Friday, January 30, 2015

FAC5 5th round preview

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

re-arranged games
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/new-date-for-coventry-city-game-2230060.aspx

Leyton Orient on 17 or 18th February 2015
Swindon Town on Tuesday 24 February 2015
Coventry Tuesday 10 March 2015 - kick off 7:45pm.

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

Bradford City's win over Chelsea restores FA Cup's battered prestige
http://www.worldsoccer.com/columnists/brian-glanville/bradford-citys-win-chelsea-restores-fa-cup-battered-prestige-359289

CHELSEA WIN SECURES PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK AWARD
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/chelsea-win-secures-performance-of-the-week-award-2234141.aspx

Keep the missus happy
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30989750

Manchester United next please, says Bantams boss Parkinson
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11748263.Manchester_United_next_please__says_Bantams_boss_Parkinson/

Waiting for the draw
https://twitter.com/officialbantams/status/559792905335087104/photo/1


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

Reaction to the draw

Live at the draw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1422327029&x-yt-cl=84838260

"We're not on TV..
We don't get a fee,
Who gives a 'stuff' about the BBC?"
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/11754402.Bradford_City_chairman_blasts_TV_snub/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11754402.Bradford_City_chairman_blasts_TV_snub/

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

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fa-cup-heroes-bradford-middlesbrough-5046347

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11751077.Rhodes_happy_to_get_the_silent_treatment_over_Bantams_celebration_dinner/

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11751991.Dog_walker_interrupts_training_session_to_show_Bantams_the_T_A_front_page/

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11749845.Rhodes_gives_Chelsea_supporting_cab_driver_his_second_nasty_shock_of_the_weekend/

Monday, January 26, 2015

FAC4 W4-2 (a) Chelsea Saturday January 24, 2015. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc #theSpecialOnes

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


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

5th round draw, home to Sunderland or Fulham
Weekend of February 14th/15th


Next/Upcoming Game
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11741835.Keep_calm_and_carry_on_against_Chelsea____Bantams_boss_has_faith_in_Williams/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11736347.Deano__Bantams_hitman_Hanson_can_bruise_Blues/

Signings & Loans
Bradford expect to re-sign Andrew Halliday permanently, and Francois Zoko on loan, before their weekend trip to Chelsea.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30936257
(Halliday deal confimed Monday 26th, see below)

Alfreton Town sign former Liverpool youth team defender Niall Heaton on a free transfer from Bradford City.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30950998




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


Summary of videos match highlights, interviews, fan videos, dressing room on my playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4JcdBOmRA8&list=PLGWcgpdYdRD0dYmnfmGpLH_cm6z9GzWS9


The £25,000 cheque presented at Chelsea at halftime was on behalf of the Premier League to the Burns Unit. Some reports had stated this was made only by Chelsea.


Preview
BBC - http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30860394
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/f.a-cup-facts...-2212082.aspx
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11745182.Fan_tastic__Bantams_skipper_cannot_wait_to_swap_stands_for_Chelsea_s_hallowed_turf/
Bradford City: Chelsea's Mourinho 'doesn't do philosophy' - Parkinson
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30951542

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11747719.Live_FA_Cup_blog__Chelsea_2_City_4/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/sport_bantams_pics2014_chelseaaway/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/sport_bantams_pics2014_chelseaaway2/
http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/330526/report


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

Final whistle - match report

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11748107.This_greatest_ever_Bradford_City_victory_is_off_the_scale_as____Special_Ones____make_a_mockery_of_Chelsea_s_phenomenal_record_at_Stamford_Bridge/

This greatest ever Bradford City victory is off the scale as 'Special Ones' make a mockery of Chelsea's phenomenal record at Stamford Bridge

7:00am Monday 26th January 2015

By Simon Parker

Chelsea 2 Bradford City 4

HAPPY birthday Jose – it's got to be better for you than Saturday!

Mourinho turns 52 today but there is hardly any reason to celebrate after what just happened at Stamford Bridge.

City fans must have thought they'd seen it all in the cup exploits of two years ago. But this one was from another level.

