
ago.

The turnstiles will re-open after the minute's silence has ended.

The club would like to politely remind fans to please turn off their mobile
phones during the minute's silence this Saturday.

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

L1 W1-0 (h) Peterborough United Friday April 18, 2014. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries


Injuries

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


Preview
BBC
http://bbc.in/1j6rGJO

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11159679.FT__City_1_Peterborough_0/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=387664&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26983212

Highlight/ Goal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2YyKeD6uzM


Post Game Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1tTqaf33uM



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

Final whistle - match report

League One
Bradford City (1) 1 Reach 26
Peterborough (0) 0
Att: 13,820

Report by Simon Parker (T&A)

Forget the maths, City are safe!

Adam Reach's stunning free-kick clinched their first home win in five
attempts in his final appearance at Valley Parade.

The win over sixth-placed Posh, who played the second half with ten men
after Shaun Brisley's red card, puts the Bantams nine points clear of the
bottom four.

And with the massive advantage in goal difference, they can relax over a job
done.

It was nervier than it should have been but City were far more positive than
the last two home games against Walsall and Oldham.

Sub Kyle Bennett had a point-blank header saved and James Hanson, back from
injury, saw a late effort scrambled off the line.


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

When the dust settled - match report


Reach gives Bantams fans the perfect farewell present

8:00am Saturday 19th April 2014

By Simon Parker

Bradford City 1 Peterborough 0

That's some way to say goodbye! Adam Reach signed off at Valley Parade last night with a finish of the highest quality to make sure City will definitely be in League One next season.

Reach, whose loan is up after Monday's trip to Swindon, smacked home a stunning free-kick to clinch a first home win in five attempts.

With Sir Alex Ferguson in the crowd, it was a Beckham-esque touch.

More importantly, it lifted the Bantams nine points clear of the bottom four – and with the huge advantage in goal difference terms, that means safety.

Posh, on the other hand, are still sweating on the final play-off spot. And now hoping City will do them a favour at the County Ground...

Peterborough's season has seen more peaks and troughs than City. Six wins in a row early on boosted hopes of an immediate return to the Championship; then five defeats on the bounce had some calling for the head of boss Darren Ferguson.

They arrived at Valley Parade on the back of successive home wins – but had lost four of the last five games on the road.

City's form guide was the opposite, with three clean sheets on the trot away just as results on home soil had inexplicably gone into a tail-spin.

History at least appeared to be on their side – City were thought to be unbeaten at Valley Parade in Good Friday fixtures. More significantly, they had James Hanson back in the ranks for his first start since Shrewsbury.

The other change saw Raffaele De Vita making his first start since November 9 as he tries to finish an injury-ravaged campaign with a bit of momentum.

Peterborough's plans were disrupted when keeper Bobby Olejnik cried off ill. It meant a recall for Joe Day, whose last appearance saw them ship five at Oldham.

The afternoon results had been relatively kind, with City's advantage on the bottom four only shaved by a point to six.

City matched up Peterborough's diamond midfield with Reach playing behind the front two and Nathan Doyle keeping the minder role he played at Rotherham in front of the defence.

Doyle forced Day into an early save but the first genuine threat came from Posh. Nicky Ajose's clever flick round the corner created space for skipper Tommy Rowe, whose 25-yard drive just wide had Jon McLaughlin scrambling across his goal.

There was some promising build-up play at times from the home side but things tended to break down around the penalty area. Reach made a couple of decent darts forward without delivering an end product.

De Vita produced the cross of the match midway through the half, bending a wicked ball beyond Day to the far post. Hanson stooped in but just failed to make contact.

But the game burst into life after 27 minutes with a spectacular strike from Reach. The winger was flattened by a Peterborough sandwich of Rowe and Jack Payne 25 yards from goal – and exacted lethal revenge.

He drilled the free-kick over the wall and into the top corner of the net with Day beaten all ends up.

His stunning goal injected a swagger into City's play and Adam Drury rumbled forward to have a go with a fizzing effort that Day turned away.

Then Reach found room to have another pop but there was no repeat this time as he fired into the Bradford End.

With Peterborough's full backs looking to bomb on at the drop of a hat, there was plenty of room for the Bantams to try to exploit.

