The Bradford City Onion

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

Friday, August 29, 2014

LC2 W2-1 (h) Wednesday August 27, 2014. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc

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

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

Next Game
No advance ticket sales for next Tuesday's Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie at Oldham Athletic - PAY ON THE DAY
http://t.co/nwFwKWl2lG

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Injuries
Andrew Davies, broken left arm (Aug 23)
City fans can send their messages onto Andrew via @Andrew_Davies84
https://twitter.com/officialbantams/status/504949744322756608/photo/1

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

Preview
Preview followed by live coverage of Wednesday's League Cup game between Bradford City and Leeds United.
BBC http://bbc.in/1lc7D4b

Cup tie can put smile on Bradford City fans' faces
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11431786.Cup_tie_can_put_smile_on_Bradford_City_fans__faces/

John Hendrie column: It's a great time for Bradford City to be playing Leeds
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11431745.John_Hendrie_column__It_s_a_great_time_for_Bradford_City_to_be_playing_Leeds/

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11436015.FT__City_2_Leeds_1
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/28862805

Highlight/ Goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9Ez_57IzLM (short version)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eyagh1ufPA

Leeds thugs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=SH7-wo05-Z0

Post Game Interview

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

Final whistle - match report

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11436337.Bradford_City_head_boy_Hanson_and_Billy_Whizz_stun_Leeds/

Bradford City head boy Hanson and Billy Whizz stun Leeds

8:00am Thursday 28th August 2014

By Simon Parker

Bradford City 2 Leeds United 1

THROW in the manner of victory, the opposition and an 82-year wait – it's fair to say that wins don't come sweeter than this.

Capital One Cup heroics are nothing new at Valley Parade but a derby victory over Leeds here – for the first time since 1932 – can now rank alongside those earlier glory nights.

And how fitting that it should be local lad James Hanson, the only survivor from the last meeting between the neighbours three years ago, who notched the decider.

It was even better because City, who had the advantage of playing with an extra man for an hour, fell behind with only minutes left.

But instead of shrinking, the hosts rose again. Billy Knott levelled with an absolute belter and then Hanson stooped to conquer with a trademark header just one minute 40 seconds later.

With Andrew Davies beginning his recovery following Monday's operation on his broken left arm, Alan Sheehan lined up in the middle against the club where he made 24 appearances between 2008 and 2010.

James Meredith returned at left back so the back four was the same that kept a clean sheet in the first round at League Two leaders Morecambe.

Ben Williams once again replaced the ineligible Jordan Pickford but the keeper was hardly short of big-match experience, having featured in eight Edinburgh derbies in his recent two years at Hibernian.

Under-fire Leeds head coach Dave Hockaday named a side with ten Englishmen – players he obviously felt would understand the significance of such a tribal fixture. That included a first start in a year for midfielder David Norris.

Matt Smith, another to get a recall, headed wide from the opening corner as the game began to a noisy backdrop.

And that volume cranked up a couple of notches when Luke Murphy went in very late on Gary Liddle to earn an early yellow card. A less lenient ref might have reached for a different colour.

The start was predictably fast and furious with nobody prepared to concede an inch.

But Leeds had settled the better and Sheehan got a crucial touch to take the ball off the toe of Norris in the box before Stephen Warnock fired off target.

There was a worry for City when Mclean suddenly went down needing treatment. But he was able to play on after treatment – and went within a whisker of breaking the deadlock on 17 minutes.

Sheehan whipped a deep free-kick to the far post, where the striker's stooping header flashed just wide.

City had settled down after a few early nerves and there was little to choose between the sides. Smith was winning his fair share in the air and a flick-on towards Billy Sharp threatened danger but Meredith was alert to it with a solid block.

The Australian was taking every chance to get forward himself – and one such surge ended with a sliding lunge from Murphy. It was a daft challenge to make from a player already in the book – and the red card he could have received earlier duly materialised.

The bookies had tipped City as favourites before kick-off and the odds would have shortened further with Leeds going down to ten men – their fourth sending-off in the opening six games.

City looked to press home that advantage as Mclean drilled a dangerous ball into the six-yard box. Meredith's return was whacked clear by Leeds skipper Jason Pearce.

Leeds were being pushed deeper and former City loanee Stephen Warnock had to be alert to turn away another Meredith cross fizzed along the six-yard box.

Momentum was with the home side but there was a brief worry approaching half-time after a mistake from Knott. His casual pass back towards Rory McArdle fell short and Sharp nipped in to take possession but Williams smothered the ball securely.

But the onus was on City to deliver the killer blow. They would never have a better chance of ending that long wait for a win over the noisy neighbours.

They went agonisingly close seven minutes into the second period as Meredith again found room out wide.

Liddle's pass gave him room to cross and Kennedy came charging in to meet it – only to sweep his shot wide from six yards. It looked a great chance for the in-form midfielder.

Parkinson had criticised the quality of City's crossing in the Peterborough defeat but there was no complaint last night. It just needed someone to finish them.

The City chief was less happy when Sharp caught McArdle as the defender won a header in front of the home dug-out. Both players squared up and then Parkinson briefly got involved with the Leeds striker.

Clarke is still a derby hero with Blackpool fans for a strike against Preston – and he could have etched his name in Valley Parade folklore midway through the half.

Meredith found Mclean in loads of space near the corner of the box and he slid in Clarke. But Taylor got his angles right to thwart the former Crawley man, who held his head in his hands in frustration after the shot was turned away.

That was Mclean's final involvement as he made way for Oliver McBurnie but Clarke had the bit between his teeth, trying to work Sheehan's cross past Taylor at the near post.

The keeper got a half-block on it and Pearce completed the clearance off his own line. For all the City pressure, they could not find a way through.

And suddenly Leeds did with a rare counter-attack eight minutes from time as Smith rose to nod home a cross by Norris.

City had to lift themselves and they did – and how. Clarke immediately tested Taylor and from the resulting corner, the ball came out to Knott who screamed a 25-yarder into the roof of the net.

As Valley Parade erupted, things quickly got even better for the Bantams. Liddle bent a cross towards the keeper and Hanson won a test of strength with Taylor to bundle home.

From a goal down to 2-1 up in the space of five minutes – it was a mighty impressive turnaround.

Nine minutes of stoppage time threatened to shred home nerves as sub Dominic Poleon scuffed wide. But nothing was going to spoil this long-awaited Bantams party.