Winning at Chelsea, THE Chelsea, tops the lot. Even getting to Wembley is put in the shade by the delicious drama that unfolded in front of the 6,000 strong travelling army.

Chelsea never lose at home. Chelsea don't even concede at home.

Mourinho has never let in four at home with any of his teams. But then when they are jam-packed with top quality you don't expect to.

Sunderland last season are the only other English team to have beaten the Portuguese at Stamford Bridge in 90 minutes. But they didn't come from two down.

Chelsea had won all ten of their Premier League home games this term; yet in the space of one afternoon, or 48 minutes plus an eternity of added time, City had blown that record to smithereens and scored more goals than the rest of their previous opponents combined.

No wonder the fans were singing "Phil Parkinson is the Special One" at the final whistle.

That's when they weren't mocking Chelsea with chants of "easy, easy" or "can we play you every week!"

You have to go back to Parkinson's first season in charge for the last time City scored four on the road. It wasn't too far from Stamford Bridge either – just up the road in Barnet.

That shows the mind-blowing scale of this upset of all FA Cup upsets. A poll on Match of the Day confirmed that, and who am I to argue with Robbie Fowler and Gaby Logan.

This was David slaying Goliath after the big man had been given a free shot – or two, in Chelsea's case.

Yes, Chelsea made nine changes from the Liverpool game in midweek. So they fielded "reserves" like Petr Cech, Didier Drogba and Loic Remy – some second string.

Without going over tired old ground, Chelsea's line-up still cost over £150m – compared, of course, with the £7,500 City shelled out for James Hanson. The nine different nationalities in the blue had still swept aside a Watford team chasing promotion in the Championship in the last round.

But this was the day the King's Road was transformed into Midland Road. West Yorkshire voices, loud and so very proud, ruled the air, showing the same respect for lofty reputations as the claret-and-amber warriors on the pitch before them.

It was a tone set by Stephen Darby thundering into Mohamed Salah after nine minutes. The message was sent out: "Yes, we know you're a good team but do we look scared..."

Cech turned party-pooper with an astonishing left-hand block to deny a thunderbolt Andrew Davies header. "It was the best save I've ever seen," said a disbelieving Andy Halliday afterwards. "I thought then this wasn't going to be our day – the ball is never going to go in."

Set-plays had been ringed as the deadliest weapon in the City armoury. But it was Chelsea who struck first from one of their own.

The marking was sloppy and Gary Cahill slipped in front of Rory McArdle at the near post to convert Oscar's corner with a cheeky flick with the outside of the foot.

It was 2-0 after 38 minutes. Filipe Morais, so desperate to impress on his first proper outing at the club where his career began, was pick-pocketed by Ramires in the centre circle.

The Brazilian surged forward menacingly, swapped passes with Salah, and wrong-footed Ben Williams to score off the post. Game over, surely?

Fleeting fears of another Swansea-style massacre began to surface. Parkinson could not get to half-time quick enough to give his team a chance to shake their heads.

"Obviously you do fear the worst at that point," he said. "But I always felt on the touchline we had players who could create something against them."

And three minutes before the break it happened. A free-kick from Morais skimmed off Davies and landed at Billy Knott's feet to the left of the box.

He pulled it back to Jon Stead, who took a couple of touches to get the ball out of his feet before unleashing a wonderful left-foot strike that beat Cech for power into the top corner. Chelsea had conceded at home for the first time in 442 minutes.

It was Stead's seventh for City and kept up his record of scoring in every FA Cup round. Huddersfield must have strikers coming out their ears if they are happy to let him go.

His goal was the catalyst for the magical scenes to come – and he seemed to be at the heart of everything that followed.

Parkinson had pushed James Hanson wide to the left, a reprise of the role when he started at Valley Parade six years ago, where he could get at rookie right back Andreas Christensen.

With Knott bursting through the middle, it was a fluid system intent on pulling Chelsea's back four out of their comfort zone. John Terry was one of the big-name absentees and how he must have squirmed on the bench.

The goal had given the City support their moment to savour. Whatever happened from then on was a bonus. But the players had the taste for it and demanded more, much more.