Shaun Brisley was one of the centre halves exposed by his gallivanting team-mates and he picked up the first yellow card of the night for clattering Jon Stead after being left short-staffed at the back.

And within two minutes, yellow had become red for a challenge on Reach. Brisley did not appear to deliberately stick a leg out but with the winger travelling at speed, the contact was enough to have referee Andy Haines reaching for his top pocket.

De Vita seemed to relish his role on the right of the City diamond and was inches away from a second goal with a rasping volley just over. The Italian, who admitted the last four months had been the worst period of his life, was certainly keen to make up for lost time.

City's momentum was building as the half wore on and the ten-man visitors were relieved to hear the whistle for the break – even if it meant a likely meeting with the Fergie junior hair dryer in the dressing room.

He made two changes for the second half but City began in the same vein, with Reach eager to have another attempt at goal.

The numerical disadvantage had not changed Peterborough's attacking mindset and they switched to 3-4-2. They had not given this one up.

City could not afford to relax with the lead only 1-0 – that was illustrated when Britt Assombalonga, who had hardly been involved, suddenly fired a shot off Andrew Davies which wrong-footed Jon McLaughlin but deflected over the bar.

There was even more danger when Assombalonga latched on to a pass from sub Craig Alcock and cut past Drury into the box.

McLaughlin came out to narrow the angle and the 30-goal striker squared across the six-yard box. Fortunately for City, Stephen Darby was in the perfect spot to intercept and allow the keeper to recover.

Davies needed treatment after Assombalonga looked to have trodden on him and the centre half wagged a finger in his direction as he went off briefly for running repairs.

Assombalonga's influence was growing and he worried City once more with a curling shot that beat the far post.

Phil Parkinson made a double switch midway through the half. Aaron Mclean came on to face the club where he made his name, replacing Stead, and Kyle Bennett took over from De Vita.

Bennett was straight into it with a cross carrying just too much on it for Hanson to direct into the far corner. Then Reach had a shot beaten away by Day at the near post.

City thought they had wrapped it up 13 minutes from time when Bennett raced in to meet Reach's cross – only for his header to strike the surprised keeper. A yard either side and it would have been game over.

That meant an occasionally nervy finale for the Bantams, even if the visitors took until stoppage time to muster a couple of shots on target despite their spirited response since the break.

City still had one last chance to double their advantage but Hanson was denied a comeback goal by Kgosi Ntlhe on the line.

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

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11159806.Bantams_boss_Parkinson_can_sleep_easy_after_win/
Bantams boss Phil Parkinson can sleep easy after victory over Peterborough



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

If you haven't seen it, there is an interesting piece on last week's Late Kick Off Yorkshire about the RIASA (?) scheme which produced Nahki Wells. Guest appearances from Lee Duxbury, Mega Ellis & Dave Baldwin and Valley Parade!  It should be available till Monday on IBBC IPlayer

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

We got 21 pts from the first 10 games (6 wins, 3 draws,1 defeat)
In the last 33 games, we have got only 32 points (6 wins, 14 draws,13 defeats).


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

L1 D0-0 (a) Rotherham United Friday April 11, 2014. K.O. 7:52PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Leeds United have extended a loan agreement with Bradford City for defender
Adam Drury until the end of the season. Since joining the Whites, Drury has only made 13 league appearances for the
club and is out of contract at the end of this season.


Injuries

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


Preview
BBC http://bbc.in/1n8DeAd

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11144769.FT__Rotherham_0_City_0/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=390638&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26879878


Photos
Rotherham United match pictures by @tmgphotography - Rotherham images by Thomas Gadd
http://t.co/XsJi0ZEP16



Post Game Interview
http://t.co/ZqlnrQVpjs
http://t.co/fUOxyV9blH

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

Final whistle - match report

League One
Rotherham (0) 0
Bradford C (0) 0
Att: 9,228 (Televised)

Report by Simon Parker (T&A)

City finally ended a run of six straight defeats at the hands of Rotherham
with a gritty point at the New York Stadium.

It was a drab game for the live TV cameras but the travelling fans were
delighted to see their team share the spoils after so much disappointment
against their South Yorkshire rivals.