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

When the dust settled

MK Dons will host Bradford in the third round of the Capital One Cup
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9443609/mk-dons-will-host-bradford-in-the-third-round-of-the-capital-one-cup

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/latest-whites-news/bradford-city-2-leeds-united-1-bantams-dump-ten-man-whites-out-of-capital-one-cup-1-6808781

Bantams cup heroes are at it again as Parkinson's class of 2014 create more history
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11436335.Bantams_cup_heroes_are_at_it_again_as_Parkinson_s_class_of_2014_create_more_history/

Arrests made in connection with derby match - but majority of City and Leeds supporters praised for their behaviour
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/11437607.Arrests_made_in_connection_with_derby_match___but_majority_of_City_and_Leeds_supporters_praised_for_their_behaviour

James Hanson snatches late comeback win to pile more pressure on David Hockaday
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/bradford-city-vs-leeds-united-capital-one-cup-match-report-james-hanson-snatches-late-comeback-win--to-pile-more-pressure-on-david-hockaday-9695558.html

Dave Hockaday will not quit Leeds after Capital One Cup loss to Bradford
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/aug/27/bradford-city-leeds-united-capital-one-cup-match-report

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

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

L1 L0-1 (h) Peterborough Saturday August 23, 2014. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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

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

Next Game
Fans must keep stubs for Bradford City cup ticket
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11429256.Fans_must_keep_stubs_for_Bradford_City_cup_ticket/

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Injuries
Andrew Davies, broken left arm (Aug 23)

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

Preview
Preview followed by live coverage of Saturday's League One game between Bradford City and Peterborough United.
BBC http://bbc.in/1vrmTuK

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11429522.FT__City_0_Peterborough_1/

Highlight/ Goal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeQ78A_wPf4

Post Game Interview
Bantams boss Phil Parkinson reflects on narrow home Peterborough loss -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXWBrdl8rUM

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

When the dust settled - match report

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/11430466.Bradford_City_must_quickly_adapt_to_life_without_Andrew_Davies/

Bradford City must quickly adapt to life without Andrew Davies

6:24am Monday 25th August 2014

By Simon Parker

City 0, Peterborough 1

Just win without Andrew Davies; the task for City sounds straight forward enough. The execution of that challenge may prove rather more testing.

A team is more than one man. But if ever there's a player whose name is etched in stone on the team sheet, it's Davies.

Phil Parkinson was bullish after the game about his side's chances of dealing with the absence of their lynchpin at the back.

After all, City have grown used to the big man's absence over his time at the club.

Two years ago, as Parkinson was quick to point out, they made it to the Capital One Cup final with Davies reduced to cheerleading duties in the dressing room.

But rewind to last season and it was a very different tale. Knee surgery ruled him out for 17 games – of which City won just the once with only a single clean sheet.

So the eery hush that descended on Valley Parade when Davies lay on the ground spoke volumes. The fans are well aware how crucial a cog he is in the machine.

The fact that Peterborough then scored within two minutes of the defender leaving the fray just underlined that concern. Now City are likely to face up to two months without him anchoring the back four.

At least Davies, being a positive character, will look on a six to eight-week absence as a lot more palatable compared with the 18 he missed last time.

And with all due respect to past employees, Alan Sheehan is no Matthew Bates – who was self-deprecating enough to refer to himself as City's 'Jonah' during that Davies-less drought.

Sheehan has played centrally on several occasions for Notts County and looked fine in the role at Morecambe.

Parkinson feels they can ride the blow but the City rearguard always looks at its most combative built around that axis of Davies and Rory McArdle.

The Northern Ireland international, who has looked very strong so far, was not the same player last season without his regular partner at his side.

The Davies injury happened almost out of nothing as he went to deal with a cross. Jordan Pickford came for it as well but did not shout and the pair collided, sending Davies tumbling in a heap. The break on his left arm happened on impact.

Losing Davies probably felt worse for the fans than losing the first game of the season.

After playing their part in an entertaining first half, City lost their way for chunks of the second. A shot from the industrious Billy Knott just before the break was really their only serious threat on the Posh goal.

It had looked like the perfect moment to play Darren Ferguson's team. Seven players were missing through injury and Nathaniel Mendez-Laing was added to the casualty list within 20 minutes.

Their starting line-up boasted an average age of under 22, with defender Shaun Brisley the outfield 'veteran' at 24.

Ben Alnwick, the keeper who began pre-season on trial with the Bantams, was positively ancient at three years older.

No wonder Posh owner Darragh MacAnthony was gushing in his praise afterwards, claiming that it was the best win in his eight years with the club.

There was no argument from Parkinson that Peterborough probably deserved it. Even depleted, they are a decent side.

Kyle Vassell, a striker plucked from non-league Bishops Stortford, curled home his fourth goal of the season and looks a talent.

But he did not win too many friends in West Yorkshire with his enthusiastic celebrations in front of the Kop or the lack of urgency he showed in leaving the pitch after taking a knock.

That was just one of those immensely frustrating moments when referee Graham Salisbury should have taken a grip.

Parkinson had proved game for a laugh on Friday by undertaking the ice bucket challenge. But it was the (non) performance of the Preston official that really left him cold.

If anyone needed a sub-zero shower to wake them up, it was Salisbury. "He seemed to be on his own wavelength at times," was the City manager's verdict.

Posh, as is the away side's wont, were happy to slow things down once they had their noses in front. Unfortunately ,Salisbury seemed happy to let them.

The long injury breaks for Davies and Brisley, who suffered a head wound, further fragmented the play and prevented any sort of home rhythm being built up.

Salisbury's patience finally reached its limit when Joe Newell took an age to be subbed but by that point he had let too much go.

Parkinson's major beef was with Peterborough's handling of James Hanson – and the way the referee consistently turned a blind eye.

Credit young Fergie for doing his homework and ensuring that everywhere Hanson went, two blue shirts followed.

The big man found himself in a constant Posh sandwich with man markers either side, limiting his aerial effectiveness.

But it was their methods of doing that which raised Parkinson's ire. On more than one occasion, he could be seen with arms outstretched and pleading into the face of the fourth official as another borderline block on Hanson went unpunished.

It's a familiar story for the City striker – unless, it seems, there is a Premier League referee in town.

Parkinson's regular call for Hanson to get a fairer deal was joined by 13,000 character witnesses.

He said: "All our supporters, like me, are frustrated. Hanson is probably the fairest jumper I've ever seen. He never uses his arms or swings them up.

"He takes whack after whack and people grabbing hold of his shirt all over the pitch.