They delivered a second-half display of stunning proportions that will live long in the memory.

Mourinho had added Willian and Cesc Fabregas to the fray by the time City drew level. Hanson flicked on James Meredith's throw-in, Cech saved alertly from Knott and the rebound came out for Morais to score the goal he had dreamed of since the draw was announced.

City celebrated, Chelsea seethed. But the brief flurry in response was cut abruptly short as the visitors grabbed a sensational lead.

Morais crossed into Stead, who held the ball for what seemed an age before picking out the incoming Halliday. The Scot met it sweetly and the shot arced beyond Cech.

The packed Shed End collectively pinched themselves. City were in dreamland.

Chelsea dug out the kitchen sink but their best chance fell to centre half Kurt Zouma with a defender's special into Row Z.

The number seven on the fourth official's board brought disbelief from the away dug-out but they need not have worried.

Instead it was time for City to pile on the embarrassment as sub Mark Yeates chipped in to Stead, the striker again held the ball up almost with disdain and waited for the Irishman's run-around to complete the scoring.

Glorious, absolutely glorious.


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

When the dust settled - everything else

The 'handshake' that wasn't
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30970439

Worth their weight in gold: Bantams v Chelsea price comparison
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11747907.Worth_their_weight_in_gold__Bantams_v_Chelsea_price_comparison/

Halliday just two minutes away from missing FA Cup's biggest ever upset
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11748207.Halliday_just_two_minutes_away_from_missing_FA_Cup_s_biggest_ever_upset/

City fans still in disbelief after dream victory
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11748720.City_fans_still_in_disbelief_after_dream_victory/

Parkinson: Premier crew still in a league of their own
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11748396.Parkinson__Premier_crew_still_in_a_league_of_their_own/

Mourinho fumes at Chelsea 'disgrace'
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11747899.Mourinho_fumes_at_Chelsea__disgrace_/

Bantams winger Morais thanks God for his golden goal
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11748403.Bantams_winger_Morais_thanks_God_for_his_golden_goal/

The Kings Road view
http://www.chelseafc.com/news/latest-news/2015/01/match-report--chelsea-v-bradford-city.html

---

The Other Press
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2924602/Chelsea-2-4-Bradford-League-One-fight-two-goals-ruin-Jose-Mourinho-s-chances-historic-quadruple.html

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/fa-league-cups/chelsea-vs-bradford-city-match-report-bantams-produce-one-of-the-alltime-fa-cup-shocks-after-fighting-back-from-two-down-to-beat-blues-10000547.html

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/fa-cup/11367427/Chelsea-2-Bradford-4-match-report-Visitors-complete-stunning-comeback-to-eliminate-Premier-League-leaders.html

I just like this for the pie charts
http://www.footytube.com/video/chelsea-bradford-city-jan24-329785

http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jan/24/chelsea-bradford-city-fa-cup-fourth-round

http://www.thefa.com/news/the-fa-cup/2015/jan/chelsea-v-bradford-city-fa-cup-fourth-round

http://www.espnfc.com/english-fa-cup/match/413176/chelsea-bradford-city/report

http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/match-reports/chelsea-2-4-bradford-blues-crash-5034697






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

Build up
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11745178.His_word_was_his_Bond_____and_his_undoing_____Hutchins_recalls_Bradford_City_s_heroics_of_1976/

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11745175.Waddle_wizardry_turned_us_all_into_fans_____Jacobs_recalls_golden_Bradford_City_goal_at_Goodison/

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

Bradford manager Phil Parkinson and assistant Steve Parkin are both fined £1,000 after admitting to an FA misconduct charge.
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30957616

John Dewhirst article
http://www.newstatesman.com/lifestyle/2015/01/meet-john-accountant-3000-bradford-city-programmes

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

FA CUP HERO ANDY HALLIDAY JOINS CITY PREMENANTLY FROM MIDDLESBROUGH
By Pascal Lemesre, Championship Correspondent

Bradford City have completed the permanent signing of Andy
Halliday from Middlesbrough.