The draw lifts the Bantams up to 50 points - surely enough to avoid any late
panic in the dogfight at the bottom of the table.

Adam Reach had City's best chance with a close-range effort blocked by
keeper Adam Collin.

Rotherham hit the post through Michael O'Connor and missed good chances from
Haris Vuckic and Kari Arnason.



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

From the Official BCFC Website:

CITY GET THEIR HANDS ON YOUTH TROPHY

City's youth set-up finally got their hands on the Youth Alliance (North
East) Division winners' trophy this Friday (11 April 2014) morning after
being crowned as champions of their league this season.

The Bantams' Head of Youth and Academy Manager Peter Horne received the
trophy at the Coral Windows Stadium from former Bantams defender David
Wetherall - now Head of Youth Development at the Football League - and the
League's Youth Development Business Manager Jim Briden.

Now in the club's possession, the trophy will be officially presented to
City's triumphant youth team by Wetherall and Bantams boss Phil Parkinson on
the pitch at Valley Parade before the club's final Sky Bet League 1 home
fixture of the season against Crawley Town (on Saturday 26 April 2014).

This club's title success this campaign is a fitting reward for City's
apprentices, who led the way at the top of league since the very start of
the season.

They actually won the title with three games of their league season to go
just over two weeks ago having won fifteen and lost only two of their
nineteen matches up to that point.

Even more impressively, the Bantams actually went through until 11 March
unbeaten in the league. Their tremendous unbeaten run through to March
incredibly saw City only two points throughout that period.

Unsurprisingly given their dominance this season, City have conceded the
fewest goals in their league so far and scored the most. Their final game of
the league season is against Burton Albion this Saturday.

Not happy with their title success alone though, City's apprentices will go
for a league and cup double later this month when they take on Colchester
United in the Youth Alliance Cup Final.

The cup final will take place at the Coral Windows Stadium on Tuesday 29
April 2014.


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

Book review: Roy McFarland has used his new autobiography to reveal that leaving City was his "biggest mistake in football".
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11137782.Book_review__Bradford_City_exit_does_not_fill_McFarland_with_pride/

Book review: If City are after inspiration for Friday's trip to Rotherham, they could do worse than looking up 'Robbie's rocket' on Youtube.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11137767.Book_review__Bradford_City_fans_should_look_up_Robbie___s_rocket/

Easter opening times
http://t.co/gj4Rnz2ojR


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

FALKIRK FINALLY RECEIVE MARK STEWART PAYMENT
by Chris McCall (sport@falkirkherald.co.uk)

Falkirk are £155,000 better off today after Bradford City paid compensation owed to the Bairns regarding the transfer of Mark Stewart.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favour of the Westfield club last month following a long-running dispute with the Bantams.

FIFA originally backed Falkirk's claim in January 2013 that they were due compensation for Stewart following his move to the Yorkshire club in July 2011 under freedom of contract.

But Bradford contested this ruling and appealed to the Swiss-based court. With no other legal avenue open to them, the club has now paid the agreed amount to the Bairns, as well their legal costs.

Falkirk general manager David White said: "It's been a long, hard road to reach this point. But even after three years, we feel that it has been worth it."

Heraldsport understands that the cash has not been earmarked for any specific spending plan, but that it could allow the club to post a small profit in the financial year.

The Bairns had originally claimed more than £215,000 from Bradford for the striker. They were due the training compensation as the club offered Stewart, who was then under-23, a contract within an allotted time-frame set-out by FIFA - but Stewart's June birthday complicated matters.

Since leaving Bradford, Stewart has played for Hamilton, Dundee and Kilmarnock and is currently turning out for Derry City.

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

L1 L2-3 (h) Oldham Athletic Saturday April 5, 2014. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries


Injuries

James Meredith
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11131480.Eager_Meredith_reined_back_by_Bradford_City/

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


Preview
BBC http://bbc.in/1q5Gxdr

City head back to Valley Parade on Saturday with Phil Parkinson telling home fans: We owe you.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11121934.Parkinson_wants_to_put_smile_on_Bantams_fans____faces/?ref=eb


Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11129416.FT__City_2_Oldham_3/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368539&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=


Highlight/ Goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqBWEyK79rI&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ae_pwHiWzPo&list=TLXaFRYJXpEuXKIPQyvGzoSzzOMr5Ab2tD
Goal Cam  - unfortunately due to technical issues we missed Adam Reach's goal earlier in the game.