"We got a foul and the whole 13,000 crowd cheered – we can't all be wrong. I don't know what the ref was seeing in those particular incidents.

"He either isn't fit enough because he couldn't get close to them or he just called it wrong."

With Leeds crossing the Pudsey divide 48 hours from now, supporters will be hoping that Parkinson's claim that City life can carry on well enough without Davies proves a lot more accurate.

Attendance: 13,546

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

Peterborough United edge past Bradford City
http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/bradford-city/result/result-peterborough-edge-past-bradford-city_172729.html

Parkinson backs Bradford City to overcome Davies loss
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11430495.Parkinson_backs_Bradford_City_to_overcome_Davies_loss/

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

Friday, August 22, 2014

L1 W3-1 (a) Crawley Town Tuesday August 19, 2014. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc

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

===========================
Next game

Turnstile and other match details for this Saturday's home fixture with Peterborough United
http://t.co/07iI4PAA9N

IMPORTANT UPDATE - The club release their latest statement regarding the sale of Leeds United tickets
http://t.co/Nxk75YZWct

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

Preview
Preview followed by live coverage of Tuesday's League One game between Crawley Town and Bradford City.
BBC http://bbc.in/1qjIfWg

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11419711.FT__Crawley_1_City_3/

Highlight/ Goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqVeOI_Wlig

Post Game Interview

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

Final whistle - match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11419711.FT__Crawley_1_City_3/

Bradford City system blows Crawley away

7:54am Wednesday 20th August 2014

By Simon Parker

CITY soared into second spot in the fledgling League One table after a win at Crawley that left Phil Parkinson raving:

That's the best so far.

James Hanson, Billy Knott and Mason Bennett all hit the target in the second half as the Bantams turned on the style with a 3-1 victory to blow away the home side's 100 per cent start.

City maintained their own unbeaten run and Parkinson beamed: "It was a terrific performance. The way we passed the ball in the midfield was magnificent.

"We've got the extra man in there and the system we're playing suits the players. Crawley found it really difficult to cope with us.

"That's the best we've played by far in terms of all-round performance and the quality of the goals was really pleasing."

Hanson's third of the season set the ball rolling as he crashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Crawley captain Joe Walsh quickly levelled but City re-established control with two more stunning goals from Knott and substitute Bennett.

Parkinson said: "The first one came from the outstanding energy of Jason Kennedy and Darbs (Stephen Darby).

"Hans has made a great finish. He doesn't get the credit for his feet but he does get many goals for us like that.

"I thought Billy Knott was outstanding. We put him in the centre of the midfield to get him on the ball more and he took

the game by the scruff of the neck.

"He has got great awareness and is a good decision-maker on the ball. I think he gave the ball away twice all game and he must have had 70 touches.

"The goal was out of the top drawer. Mason chested back to him and it was just a great finish.

"And I'm so pleased for Mason to get the third one. Maybe to start him again would have been a risk but it was always the plan to bring him on after 45 minutes."

Aaron Mclean had started his first game of the season before making way at half-time.

Parkinson said: "Aaron was looking fresh and I contemplated leaving him on but I thought 'what's the point in risking him?'

"He's looking fit, he's getting there, but Mason came on and I thought he was electric.

"We had other chances to really kill the game off but I felt as comfortable as you can be on the touchline. In terms of

controlling the game, it was quite a convincing win for us.

"My last couple of games at Crawley have been tough but this was a complete professional performance."

Billy Clarke resumes running today after his slight hamstring injury but last night's result means Parkinson does not need to rush him back.

He said: "It's only something minor and Billy will be close. Obviously he is important to the system we play because of his

football intelligence and his ability. But it's nice to be in a position where we don't have to force it."

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

When the dust settled - match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11420356.Seconds_out_as_Bradford_City_impress_at_Broadfield/

Seconds out as Bradford City impress at Broadfield

6:44am Wednesday 20th August 2014

By Simon Parker

Crawley 1, City 3

CRAWLEY'S Broadfield Stadium is probably the least glamorous stop-off on the League One circuit and for Phil Parkinson it had proved one of the most depressing.

His previous two visits to this corner of West Sussex with City had ended in misery – bad performances and nothing to show for the long hike south.

But that's not the case any more. Those past disappointments were banished last night by an exhilarating second-half display as his impressive team stepped up their fast start to the season.

A home team who had won everything and not conceded anything up to now finished well beaten – picked off by three quality strikes from James Hanson, Billy Knott and Mason Bennett.

City rounded off a long week on the road in the sweetest fashion possible. What a satisfying first ten days this has been.

After three appearances off the bench, Aaron Mclean was upgraded to start his opening game of the season.

It meant the Mclean and Hanson attacking partnership was reunited for their first full outing since Shrewsbury on March 22.

The striker's return was one of three changes from the goalless draw at Walsall. Alan Sheehan was back from compassionate

leave and regained the left-back slot from James Meredith.

And Filipe Morais made his league debut – after facing Morecambe last week – in place of Mark Yeates. That meant Knott taking up the link role at the top of the midfield diamond.

Both Yeates and Meredith had decent games against Walsall but Parkinson has made it clear that he will ring the changes to give everyone match-time during the hectic opening weeks of the new campaign.

There was a familiar face in Crawley's goal – 39-year-old Brian Jensen. The Burnley legend, known as the Beast, did make a pre-season appearance last year for City at Guiseley.

The veteran Dane had hit the ground running with the Red Devils with three clean sheets and the home side were full of confidence from their flying start. In fact, City had been the last team to beat them at Valley Parade in April.

Morais had an early sighter at the Crawley goal from 20 yards after a booming clearing header from Andrew Davies.

Crawley were unrecognisable from the last meeting with City after a frantic summer of wheeling and dealing from John

Gregory that saw 17 players come in and 16 leave.

There were only two survivors from four months ago – one of them, Gwion Edwards, needed careful watching on the right wing.

And Jordan Pickford – half the age of his rival keeper – had to be alert to save from Jimmy Smith's free-kick which deflected off Gary Liddle in the wall.

But Crawley nearly gifted City a goal when Jensen got in a mess with right back Lanre Oyebanjo, whose back-pass threatened to slip past the keeper.

Mclean closed in and wrestled the ball loose but was pulled up for a foul – and Jensen was not happy with the challenge as the pair briefly squared up.

City pressed again and felt they should have had a penalty when Knott's volley smacked against Oyebanjo. It looked a strong shout for handball but referee Carl Berry waved away their appeals.