The 23-year-old curled home Bradford's vital third goal on Saturday as the
Bantams came from two goals down to cause one of the biggest shocks in FA
Cup history at Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Halliday had been on a season-long loan from Boro since October, but now
joins the League One side permanently.

The Scot leaves Teesside for West Yorkshire after failing to really make an
impact with the Championship side since a 2010 switch from Livingston.

He has scored three goals in 16 appearances for Bradford so far this season.

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

PR at its best
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2015/01/25/bradford-city-chairman-blames-manchester-united-for-messed-up-finances/

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


Wednesday, January 21, 2015

L1 L0-1 (a) Yeovil Saturday January 17, 2015. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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


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

Next/Upcoming Game
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/f.a-cup-facts...-2212082.aspx

Signings & Loans


Injuries & Suspensions


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


Preview
BBC http://ift.tt/1AYIJsR

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11732408.FT__Yeovil_1_City_0/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=394073&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/sport_bantams_pics2014_yeovilaway/

Highlight/ Goal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnToBHtwe7Q
Extended Misery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8r2lBksTWkk

Post Game Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAG4vzNyPFE


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

Final whistle - match report

CITY slipped to a frustrating defeat at bottom club Yeovil put another dent in their play-off push this afternoon.

The lowly Glovers had not scored in the league at home since October 18 but new striker Gozie Ugwu changed that with a smart finish after 26 minutes.

City took too long to get into their stride but could have levelled in first half stoppage-time when Billy Knott headed just over.

James Hanson missed another great chance after the break as the visitors improved.

There was a lot of huff and puff. But the defeat, City's second in a row in the league, was hardly the best appetiser for the forthcoming clash with Chelsea.


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

When the dust settled - match report


An air of inevitability about this Bradford City defeat

8:20am Monday 19th January 2015

By Simon Parker

Yeovil 1 Bradford City 0

IT MAY have been the longest trip of the season but it was a well-trodden path for the fans.

And not just for the 450 or so who made the marathon trek to the heart of Somerset.

Those queueing in the snow and bitter cold nearly 300 miles away in the hope of a Chelsea ticket could identify this territory equally well.

Oh yes, Chelsea. The name that has dominated every conversation around Valley Parade since Millwall were put to the sword in midweek.

THE game, the only game – or so it seems amid all the hysteria building up to Saturday's grand day out down the King's Road.

So Yeovil was buried away almost as an after thought. Check the comments on the internet and social media – Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea.

And of course the inevitable happened at Huish Park. The supposed dress rehearsal was a mish-mash of fluffed lines and stilted performances.

We've been here before two seasons ago.

Pre-Aston Villa there was Barnet away; before Wembley, there was Wimbledon. The same scenario of visiting a distant team at the wrong end of the table – and coming home with nothing.

For the long-term City cynics, Yeovil had ticked every box for a Chelsea eve let-down.

Bottom of the league? Check. Hadn't won at home for four months? Check. Hadn't scored at home for three months? Check.

There was a knowing sense of resignation about the travelling army.

Phil Parkinson had named the same outfield unit that had destroyed the toothless Lions three days before. But they were a shadow of that side.

While still having more than enough possession to have got at least something from a poor match, City had left that attacking spark on the bus.

They looked tired of thought and mind, especially in the first half hour where they allowed Yeovil to rebuild their own fragile confidence and self-belief.

In hindsight, Parkinson will probably consider that he should have freshened things up and rested a few of the limbs that had put in such monumental efforts in the two previous home games.

But his counter-argument was that this was a bunch flying in spirit and morale. Having battered a team from the division above, they could not wait to be unleashed on the next opponent.

Or, of course, they had Stamford Bridge on their minds.

The tiresome cliché of taking one game at a time is never more fitting than when such a massive occasion looms.

There were no obvious signs of minds drifting to more grander surroundings than Yeovil's compact home, but this was a laboured and clunky display not in keeping with the exciting form of the last few months.

It was difficult to avoid what happens next. The programme was full of pictures from Yeovil's own FA Cup brush with Premier League royalty when they ran Manchester United close.

On the wall of the press room, there was Terry in that iconic clenched-fist celebration pose in front of the fans. Only this was Paul, the former Yeovil stalwart, and not the rather more famous brother that City will expect to encounter.