Post Game Interview
http://t.co/GJ8Kw5oJim
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMVnzl1F6x4&feature=youtu.be


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

Final whistle - match report

City suffered another home horror as Oldham boosted their chances of beating the drop with a win this afternoon.
After winning four points from two away games, Phil Parkinson wanted to see that form repeated at Valley Parade.
Instead, the Bantams imploded defensively to slip to their third defeat in four home games.
Oldham struck the opener midway through the first half. Jonson Clarke-Harris headed down at the far post and nobody reacted to James Wesolowski as he charged in to ram home from ten yards.
City switched formations to match up with the Latics, Kyle Bennett playing a more central role behind Jon Stead.
And they were rewarded with an equaliser ten minutes before the break. Matty Dolan played a glorious angled pass into the box where Adam Reach controlled well and then steered a shot past Paul Rachubka.
But City had not learned their earlier lesson and were punished again for more dozy defending right on half-time. Gary Harkins poked a pass behind the back four, everyone froze and Clarke-Harris was on his own to score easily.
It got worse for the home side after 58 minutes when Oldham went further in front, Clarke-Harris finishing off again from a long ball by Jonathan Grounds.
Gary Jones scored with the last kick of the game after sub Mark Yeates had hit the post but it was scant consolation.
Once again, it had been desperately poor fare for the Valley Parade faithful.


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

When the dust settled - match report


Mystic Parkinson proved right to stay cautious over Bradford City's future

6:10am Monday 7th April 2014

By Simon Parker

City 2, Oldham 3

Phil Parkinson had warned us all before the game. Rewind to Thursday’s press conference where he insisted that his forward planning was looking no further than the weekend.

Eight points above the dreaded drop, and seemingly home and hosed at that stage, but the Bantams boss refused to talk about next season. He wouldn’t even reveal any plans for next week.

It sounded an unnecessarily cautious approach from a team boosted by four points and back-to-back clean sheets on the road.

Surely it was the moment to put this current campaign to bed and start analysing how to right the wrongs over the coming months.

But no, Parkinson was adamant that this season was still very much alive. The job, in his words, was far from done.

And like his Oldham oppo Lee Johnson, who had told Jonson Clarke-Harris in the warm-up that he would end a four-month goal drought by scoring two, Parkinson’s clairvoyant skills proved spot on.

Unfortunately 2013-14 has not been consigned to history at Valley Parade; far from it.

It would still take a collapse on a monumental scale for City to plunge into the bottom four by tea-time on Saturday, May 3.

With six points and eight teams between them and the final relegation spot, not to mention a plus goal difference, they hold a strong enough hand for the desperate game of ‘stick or twist’ in the closing weeks.

But City’s future remains a gamble for at least another week or so – and who would they least like to play after the latest home no-show? Ah yes, it’s Rotherham again on Friday.

A visit to the ultimate bogey side and bogeyman with the Sky TV cameras to capture the night in all its glory ... no end-of-season niceties on the agenda there.

The masochists might suggest that at least it keeps the final month interesting. But this is not the same kind of interest generated by the same stage a year ago when City were going full throttle towards the play-offs.

How they could do with a few games of nothingness to let things wind down – and allow Parkinson to start putting a few future thoughts in place.

Some budget discussions have already taken place with the board but the details have to remain sketchy for now. Nobody can afford to make any big decisions when City’s destiny for next August is still not guaranteed.

It should have been. Saturday should have seen them break the 50-point barrier – that almost mystical mark that means safety and survival for those who pass through.

After all, it’s four years since Gillingham were the last side to reach their half-century at this level and still be relegated.

But City are still tantalisingly short by a point – and they can have no complaints about that after another sorry showing on their own patch.

A feature of Parkinson’s legacy in the Bantams hot-seat has been the way his team have performed at Valley Parade.

Acutely aware of the stage fright suffered by many of his predecessors, one of his priority tasks on taking the job was to rebuild that home ‘fortress’.