Morais was booked for pulling back Edwards before City's back four could have been punished for switching off. Nobody

picked up Bobson Bawling as he received Dickson's pass in the corner of the box but his drive flew over the angle.

It was a rare blemish from the defence, who had carried on the solid work from the week's previous two road trips. Izale

McLeod had scored all three of Crawley's goals this season but saw little change from Rory McArdle and Andrew Davies.

At the other end, Liddle fizzed one over from 20 yards as City tried to ask questions of the division's most watertight

defence. But the personal feud between Jensen and Mclean was hotting up after their early clash and the pair barged into each other again.

As half-time approached, Edwards cleverly carved his way through the light blue shirts. Eluding the challenge of Davies, he

wriggled into the box at an angle but Pickford was alive to the danger and came sliding out to make the tackle.

The teenager's timing had to be spot on as the Crawley man went sprawling and the referee, who was perfectly placed, certainly thought so.

Pickford made another crucial intervention seconds later as a Crawley corner led to a brief scramble in front of goal.

Skipper Joe Walsh's shot on the turn came through a sea of legs but the youngster was there to save.

City immediately responded at the other end, where Morais warmed Jensen's hands from long distance before the half-time whistle sounded.

The visitors began the second half with a change as Bennett came on for Mclean – and within five minutes they had the lead.

The goal stemmed from some neat passing on their right. Darby drove a low cross into the box, Bennett scuffed at it and the ball came through to Hanson.

He had time to get it out from under his feet and then slammed a left-foot drive into the roof of the net.

It was the first goal Crawley had conceded in 320 minutes of football – but they needed only four more to get back on level terms.

Davies gave away a corner under pressure and Ryan Dickson's set-piece was met with a decisive header through the crowd from Walsh.

But the game had burst into life and City dusted themselves down before striking for a second time. Again it was a cracking finish.

Knott exchanged passes with Morais before beating Jensen with a crisp half-volley into the bottom corner. It was a classy way for the midfielder to open his account in a City shirt.

It could have got even better for the visitors when the home defence opened invitingly for the advancing Sheehan.

The Irishman's shot was hit well but off target – but Jason Kennedy diverted it past Jensen and against the Crawley bar.

Home heads were spinning, so much so that Bawling started to make his way off when the number 20 board was raised before realising that it was City replacing the impressive Morais with Yeates.

But City were still not finished and earned themselves some breathing space with a third goal.

Hanson outmuscled Walsh and flicked on for Bennett, who calmly clipped the ball over the sliding Jensen to get off the mark for his loan club and put the seal on a good night.

Attendance: 2,225

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

Mason Bennett keen to follow Nahki Wells blueprint at Bradford City
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11423958.Mason_Bennett_keen_to_follow_Nahki_Wells_blueprint_at_Bradford_City/

Alan Sheehan: I owe Bradford City for helping me deal with my loss
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11426970.Sheehan__I_owe_Bradford_City_for_helping_me_deal_with_my_loss

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

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

L1 D0-0 (a) Walsall Saturday August 16, 2014. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Monday, August 18, 2014

LC1 (a) Morecambe Tuesday August 12, 2014. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries
City snap up Derby hot prospect Bennett
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11404485.Bradford_City_snap_up_Derby_hot_prospect_Bennett/

Injuries

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

Preview
Preview followed by live coverage of Tuesday's League Cup game between Morecambe and Bradford City.
BBC http://bbc.in/1B9am38

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson on a cup fundraising mission
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11402927.Bantams_boss_Parkinson_on_a_cup_fundraising_mission/

Shrimps boss Bentley: Bantams' Capital One Cup run put lower leagues on map
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11402914.Shrimps_boss_Bentley__Bantams__39__Capital_One_Cup_run_put_lower_leagues_on_map/

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11404690.FT__Morecambe_0_City_1/

Highlight/ Goal

Post Game Interview

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

Final whistle - match report

Wad a hero as under pressure Bantams top-earner Mclean picks Morecambe's pockets

7:20am Wednesday 13th August 2014

By Simon Parker

Morecambe 0 Bradford City 1

PHIL Parkinson made it clear that City's cup objective is to help drum up cash for the coffers – and his costliest asset chose the perfect moment to open his account for the season last night.

A lot will hinge on Aaron Mclean to deliver the goals, and a pre-season blighted by a calf injury did not bode well.

But he came off the bench to force home the only goal of a fiercely-fought but scrappy encounter on the west coast.

It was hotly-disputed – with Morecambe arguing that he handled the ball over the line – but City were in no mood to argue over their first cup win since the Aston Villa semi-final.

It is almost three years since Parkinson's City reign began in dramatic fashion at the Globe Arena.

Ross Hannah's late, late equaliser earned his first reward as Bantam boss at a time when the remit was simply to stay in the Football League.

The objective last night was just as clear – to get a foothold in a cup competition again and the potential financial rewards that come with it after three first-round exits last term.

It was safely delivered and now City hope for a Premier League windfall in tonight's second-round draw.

There were four changes from Saturday for both teams, with Ben Williams stepping up to replace the ineligible Jordan Pickford in goal after his clearance came through. Parkinson also gave a first start to Friday's capture Filipe Morais.

Mclean was once again on the bench alongside Andrew Davies and Billy Knott, whose starting roles went to James Meredith and Matty Dolan. But there was no Gary Liddle as he waits for his wife to give birth.

With Meredith returning to left back, Alan Sheehan shifted across to the centre. But he was almost undone by the game's first chance after 12 minutes.

Little striker Jack Redshaw latched on to Andy Parrish's pass, held off Sheehan and prodded across goal as Williams rushed out to block off the angle at the near post.

That Morecambe moment was generally against the run of the early play, with City seeing most of the ball without testing keeper Barry Roche.

Billy Clarke might have done but a Morais cross seemed to catch him by surprise and bounced off the striker.

Morecambe's line-up included former Bantams Jamie Devitt and Kevin Ellison. The Irishman's deep corner set up Andy Wright for a header over the City bar; Ellison's first proper involvement was a lunge on Mark Yeates which earned the game's first yellow card.

Dolan's pass then found James Hanson in some space in the corner of the box. He cut inside for a shot but it was smothered behind.

City were clocking up the corners as Dolan's well-struck shot took another defensive diversion narrowly wide following another charged-down effort from Morais.

There was a keen pace to the game but it was growing scrappy and City seemed to have gone off the boil after their early control.