And Yeovil cheekily stuck on the Liquidator instrumental when the teams came out for the second half – the walk-on song they always play at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, Chelsea, Chelsea.

Meanwhile the Glovers were manufacturing only their second home win in 13 league attempts to breathe new life into their survival mission.

The winning goal ended a drought that had reached a staggering 532 minutes – a shade under nine hours since they'd last netted against Swindon on October 18.

Such were Yeovil's selection problems that boss Gary Johnson decided to use centre forward Kieffer Moore as an emergency centre half, a role he had only ever performed in the reserves.

But with senior partner Stephen Arthurworrey guiding him into the right positions, Moore grew in confidence the longer the game progressed and did a fairly decent job against James Hanson and Jon Stead – the "two monsters up front" as Ian Holloway had described them.

And irony of ironies, Moore was up in the City box to claim an assist when the Glovers broke through. He won the header from Sam Foley's free-kick and Gozie Ugwu controlled well with his chest before neatly side-footing past Jordan Pickford.

Billy Knott had already squandered a promising opening with a heavy touch and Hanson should have done far better when Moore was caught out of position by Stead. The chance fell on his weaker right foot but it was still a poor effort straight at home keeper Ged Steer.

That was a sign of Hanson's frustrating afternoon in front of goal. His most effective work, in fact, seemed to be in his own penalty area with a couple of important defensive clearances.

Filipe Morais looked City's most promising threat going forward and his inviting cross at the end of the half went begging from Knott's glancing header.

At least City had picked up some momentum in the closing stages and they began the second half more like the team we have come to expect.

There was greater urgency about the play but still not enough quality where it mattered.

Hanson charged down Steer's panicky clearance to spark a counter-attack through Stead. His low ball across the goalmouth missed Knott and Hanson, following up behind, skied high and wide in ugly fashion.

Yeovil were desperate to hang on to what they had and a wall of green and white hoops blocked the home goal. For all City's control of the possession, Steer was not seriously worked.

There was one final hope that City could avenge the stoppage-time agonies of recent weeks when Hanson was clipped by the D. But sub Alan Sheehan pulled the free-kick wide and the Huish faithful could let out a collective sigh of relief.

Six of Yeovil's points – a quarter of their tally – have come off City and the Johnson curse lives on. With Oldham's two victories under Gary's son Lee, that's four losses at the hands of their family.

Back-to-back league defeats have also seen any advantage on the chasing play-off pack slashed away. In fact Rochdale, who would have been eight points behind if City had won at Valley Parade last week, have now deposed them in fifth.

At least a first appearance in 15 years in the FA Cup fourth round should offer a timely distraction now. Remind me who they're playing again?
===========================

BBC
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30883694
Bradford City and Millwall charged by Football Association

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

Friday, January 16, 2015

FAC3R W4-0 (h) Millwall Wednesday January 14, 2015. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc

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


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

Next/Upcoming Game
Yeovil ticket latest
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/yeovil-town-ticket-update-2204299.aspx
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11729796.Glove_story_is_the_only_one_in_town_as_City_think_west_country_not_west_London/

Signings, Loans


Injuries, suspensions
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11717459.Bradford_City_keeper_to_serve_ban_in_FA_Cup/

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


Preview
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30706057
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11722244.Parkinson__Bradford_City_memories_are_made_of_nights_like_this/


Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11724514.Live_blog__City_1_Millwall_0
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=411845&action=stats
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/millwall-cup-replay-images-by-thomas-gadd-2205100.aspx
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/sport_bantams_pics2014_millwallhome/1/

Unofficial highlights / pictures quotes

"I'm pleased Millwall 'looked sharp' in training this week, otherwise it would have been all over by halftime.."