It played a large part in keeping them in the Football League in his first season; its significance was even bigger in getting City promoted in the second.

But now the gremlins are back – and like a band of squatters intent on trashing the place, they seem in no hurry to move along.

Three defeats in four home games, one point out of 12 – those are stats from the bad old days.

Stevenage was sloppy, Gillingham unlucky, Walsall awful. Sadly Oldham, certainly in the flattest of second halves, felt like Walsall part two.

Once again, there was no hint of a fightback when the going got tough. Too many simply disappeared; content to be second best against opponents who appeared to want it more.

Parkinson blamed himself for the tired legs after sticking with the bulk of the team that had looked so strong on the road. There was definitely a jaded air to the home performance.

But any slowness in thought and deed should not excuse some of the basic errors when City simply switched off.

All three Oldham goals looked poor defensively – and this from a team that had not conceded a goal in the previous three hours of away action.

But back at base camp, they were too often at sixes and sevens. Rory McArdle and Andrew Davies, the heartbeat of that back-four invincibility, played like they had never seen each other.

Oldham, backed by the largest away following since Rotherham brought 2,500 on Boxing Day, sensed blood; in particular, the whippet-like teenager Clarke-Harris – no wonder his manager had been so confident of ending a scoring drought dating back to December 29.

He was the provider for the first goal, outjumping McArdle for Connor Brown’s deep cross. Adam Drury was caught on his heels by James Wesolowski and the Australian converted from close range.

City responded within 13 minutes. Matty Dolan lifted the crowd with a sliding tackle to win back possession on halfway and then delivered the best home pass of the day to find Adam Reach.

The winger took it well in his stride, negotiated the challenge of one-time Leeds keeper Paul Rachubka and finished with aplomb. So far, so good.

But the decisive moment arrived right on the break. Gary Harkins poked a pass into the goalmouth, nobody in a claret and amber jersey twitched a muscle and Clarke-Harris was all alone to lash in Oldham’s second.

Cue plenty of tea-potting and finger-pointing among the home players and a stunned silence in the stands – at least in three of them.

That deflated feeling lingered into the second half, both on and off the pitch. There was no conviction about City’s play and the subdued support reflected that.

Instead, Jonathan Grounds swept a long, low pass forward and Clarke-Harris outpaced McArdle and outmuscled Davies to steer in a killer third goal.

Gary Jones pegged one back in the final minute of stoppages after Mark Yeates had rattled a post but its only significance was to keep City in positive goal difference.

Boos once again accompanied the final whistle. It is suddenly becoming a Valley Parade habit.

Attendance: 14,920

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

Survival still in our own hands, Phil Parkinson tells his below-par Bradford City players
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11129782.Survival_still_in_our_own_hands__Parkinson_tells_his_below_par_Bradford_City_players/

Consistency key for Bradford City run-in
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11133517.Consistency_key_for_Bradford_City_run_in/

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

Fans urged to help complete Bradford City kit collection
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11131207.Fans_urged_to_help_complete_Bradford_City_kit_collection/

Ever wondered what City’s 1996 Wembley hero Mark Stallard might look like dressed as a granny in a World Cup song video?
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11127743.Former_Bantams_player_Stallard_a_smash_hit_in_England_World_Cup_song/?ref=eb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7J-ZQ9WLJk#t=185

City’s newest shirt sponsor wants to see his company’s name sharing the pitch in a West Yorkshire derby with Leeds.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11128498.Bradford_City_backed_to_book_Leeds_United_derby_date/?ref=eb


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

L1 D0-0 (a) Coventry Tuesday April 1, 2014. K.O. 1:45PM. #bcafc

rescheduled from Saturday February 15, 2014

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries


Injuries

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


Preview
BBC
http://bbc.in/1hsfAOj

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11118664.FT__Coventry_0_City_0/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=388813&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

highlights
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtmWHarf4q8



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

Final whistle - match report

Bradford drew 0-0 with Coventry in a turgid affair at Sixfields.

Aaron Mclean, Jon Stead and Adam Reach all missed good chances for the Bantams who had the better of the opportunities across the 90 minutes.

The first real chance of the game fell to Mclean, who found himself unmarked at the back post and his header forced Sky Blues keeper Joe Murphy into a superb save.