Ryan Williams forced his namesake in the away goal into his first proper save with a low drive before the Bantams at last seriously threatened a break through.

Morais, who had looked pretty good on the ball, picked out Hanson for a looping header over Roche but Shrimps skipper Mark Hughes was well positioned on the line to bail out his team.

Torrential rain greeted the sides for the second half as City immediately won their sixth corner. That came to nothing but Hanson almost had more joy from a Yeates' free-kick, his header pinging off Hughes which took the sting off it for Roche to catch.

City had switched to 4-4-2 with Morais and Yeates operating as genuine wingers. Ellison, whose influence out wide for Morecambe had diminished, sprung into life by holding off Meredith and Kennedy before skying his shot.

Hanson and Clarke responded with similar efforts over the Morecambe bar but the brief flurry had lifted the volume level at both ends of the ground. It felt like a cup tie.

And the home fans should have been celebrating the opening goal 12 minutes in as Wright's cross found the unmarked head of Ellison in the centre of goal – but the veteran flicked it wide of the far post.

That proved to be Ellison's final act as he made way in a double substitution just after the hour. His departure brought a rousing chorus of "City reject" from the travelling fans – and a cheeky wave back in their direction.

"Bring me Sunshine" was the song from the other end as the rain briefly blasted proceedings. The contest was starting to drift again.

Clarke's drive nearly cleared the stand before Parkinson shuffled his ranks for the first time. On came Mclean and Knott for Morais and Yeates as City reverted to the diamond with Clarke dropping in behind the front two.

Mclean tried to use the slick surface straight away with a skidding drive but Roche had everything behind it. When Mullin put another shot well over the bar, it was in keeping with much of the scrappy proceedings.

Clarke had tried as hard as anyone to break the deadlock and made one more mazy run before Mo Shariff took his place as City made their final substitution.

Extra-time was looming – until Mclean popped up with eight minutes left. Knott lifted the ball into the penalty area and the striker used his strength to barrel his way through Roche and bundle it over the line. Morecambe protested furiously for handball but referee Scott Duncan gave the goal – and the City fans rubbed it in with a mass chant of "he scored with his hands".

Shrimps sub Mullin tried to level in the first of four added minutes with a storming run from one end to the other. But Williams proved equal to his cross-shot and palmed away to secure the victory.

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

When the dust settled - match report

You have to hand it to Bradford City striker Mclean
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11404891.You_have_to_hand_it_to_Bradford_City_striker_Mclean/

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

Bradford City draw Leeds in Capital One Cup

10:05pm Wednesday 13th August 2014

By Simon Parker

City will face Leeds at Valley Parade in the second round of the Capital One Cup.

Tonight's draw threw up a tasty West Yorkshire derby, which will be played in the week beginning August 25.

---
City boss Phil Parkinson buzzing at 'cracking' Capital One Cup draw with Leeds United
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11407887.Parkinson_buzzing_at__cracking__Capital_One_Cup_draw_with_Leeds_United/

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

Thursday, August 14, 2014

L1 W3-2 (h) v Coventry City Saturday August 9, 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
Preview followed by live coverage of Saturday's League One game between Bradford City and Coventry City.
http://bbc.in/1sDUVv3

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11399595.FT__City_3_Coventry_City_2/

Highlight/ Goal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsYMIOUs9uQ&list=UUch_NWdo3JWKngAyO9XlycA&index=2

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/video/3723612792001/

Post Game Interview
Parkinson after opening day victory -
http://t.co/JtJTuVD3DS
Bantams boss Phil Parkinson encouraged by City's opening day display against Coventry City
http://t.co/sYIXH3YYHs
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11399788.VIDEO__Parkinson_reaction_as_Bradford_City_make_their_mark_with_win_on_first_day/

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

Final whistle - match report

Hanson display leaves Bantams fans light-headed but it's a dark day for Pressley

8:03am Monday 11th August 2014

By Simon Parker

Bradford City 3 Coventry City 2

WELCOME to the new age of City, Mr Pressley – not the "dark" one you criticised so sourly on Coventry's last visit.

As grand unveilings go, this was as exhilarating as you can get for the vast majority of a buzzing Valley Parade audience.

Okay, the performance wasn't perfect – but you won't have heard too many grumbles from the fans lapping up a first win on the opening day for six years.

To put that wait into context, Portsmouth had just won the FA Cup and George W Bush was still the US president when the Bantams last began with a maximum.

Peter Thorne's double did for Notts County on that occasion in 2008; this time it was two trademark headers from James Hanson that sent the Sky Blues away empty handed.

It had been that long since the big man had scored that he couldn't even remember himself. It was Colchester away, mid-March, James...

But having kept his powder dry through pre-season, Hanson exploded when it counted – and you'll be hard pressed to find a better finish and cross than City's winner.

The drought-breaking didn't stop there. City were even awarded a penalty – their first since Coventry were the Valley Parade opponents last November.

The spot-kick that day was their only one all season; a huge bugbear for Phil Parkinson, who felt that City – and Hanson in particular – got a raw deal when it came to penalty-box grappling.

But Mike Dean had no doubts about Reda Johnson's attempt to throw Hanson to the floor from a corner.

Ironically that previous penalty had been given by a Premier League referee as well, Kevin Friend. It does make you wonder whether the less experienced officials that proliferate League One arrive at Valley Parade with a sub-conscious thought of not being "swayed" by the size of the home crowd.

Dean's experience also told deep in stoppage time when Coventry substitute John Fleck threw himself theatrically in the desperate hope of evening it up from the spot. His reward was a justified yellow card for diving.

"The big refs get the big calls right," said a relieved City boss later. "That's why they are at the top of the game."

Parkinson's players were certainly on top of their own game for large periods and the crowd appreciated the easy-on-the-eye football.

It has been a testing summer as he revamps the squad but, while the fringes have been an on-going concern, he has assembled a team who like to play.

The fans have taken to the new boys already. Billy Knott, or should that be Billy Whizz with his constant energy, is already being serenaded with his own song and Billy Clarke enjoyed a debut as good as any.

His link-up play with Hanson was a joy to watch and Aaron Mclean, who made a welcome cameo at the end, will have to be on his toes on this evidence.

City took a while to slip into their groove and Coventry wasted two good chances early on as the hosts lived on their nerves.

Alan Sheehan was caught ball-watching by Jordan Clarke but the defender got too much loft on his lob over Jordan Pickford.

Then Jim O'Brien burst through on Danny Pugh's pass but failed to hit the target with a rushed shot.