Bring on the Chelsea  (video)
https://t.co/gENZHzJsIM

Forde punch on Knott
https://twitter.com/MRBigglez8/status/555461020693852160
https://amp.twimg.com/v/f719aef1-6b83-4d59-89bb-e0f240ae09b6
https://twitter.com/BantamPete/status/555733302636969984/photo/1

Beever sending off
http://t.co/l17hjvBGmA

Billy Knott sub (video)
https://t.co/bUmDaVYYHZ

Tonight in one image
https://twitter.com/AidanFlood/status/555486140288221184/photo/1


Highlight/ Goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rMwNVdwvEQ
http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/fa-cup/video

Post Game Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4kJ8kuC7B8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3rtCw7aG_lA
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/parkinson-praises-potent-performance-2204581.aspx
Holloway
https://t.co/ND2xdMLKTL


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

Final whistle - match report


Wad a result as brilliant Bantams hit Chelsea jackpot

6:50am Thursday 15th January 2015

By Simon Parker

Bradford City 4 Millwall 0

CITY booked their luxury day out at Chelsea with the type of steam-roller performance last night that Jose Mourinho's aristocrats would be proud of.

There was no tension, no late drama, no penalty shoot-outs – and pretty much no resistance from a hapless Millwall side who were there for the taking.

To paraphrase one of the many mocking chants from a jubilant Kop, "Championship, you're having a laugh". Reduced to ten men after only six minutes, they were pathetic.

But that shouldn't take anything away from the Bantams.

Phil Parkinson had evoked memories of the great cup nights in the build-up but last night had the air of the play-off final – total domination from first whistle to last.

Just like that glorious day at Wembley, the contest was over before half-time. From then, it was simply a case of how many as the fans lapped it up.

It didn't even matter that Parkinson had to watch the bulk of it from the stand after a first-half altercation.

So City are bound for Stamford Bridge for the first time since 2000 – ironically the last year they made it this far in the FA Cup.

That time, of course, they had started only one round earlier. They can head for the King's Road next week in the knowledge that they have genuinely earned this trip.

It is 39 years since City have won three FA Cup ties in the same season. That run went as far as the quarter-finals before Jim McCalliog's disputed volley for eventual winners Southampton did for the plucky hosts.

With the Premier League leaders now standing in their way, nobody will expect Parkinson's class of 2015 to progress any further than their big day out in the last 32. But then again, how many fancied City to appear in a Capital One Cup final?

Andrew Davies, who missed the original tie with a tight hamstring, was back in so Parkinson could call upon his long-serving back four. City had caught Millwall out with a high velocity start at The Den and they looked to replicate that by forcing three corners in the opening five minutes.

The visitors were not allowed to settle – and their cause became significantly harder a minute later when they were reduced to ten men.

James Hanson nipped goal side of Mark Beevers as they chased Rory McArdle's long ball inside the Millwall half. The former Sheffield Wednesday centre half pulled the City man down and referee James Adcock went straight for his red card.

It was the official's eighth dismissal in the last 12 games and the second early bath in four days at Valley Parade. Only this time it was very much to City's advantage.

And how they quickly cashed in. Winning a fourth corner, Andy Halliday's outswinger was flicked across goal by McArdle for Hanson to nod home at the far post.

The man for the big cup occasion had struck again with his seventh goal of the season as the place erupted.

City had no intention of releasing their grip on Millwall throats and doubled their lead ten minutes later.

Richard Chaplow got the first of the night's yellow cards for bringing down James Meredith. The full back lifted the free-kick into the box, where Andrew Davies won the knockdown for Jon Stead to drill home.

With chants of "easy, easy" booming from the Kop, Millwall's heads had gone – and the game exploded with a melee on the touchline.

It was sparked by Alan Dunne shoving Hanson into an advertising board as the striker looked to shepherd a ball out of play.

David Forde ran from his goal to remonstrate with Stead and appeared to throw a punch as players from both sides rushed to join in.

Billy Knott was in the thick of it – and Parkinson also arrived on the scene as the officials struggled to pull the warring factions apart.

Knott reacted angrily after another swing from the Millwall keeper before Adcock finally regained some control. As the dust settled, there were bookings for Knott, Dunne and a fortunate Forde.

The referee had not finished there and strode over to the City dug-out, where he sent both Parkinson and assistant Steve Parkin to the stand.

But even that could not take the wind from City's sails and they were celebrating once more six minutes before the break.