Stead had a great chance shortly after against his old club, but his powerful drive inside the area forced Murphy into action once more with the keeper getting a strong hand to the striker's low drive.

After the break, Phil Parkinson's men had another glaring opportunity when Kyle Bennett's cross from the right was met by the unmarked Adam Reach but he headed against the bar.


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

When the dust settled - match report

Bantams get the silent treatment in goalless draw
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11118997.Bantams_get_the_silent_treatment_in_goalless_draw/?ref=eb


Murphy's law as Bantams foiled by inspired Coventry keeper

7:40am Wednesday 2nd April 2014

By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson was left cursing a brilliant display from Coventry keeper Joe Murphy after City missed the chance of back-to-back away wins.

The Bantams moved another point nearer to League One safety after last night’s goalless draw at Sixfields.

They dominated the Sky Blues but Murphy produced two stunning saves to deny strikers Aaron Mclean and Jon Stead. Adam Reach also hit the bar with a header.

Parkinson said: “Their keeper has pulled off two of the best saves I’ve seen. The one from Mclean’s header was incredible. But he’s a top goalkeeper and Championship standard.

“I think Aaron did everything right. We jumped up and were celebrating on the bench.

“But he just clawed it out – it was a fantastic save. Then he pulled off another great one from Jon Stead.

“In those instances, they both did everything right in terms of technique. But sometimes you’ve just got to applaud the goalkeeper.”

City followed up Saturday’s win at Leyton Orient with another clean sheet. Despite his frustration at the outcome, Parkinson was delighted by a second strong display on the road.

“After the Walsall game, Bradford City was a low place to be at,” he added. “To then go on our travels and regroup as well as we’ve done, four points is a good return.

“We’re really pleased. We can bemoan our luck and the lads will be disappointed not to get the win but it was important we got the point.

“We should have come away 2-0 or 3-0 winners. But in games like that when you have dominated, you’ve also got to be careful you don’t switch off and end up losing.

“I was pleased that as well as we played going forward, we also concentrated at the back. We had so much play in their half and Jon (McLaughlin) was rarely threatened.

“It summed up the performance when they had a shot in the last 30 seconds of the first half and the whole crowd cheered sarcastically.”

City are now up to 49 points – the average mark for survival over the past decade. But Parkinson has no intention of letting anyone ease up.

“Who knows what the cut-off point will be? But we’re nine points ahead of the bottom four.

“I just want to keep going until we are mathematically safe and I told the lads before the game that the team who switched off and thought they’d cracked it would lose.

“To be fair to Coventry, they were focused as well even though they weren’t great. But both teams want to keep going.”

City were worried whether Stead would be up to playing again so soon after his debut at the weekend. But Parkinson felt the new loan striker stepped up a gear.

He said: “Jon’s calves tightened up with cramp on Saturday and we were concerned about him.

“We thought it might be a big ask because he’s not played that much first-team football this season. But he looked stronger.

“He played well on Saturday and even better last night.”

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

Phil Parkinson’s plans for next season remain on hold until City have rubberstamped their League One status.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11124891.Bantams_boss_Parkinson_planning_for_next_game__not_next_season/


City head back to Valley Parade on Saturday with Phil Parkinson telling home fans: We owe you.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11121934.Parkinson_wants_to_put_smile_on_Bantams_fans____faces/?ref=eb



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

From the Official BCFC Website:

CITY AT HOME IN YOUTH ALLIANCE CUP FINAL

After beating Hull City in the northern section final last weekend, the
Bantams' youth team will play at home to Colchester United in the Youth
Alliance Cup national final later this month.

City won a coin toss this Wednesday to ensure they will host this year's
final at the Coral Windows Stadium.

The grand final will take place on Tuesday 29 April - kick off 7:00pm.

Prices and further admission information will be confirmed in due course.

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

L1 W1-0 (a) Leyton Orient Saturday March 29, 2014. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/


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

Signings, Loans and Injuries


Injuries
Hanson (back) and Doyle (groin) unlikely to feature at Leyton Orient this Saturday.

Adam Drury suffers knee injury in the game and is a doubt for Tuesday night at Coventry.