With those scares survived, City settled into the game. Hanson and the point-proving Jason Kennedy should have scored before the target man did.

Hanson powered home Clarke's cross after a great bit of closing down from Knott had wrestled the ball off O'Brien.

Parkinson had asked his players to put down a marker on the first day – that passage of play summed up precisely what he had talked about.

Mark Yeates, looking at home in the hole, nearly doubled City's advantage before Coventry burst the bubble just before the break as Johnson beat Andrew Davies and Pickford to a Pugh corner.

The new keeper showed some uncertainty from corners but Parkinson absolved him of any blame because of the "Premier League quality" delivery of the ball.

But City soon regained their advantage from a corner of their own when Dean clocked Johnson dragging Hanson away from Sheehan's cross. The left back, who had scored seven times last term for Notts County, opened his account by sending Ryan Allsop the wrong way.

The noise level hit maximum as Valley Parade rejoiced in a City side clearly enjoying themselves. But you still sensed they needed that security of a third goal.

Home hearts were in mouths 15 minutes from time when Pickford went to punch another Pugh corner but only fisted fresh air. Thankfully the calm presence of Gary Liddle protecting the goalline made sure the ensuing scramble came to nothing.

Coventry went more direct as the clock ticked away and threw the hulking Johnson into attack. Mr Pot meet Mr Kettle.

But Steven Pressley's gamble looked to have paid off when the Benin international jabbed home his second goal of the game after Pickford had acrobatically blocked Marcus Tudgay's close-range header.

Pressley said afterwards that he felt his side could go on and win the game from that point. Instead they were floored by the ultimate sucker punch.

There was less than half a minute between the afternoon's fourth and fifth goals as the away end's songs of celebration were strangled in their throats.

The Coventry players were still on a high as the born-again Kennedy set off on a determined right-wing dash.

He twisted inside then nutmegged through a defender's legs before whipping over the sort of cross that Hanson dreams about. His cannonball connection did the rest.

"There's a light at the end of every tunnel" tweeted Kennedy on Saturday night and his contribution was appreciated by Hanson rushed over to congratulate him.

Dean then made certain there was no chance of back-to-back 3-3s by spotting Fleck's dramatic tumble and City's season was up and running.

It had been a hectic week of recruitment for Parkinson and the signs suggest more will follow shortly via the loan market.

But he diverted post-match discussion back to the players already here. They had done a pretty convincing job for starters.

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

When the dust settled - match report

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11400484.Hanson_hails_Kennedy_s__magic__touch_after_Bradford_City_beat_Coventry/

Hanson hails Kennedy's 'magic' touch after Bradford City beat Coventry

7:05am Monday 11th August 2014

By Simon Parker

TWO-goal James Hanson diverted the praise on to team-mate Jason Kennedy for City's flying start to League One.

Hanson's last-gasp header from a Kennedy cross, straight after Coventry had equalised for a second time, clinched a thrilling 3-2 win at Valley Parade.

It was City's first opening-day league victory for six years and Hanson's first goals since March. But the striker acknowledged the supporting role of midfielder Kennedy, whose Valley Parade future has been in the balance after a tough first season at the club.

Hanson said: "JK's had a bit of a weird summer because he didn't know if he was coming or going. But he just kept his head down and got his rewards.

"Everyone's head dropped after they scored again but he produced a little bit of magic at the end. Coventry switched off after scoring and he found that touch of quality with the cross.

"It was quite an easy header. Parky (Steve Parkin) does a lot of those crosses in training and you just have to direct it because the power is already on the ball.

"The gaffer's been saying all week that we need to get more crosses in and be a bit more positive. It's my job to get on the end of them."

Kennedy is determined to win over Phil Parkinson and the City boss gave him a starting role over Matty Dolan.

Parkinson said: "Jason struggled last year to dislodge Nathan Doyle and Gary Jones, two very good players. When he came in, he found it physically tough because he's a player who's used to playing. But he said to me he feels he has a point to prove to the crowd, to himself and to me.

"As a player you've got to let your performances do the talking and that was a good start for him."

With his back injury solved, Hanson believes he can rediscover top form again after a frustrating end to the last campaign.

The striker added: "It was so frustrating because I missed that many games. It felt brilliant just to be back out there.

"My main aim in the summer has been to get the back right and build my fitness. If I'm being honest, it took all pre-season to get my sharpness back."

Parkinson saluted the efforts of his centre forward and said: "We know if we put balls in those areas, his leap, his power and his coolness is second to none. It was a magnificent performance."

The City chief was just as happy to see Hanson win their first penalty for nine months after a tug from Reda Johnson at a corner. Alan Sheehan converted it in front of the Kop.

"We only had one penalty last year and it's been a big talking point for us.

"Hanson gets pulled all over the place but gets foul after foul (given) against him.

"I was pleased to see a bit of justice after the way Reda Johnson was grappling with him. It was great movement from a corner and I shouted before the ref even blew his whistle."

Hanson added: "It was a stone-wall penalty. He just grabbed me and didn't let me go.

"There have been a few like that so it's just nice to see decisions go my way. But the main thing was the three points because we haven't won on the first day for a while."

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

A BIG THANK YOU
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/a-big-thank-you-coventry-home-opener-14-1819349.aspx

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

Sunday, August 10, 2014

CFML pre-season news August 8th 2014 #BCAFC

Monday, August 04, 2014

CFML pre-season friendlies August 4 2014 #BCAFC

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

2014/15 League One Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/

Links
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BradfordCityCFML/
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/

Pre-season fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/pre_season_fixtures/index.aspx#tet4ZGCQaSYqfzxg.99

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

The highlights In brief

8/3
City 1-1 Hartlepool

July 29
BCFC 3 BPA 0

July 26th
City 0 Blackburn 0

Parkinson after Blackburn
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EP6F_tTTUN8

July 25th
Matt Taylor leaves Bradford to join Cheltenham on a two-year deal
http://bbc.in/WQmHJM

ALL Season Tickets/FlexiCards now available to pick up from the Bantams Ticket Office -
http://t.co/hJdjCv89se

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

Sponsors extend stand deal with Bradford City
ONE of City's long-serving backers have had "no hesitation" in extending their sponsorship of the Bradford End at Valley Parade.

Insurance brokers TL Dallas Group have had their name emblazoned on the stand behind the goal since the summer of 2003.

Group director Mike Martin said the company are delighted to stretch their decade-long involvement into another season.