Knott hurt Millwall the right way with a fine pass to release Morais on the right flank. The former Lions winger had room to size up his cross and picked out Andy Halliday to sweep in from eight yards.

Parkinson and Parkin did a little jig on the steps of the press box as Valley Parade rocked once more. Nobody could have foreseen such a dominant display.

But if Millwall thought it could not possibly get worse, they were in for a further shock.

James Meredith marauded virtually unchecked down the left before squaring for Knott, who looked set to score. His point-blank was blocked by Forde and Millwall survived for once.

That let-off proved temporary. Morais, Gary Liddle and Meredith's neat interchange kept the blue shirts penned in their own penalty area.

There were loud shouts for hand ball as Danny Shittu blocked Meredith's shot but Millwall failed to clear the danger and Knott was on it in a flash to continue his hot scoring streak.

That was enough for some of the long-suffering away fans, who streamed towards the exits, even though there was still over half an hour left.

City were still in the mood for more and substitute Francois Zoko was twice close to his first goal for the club, clipping the post and then seeing his header well held by Forde.

Millwall's following bounced in ironic joy when they managed a solitary shot on target in the dying minutes. But they were never in with a shout of earning a London derby.

That particular prize is for City a week on Saturday – and how they have deserved it.


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

When the dust settled


Chelsea clash a dream come true as Bantams boss Parkinson salutes 'terrific' players

7:50am Thursday 15th January 2015

By Simon Parker

THRILLED Phil Parkinson savoured the dream prospect of locking horns with Chelsea next week and declared: "We were terrific."

City are on their way to Stamford Bridge in the FA Cup fourth round after blowing away Millwall 4-0 last night at an ecstatic Valley Parade.

The Bantams blasted three before half-time against their ten-man opponents and even survived the double shock of seeing Parkinson and number two Steve Parkin sent to the stands.

Parkinson said: "To score seven goals in two games against a Championship side is a great tribute to the lads.

"The way we responded after the disappointment of Saturday was terrific. We were very professional and kept doing the right things.

"There was a big prize at stake and we wanted to achieve it. We did the job really well.

"We set out to play in a positive fashion. Milllwall are a team you can get at and right from the first whistle that was the aim."

City's management duo watched the whole second half from the crowd after being sent to the stands by referee James Adcock. Both reacted after Millwall defender Alan Dunne pushed James Hanson into an advertising board – and were dismissed for leaving the technical area.

Parkinson said: "I thought it was a dangerous challenge because there's a wall just behind. I ran down there to make sure there wasn't a brawl. I certainly wasn't going to instigate anything.

"I shouldn't have done it but I feel it was a little bit harsh.

"I apologised to the lads at half-time because I'd told them to keep their cool and I'd reacted in the heat of the moment.

"We'll have to take that on the chin and I'm glad it didn't ruin a great night. The lads didn't need us on the touchline anyway.

"I'm glad it's not a major talking point because we've got through."

Parkinson has been to Stamford Bridge before in charge of Colchester, who came within 11 minutes of forcing a replay before losing their FA Cup tie 3-1. He admits to being a huge admirer of Chelsea supremo Jose Mourinho.

He said: "I'll never forget that day. We'd been waiting a long time for that big cup draw and the whole town got behind the club.

"When the time comes, we'll go and really enjoy the experience. I'll be delighted if we can play as well as Colchester did on that day.

"I've got so much admiration for Jose. He is a top manager with the way he sets up his teams and the game plans to get the job done.

"I enjoy watching his teams play. They do the basics well as well as all the great intricate play and fantastic skill going forward."

Joint-chairman Julian Rhodes has estimated that getting through will bank City up to £500,000 and Parkinson insists the windfall will put the club on a sound financial footing.

He added: "It's a considerable amount of money as a percentage of our overall budget.

"It makes things easier all round for the club. Like when we had the run to Wembley, it's not just for that particular season but it can make us stronger for future seasons.

"We've had some decent revenue already from cups like the Leeds game and now this but obviously Chelsea will be the biggest of the lot."