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


Preview
BBC http://bbc.in/1jDpHD0


Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11112457.FT__Leyton_Orient_0_City_1/
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/26694144


Highlight/ Goal
http://t.co/3o6tZwpz4b


Post Game Interview
http://t.co/dj0kuG1Gto


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

Final whistle - match report

League One
Leyton Orient (0) 0
Bradford City (1) 1 McLean 27
Att: 5,165


Report by Simon Parker (T&A)

Phil Parkinson was sent off as City claimed three huge points at
promotion-chasing Leyton Orient.

The Bantams boss watched the second half from the directors' box following a
half-time altercation with O's number two Kevin Nugent.

But he must have been delighted with what he saw as City scrapped their way
to a crucial victory, secured by Orient old boy Aaron Mclean.

Stephen Darby set the tone defensively with a crucial early block from a
goal-bound shot by Kevin Lisbie before City's back four were rocked by an
injury to Adam Drury.

But within six minutes of Carl McHugh taking over at left back, it was the
visitors who had the lead.

Gary Jones pumped their first corner deep and Mclean eluded his marker Gary
Sawyer to knock home his second goal for the club.

City had the chance for a second when Adam Reach led a three-man break but
debutant Jon Stead's shot was blocked.

They had a scare right on half-time when Dean Cox drove against the arm of
Andrew Davies, who had already been booked.

But referee David Phillips had already blown for the break - sparking the
heated scenes between the rival coaching staff in the tunnel.

City predictably came under increasing pressure in the second half. But they
battled away to keep Orient at arm's length with Shaun Batt's curler past
the post the only serious threat.



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

When the dust settled - match report


Bantams Aaron their way to safety after crucial win

8:00am Monday 31st March 2014

By Simon Parker

Leyton Orient 0 Bradford City 1

Aaron Mclean was the last to emerge from the underground car park that doubles as the exit from the Leyton Orient dressing rooms.

He’d been getting patched up by the physio, the stitches in the back of his head medals of honour from City’s winning battle.

Way off the pace, in his manager’s words, on Tuesday but four days later sticking his bonce in where it hurts at the ground where he took his first pro steps as a 16-year-old.

From zero to goal-scoring hero, the striker’s transformation summed up that of City at the end of a chalk and cheese week, which culminated in a precious three points and an audible sigh of relief from all those of a claret and amber persuasion after watching their side move to the brink of League One safety.

With the sun beating down on East London, the players delivered a performance to warm every Bantam heart. A performance full of sheer bloody-mindedness and a determination not to blow up; the type of performance we have come to expect in the Phil Parkinson era.

Successive no-shows against Shrewsbury and Walsall had thrown up uncomfortable questions. We’re not talking the hysterical demands from the foaming mouths of the internet message board but genuine concerns about where the team’s drive had gone.

The training ground had not been a place for the faint hearted these past few days. Steam was still smouldering in the manager’s ears after the home shambles on Tuesday.

So where better to make amends than away to one of the division’s pace-setters, still chasing the prize of automatic promotion?

It probably did City a favour to be so far from home. Valley Parade could have been an intimidating stage so soon following Walsall.

But 200 miles south, a fixture no doubt marked as an Orient gimme on every betting accumulator lifted the spotlight.

And how City’s redemption was so richly deserved.

This was no smash-and-grab one shot, one goal and hang on for dear life affair; for all Leyton Orient’s possession, it was the visiting side who had the bulk of the chances.

Russell Slade’s men have been a breath of fresh air this season. While the multi-millions of Wolves and millions of Brentford bulldoze their way into the Championship, Leyton Orient have been a shining example for the little guys.

Despite a budget a fraction of the top two, the unfashionable O’s have traded blow for blow since a record-breaking start to the season catapulted them in front.

In any other year, their points tally would make promotion a certainty. But this campaign is the exception.

Inevitably the unrelenting pace has started to hit them. They have now won only once in six as the play-offs become a reality – a memorable achievement anyway but somehow an empty one given what has gone on.

For the opposition, it’s a good time to play them. City were not the only team booed off by their own fans on Tuesday as the Leytonstone locals took exception to Oldham snatching a last-gasp draw.

Confidence is on the wane but, as Steve Parkin had said in the build-up, that fragility can only be exposed if you get your own game right.