Martin said: "The team's effort in the 2012-13 season and the way they performed last year to maintain mid-table in League One, despite a number of challenges, was both extraordinary and inspiring.

"We had no hesitation in backing them for a further season.

"We have enjoyed a close relationship with the club and all our clients and visitors comment positively on the stadium and quality of hospitality. Dave Baldwin and all the City staff have been brilliant.

"On the field, Phil Parkinson and his team have brought a great deal of professionalism and this is now paying dividends. We are very excited about the prospects for this season."

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

Don't let the door hit you on the way out

McLaughlin: Sweet time at Bradford City ended on sour note
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11368325.McLaughlin__Sweet_time_at_Bradford_City_ended_on_sour_note/

Matt Taylor making the right move, says Phil Parkinson
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11368386.Matt_Taylor_making_the_right_move__says_Phil_Parkinson_of_Cheltenham_switch/

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

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11368717.Bradford_City_0_Blackburn_Rovers_0/

Bradford City 0 Blackburn Rovers 0

4:48pm Saturday 26th July 2014

By Simon Parker

City made their first pre-season appearance at Valley Parade this afternoon in an entertaining goalless draw against Blackburn.

New keeper Jordan Pickford played the first 45 minutes but was largely untroubled by the Championship outfit.

City played some neat football with Alan Sheehan constantly bombing forward from left back. Gary Liddle also impressed again in controlling the midfield.

But Raffaele De Vita, still trying to earn a new contract, limped off just before half-time.

City created their best chances after the break with Sheehan twice going close. Mark Yeates was also denied by a fine tip-over from former England keeper Paul Robinson.

Ex-Leeds striker Luke Varney could have nicked it late on for Blackburn but fired over.

Trialists Matt Urwin, Christopher Routis and Mo Shariff – a striker formerly with QPR and Dagenham – were all involved as Phil Parkinson rang the changes in the second half.

---

Parkinson pleased as Bradford City up the ante in pre-season

6:07pm Saturday 26th July 2014

By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson was happy with City's competitive work-out against Blackburn.

Parkinson felt his side acquitted themselves well against the Championship outfit in this afternoon's goalless draw at Valley Parade.

He said: "It was a very competitive game. With the greatest respect to Shelbourne, this was a big jump today.

"It was a big step-up in quality but I thought we did well. We restricted them to very little in the second half, defended well and looked dangerous.

"We got in some good positions but didn't quite make the most of them. But all in all, physically it was a good work-out for us."

Raffaele De Vita was forced off just before half-time in his bid to persuade Parkinson to offer him another deal.

Parkinson added: "Raffa had a slight thigh strain, which was a shame for him."

---

Alan Sheehan shines in Bradford City left-back role

6:30am Monday 28th July 2014

By Simon Parker

City 0, Blackburn 0

IT'S not often you come out of a pre-season friendly raving about the left back.

But the general buzz around Valley Parade after Saturday's entertaining but goalless encounter focused on the performance of Alan Sheehan.

The new boys all seemed to enjoy their first chance to press the home turf – and Gary Liddle already looks a midfield guv'nor in the making – but the real eye-catching effort came from his former Notts County pal.

James Meredith knew he had a battle on his hands to regain the starting shirt when he finally re-signed for the coming season.

If Saturday was anything to go by, the size of that struggle is considerable.

When he wasn't on defensive duty, Sheehan would be spotted popping up in the Blackburn box – a regular option for a pass and just as willing to test the Rovers goal himself.

He was that keen that, in the first half, he took one header off James Hanson as both rose for the same cross.

After the break, when City's attacking efforts were upped by the arrival of Mark Yeates, Sheehan directed another header wide when he should have scored from Stephen Darby's cross.

He had another blast batted away at the near post by one-time England keeper Paul Robinson and supplied a cross which Oliver McBurnie should have converted.

The Irishman enjoyed a good day – and earned the plaudits of his manager, with Phil Parkinson saying: "We're pleased with his performance. Obviously he's got a quality left foot.

"Alan has come in to the club and he's been right at the front with all the running in training."

But some individual performances were better than others and the afternoon did not prove anywhere near as fruitful for Raffaele De Vita.

The Italian's injury late in the first half cut short his latest opportunity to press his contract claims. Time is running out.

His forlorn expression as he trudged back towards the dressing room will have owed as much to his personal frustration as the worry that the slight thigh strain may have been connected to the problem that dogged his first year at the club.

With a batch of trialists still 'in the building', the day of reckoning is fast approaching for those hoping to jump aboard the Bantam bandwagon.

Chosen to start ahead of Yeates, Saturday was seen as a serious audition for the Italian against the club where he came through the academy under current Rovers boss Gary Bowyer.

De Vita was employed on the right of the midfield diamond, with Billy Knott pushed further forward into the 'hole role'.

But De Vita spent as much time tracking back towards his goal as getting upfield, with his hands full countering the overlapping threat of Tommy Spurr. He did not convince.

The oppressive heat and lack of a discernible breeze made playing conditions tough and referee Andy Haines whistled for a drinks break after 20 minutes.

But despite the cloying temperature, there was a spark about City's approach. Once again they stuck to the pass and move principles that have been instilled since the influx of 'ball players'.

Knott was instrumental in several neat interchanges, flicking the one-twos with De Vita one minute, then doing the same with Liddle the next.

The only aspect missing was a cutting edge to reward the build-up – a familiar concern, especially with Aaron Mclean once again watching beneath a baseball cap from one of the hospitality boxes.

Not that Blackburn created much more. The Championship side were missing three of their main strikers, most notably Jordan Rhodes, but still posed twice the threat that City had encountered in the pre-season programme up to then.

It was the jump in quality that Parkinson had wanted and it gave City's back four the work-out that they were ready for after strolling around against part-time opponents.

He said: "We've gone from the Shelbourne game, where we had loads of the ball, to coming up against a team who were going to have just as much possession.

"In the main, I thought we did well and restricted them to very little in the second half.

"It was a big game for the back four to get through but I was pleased with them. We defended well and blocked things when we had to."

As a squad, City remain a work in motion. The starting line-up pretty much picks itself but, with one more friendly to go, the concerns still centre on numbers – and the lack of.

The current player tally, not including wannabes, stands at 17 including the young ones. Mclean is still waiting to return to full training.

Jordan Pickford played his first 45 minutes in City colours. He came for and missed one cross but his kicking looked solid.