And City were bang on the button from the moment that Stephen Darby threw his frame in the way of Kevin Lisbie’s early goal-bound effort.

Even the loss of Adam Drury, as the curse of the left back struck once again, failed to weaken away resolve.

Carl McHugh, as we know, is no natural in the role and, up against one of the most fleet-footed wingers at this level, many feared an uncomfortable outcome.

But the lad with the heart the size of a dustbin (copyright Parkinson on many occasions) once again stood tall, stood firm and generally stood in the way.

Orient were shut down so effectively that they were limited to only a couple of shots on target.

That’s a couple more, of course, than City managed last Tuesday. But their first one here delivered the afternoon’s decisive strike.

Gary Jones lofted their first corner deep to the far post, where Mclean caught his marker Gary Sawyer napping to steal in with a close-range finish. Orient had been struck by the curse of the Ex.

No team in the division have recovered more lost causes than the O’s. They had lost only five of the 15 previous occasions when going 1-0 down – coming back to win six of them.

But Mclean’s goal had compounded the sense that their fortunes are on the slide. There was no real conviction about any fightback this time.

“I’d said to the lads before the game that we’re not playing the Orient from the start of the season when they were free-flowing,” said Parkinson. “We’re playing a team that the crowd booed off the pitch on Tuesday.

“I felt comfortable and never really thought they were going to threaten us.”

Parkinson spent the second half keeping director of operations David Baldwin company on the boardroom balcony after a fracas in the tunnel with Orient assistant Kevin Nugent.

City had just got a break when referee David Phillips blew for half-time a fraction of a second before Andrew Davies got his arm in the way of a Dean Cox shot in the box.

Orient were livid as Phillips pointed to the dressing rooms and not the spot. Parkinson had already wound up the home bench by appealing every decision and tempers flipped.

Verbals flew before Parkinson claimed he was shoved in the back by Nugent. Both teams jumped in to the melee, with new boy Jon Stead apparently the first on the scene, before Phillips had his say.

But there was no squirming in his new seat for the manager.

The sight of Slade removing both of his prolific front pair before the end indicated the effectiveness of City’s afternoon.

Apart from one curling shot past the post from sub Shaun Batt, the genuine goal threat came at the other end.

Stead, who had a very effective debut, had a shot blocked in the first half soon after Mclean’s opener.

And there were further opportunities to stretch the lead in the second. McHugh headed just over from a corner, Jones went close and Garry Thompson came off the bench to twice force Jamie Jones into saving well with his legs.

Parkinson still tips Orient to go up via the play-offs but it would be no surprise to see City back here next season. At least their own place in this division looks far more secure.

“We’ve come a long way,” he added. “We’ve had so much disruption this season and it’s been difficult.

“But we’ve worked hard to get into this division and we’ll keep working hard to make sure we stay.”
===========================


It has taken more than two years but City have finally won a game without James Hanson.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11114098.It___s_ready_Steady_go_for_new_Bradford_City_double_act/

Phil Parkinson insists there will be no afters with Steven Pressley when they share the Northampton touchline tonight.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11115195.Bantams_boss_Parkinson_pledges_to_keep_the_peace_against_Coventry/?ref=eb



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

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11112531.Webb_Foster_books_Bradford_City_youth_team_s_place_in_grand_final/

Watch highlights from the Youth Team's victory over Hull City on Saturday
http://t.co/iqknxvehw3

Webb-Foster books Bradford City youth team's place in grand final

3:01pm Saturday 29th March 2014

City beat Hull 1-0 in this morning's Youth Alliance (Northern Section) Cup Final at the Coral Windows Stadium.

Despite the Bantams' youngsters missing a number of regulars due to injury, illness and first-team call-ups, a first-half strike from Reece Webb-Foster proved enough to book City's place in the grand final.

The margin of victory could have been greater but Nathan Curtis unfortunately saw his second-half penalty saved.

City will now play the winners of the southern section final, either Colchester United or Portsmouth, at a venue yet to be decided.

City: Barker, Jenkinson, Kershaw, Wright, Waters, King, Mottley-Henry, Devine, Brennan, Webb-Foster, Curtis

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