But the fact he reported a slight issue with his groin after going off highlights the risk of having such little leeway in the dressing room. No wonder Parkinson will once again press the powers-that-be for a confirmed back-up.

The wings obviously need to be sorted too but a lot of that could depend on the whims of the clubs where he has targeted potential loans.

With 12 days to go until Coventry arrive for the commencement of the real action, question marks continue to hover. But left back, at least, could not be stronger.

City: Pickford (Urwin 46), Darby, McArdle, Davies (Routis 78), Sheehan (Heaton 87), Liddle (Meredith 73), Knott (Kennedy 58), Dolan (Shariff 84), De Vita (Yeates 44), Clarke(Clarkson 69), Hanson (McBurnie 69). Subs (not used): Campion, Lamb.

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

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11373940.Trialist_scores_hat_trick_as_Bradford_City_beat_Avenue/

Trialist scores hat-trick as Bradford City beat Avenue

9:17pm Tuesday 29th July 2014

By Simon Parker

French striker Achille Campion scored all three goals to help a makeshift Bradford City side to a 3-0 win at Park Avenue tonight.

City fielded nine trialists and Campion and winger Mo Shariff were the stand-out performers in an entertaining game at Horsfall Stadium.

But young striker Lewis Clarkson was forced off early on with a sore hamstring.

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

From go slow to the fast show as Parkinson rant sparks Bantams into life

8:49am Monday 4th August 2014

By Simon Parker

CITY 1 HARTLEPOOL 1

IT might have been the last knockings of pre-season but there was nothing friendly about the ear-bashing City took at half-time.

Phil Parkinson had watched a tepid opening 45 minutes from a more detached vantage point in the Valley Parade press box.

What he witnessed was a lethargic, almost half-hearted knockabout from a team with an eye firmly fixed on the upcoming real action against Coventry.

Such an attitude was maybe understandable given the fear every player shares at this stage about picking up a late injury – and given the compactness of the current squad at his disposal that would have been a critical blow.

But for a boss who regards work ethic as the most important ingredient of any team, it was inexcusable. And, friendly or no friendly, he wasn't having any of it.

So by the time referee Eddie Ilderton blew his whistle, Parkinson had already flown down the stairs to the dressing room where he made his displeasure very plain.

"I wasn't happy at all," he said. "It was too slow and there weren't enough players on the front foot.

"We've got a lot of new players learning about each other but we had too many prepared to sit behind the ball. You're never going to create anything playing that way.

"The second half was ten times better. There was more energy, more people prepared to run, more prepared to snap into challenges, more desire and commitment.

"It doesn't matter what system you play at all. Whatever you do, it's how you implement it."

His half-time rant also included a reminder that those players needed to show that they were worth the shirts for this week's League One kick-off.

Unfortunately, because of the small number in reserve, most of those involved do pick themselves. The side that lined up on Saturday is pretty certain to be the same one that aims to show Steven Pressley that the so-called "dark age" football has been consigned to the past.

But the manager's message did hit home and a bored Valley Parade audience were finally brought to life by a more involved effort from their team.

Up to that point, the game's only eye-catching aspect had been Hartlepool's hideous salmon pink and black away kit which looked like a cross between training bibs and motorway hi-viz jackets.

But with ears and backsides no doubt still stinging, the extra zip in City's play was evident within minutes of the restart.

Colin Cooper's Hartlepool found themselves pressed back for long periods – although the worry still remains that for all the attractive build-up, there is not sufficient cutting edge to reward it.

James Hanson won his usual lion's share of the knockdowns but did not have a shot to his name. Without a goal in pre-season, City will hope he has saved up his tally for when it really counts.

Billy Clarke was once again alongside him with the continued absence of Aaron Mclean – who was at least involved on the pitch in some morning shooting practice with head physio Matt Barrass.

It was Clarke who got City's first Valley Parade goal since April, though ironically he had just dropped back into the number ten "hole" from a more advanced position when he ghosted on to the end of Hanson's flick-on to drive past Scott Flinders.

He had made some intelligent runs in the first half without finding the room to hurt the League Two defence.

Mark Yeates, who looked to get involved throughout, volleyed wide from another Hanson set-up but the best City could muster in that dour opening period came from Andrew Davies. His header, which seemed to scuff off Rory McArdle, was bundled away from in front the Hartlepool line.

Jack Compton and Matthew Bates were both back at Valley Parade and the winger who flickered briefly during Peter Jackson's reign did go close with a free-kick that curled round the post.

For Bates, who remarkably never played in a winning City side at home last season, it threatened to be a cathartic afternoon.

One sliced pass straight into touch aside, which drew ironic cheers, the defender looked to have a decent day – especially when he threw himself in the way of Clarke with a goal-saving challenge midway through the second half.

City had upped the ante by that stage, with Flinders diving to his left to deny the former Crawley man.

"Hold it, look after it," bawled Gary Liddle as the Bantams finally threatened to discover an end product for their midfield triangles.

Jordan Pickford produced a good save when Bradley Walker's drive took a deflection off Davies but it still came as a shock when it was Hartlepool who broke the deadlock, Walker again finding room to drill low and hard from the edge of the box.

Oliver McBurnie's recent arrival pushed Clarke back into the role at the tip of the diamond but he immediately stole in to convert the equaliser after Hanson helped on Alan Sheehan's cross.

The bench featured six trialists, including former Barnsley stalwart Bobby Hassell. Only two of them got on, Mo Shariff and Christopher Routis, but both made their mark in a lively finale.

Shariff's first touch was a fizzing 25-yarder which warmed the hands of Flinders and another spectacular dipping effort was tipped on to the bar by the keeper.

That was the second time City were foiled by the Kop woodwork as minutes before a cross had brushed off the head of the luckless Bates and pinged away.

His Valley Parade duck could still have been broken in the dying moments when the ball broke to Marlon Harewood in a promising shooting position by the City box. But Routis hurled his body in line to smother the danger.

CITY: Pickford, Darby, McArdle (Routis 69), Davies, Sheehan, Liddle, Dolan (Kennedy 76), Knott (Meredith 76), Yeates (McBurnie 69), Hanson, Clarke (Shariff 86). Subs (not used): Coulson, Hassell, Campion, Heaton, Urwin.

HARTLEPOOL: Flinders, Duckworth, Austin, Miller, Collins (Holden 18), Bates, Parnaby (Richards 72), Walker, Harewood, James, Compton (Franks 67). Subs (not used): Rowbotham, Nearney, Hawkins, Smith, Jones, Rafferty.

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