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

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11719582.Xavi_t__One_hit_wonder_Barrau_will_never_forget_his_Valley_Parade_date_with_Millwall/   

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

From T&A comments
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11722244.Parkinson__Bradford_City_memories_are_made_of_nights_like_this/

I'm going down t' Valley
There's a game on there you know
We're playing good old Millwall
And I'm afraid they have to go

I know it won't be easy
and I think both teams will score
Millwall could get one... or two
As long as we score more

We've got the best supporters
So let's go make some noise
Support the team
A night supreme
Let's do it for the boys

Come on Bradford City
And make tonight THE night
Let's meet the might of Millwall
And beat them out of sight

Looking for predictions?
I really cannot say
But...tell you what
To all.....fear not
Chelsea...we're on our way!


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

Mitre Goal of 2014 competition - #BCAFC Nominees
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8XyxCM2xrE&feature=youtu.be

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

FA CUP: MILLWALL CHAIRMAN JOHN BERYLSON TO REFUND FANS

Millwall chairman John Berylson will refund the cost of match tickets for
fans who watched their FA Cup third-round defeat at Bradford City.

The Lions lost 4-0 to the League One side, having had defender Mark Beevers
sent off after five minutes.

The 456 supporters who purchased tickets in advance will be refunded.

American businessman Berylson thanked fans "for their continued support
during difficult times" in a statement on the Championship club's website.

Millwall have won just one of their last 13 games in all competitions and
are currently 22nd in the league table.

Manager Ian Holloway labelled their performance at Bradford as
"unacceptable", described his team as "dysfunctional" and apologised to the
club's fans in his post-match news conference.

Holloway has already made four signings since the transfer window re-opened
earlier this month but Berylson has "pledged to facilitate further squad
strengthening" in an attempt to improve results.

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


Tuesday, January 13, 2015

L1 L1-2 (h) Rochdale Saturday January 10, 2015. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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


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

Next/Upcoming Game
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11719463.Lawn_s_plea_to_Bantams_cup_crowd__Put_them_through_the_Mill_with_a_Wall_of_noise/

Signings & Loans


Injuries & Suspensions
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11717459.Bradford_City_keeper_to_serve_ban_in_FA_Cup/

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


Preview
BBC http://ift.tt/1I0f6dO
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11713557.Hill_happy_to_give_youngsters_their_chance_at_Rochdale/


Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11715950.Live_blog__City_1_Rochdale_2/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=394051&action=stats
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/sport_bantams_pics2014_rochdalehome/

Highlight/ Goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhwtSfXDU7Y


Post Game Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1p2XLM_jG0


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

Final whistle - match report


Parkinson blasts "shocking" ref after last-gasp loss for Bantams

7:15pm Saturday 10th January 2015

By Simon Parker

PHIL Parkinson launched into referee Gavin Ward after ten-man City's last-gasp loss to Rochdale.

Parkinson was furious with the "shocking" performance of the Surrey official, who sent off Jordan Pickford after just 12 minutes for bringing down Dale striker Matt Done in the box.

Battling City were beaten 2-1 in stoppage-time to end their ten-match unbeaten run and Parkinson was hugely critical of Ward.

He said: "It's never, ever a sending off. It was an absolutely atrocious decision but that summed up the referee's performance.

"If that's the best ref we're getting and we've had to bring him all the way up from Surrey then God help us. That performance was shocking.

"The referees are always saying they need more money for training. We've probably paid £250 in expenses to the worst ref we've had this season.

"We played tremendously well and it was difficult to tell that we had ten men. It's a crushing blow when you lose in a manner we did."


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

When the dust settled - match report

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11717047.Bradford_City__What_a_difference_one_man_can_make/

Bradford City: What a difference one man can make

6:38am Monday 12th January 2015

By Simon Parker

City 1, Rochdale 2

CITY unveiled their #bethedifference marketing campaign on Saturday to remind everyone at Valley Parade that they had a part to play.

It was a rallying call for the home crowd, urging them to get involved and have an influence on proceedings right through to the final kick.

What the club's powers-that-be never had in mind when launching the appeal was that someone else would appear to take their words to heart – referee Gavin Ward.

Short of posting a Twitter selfie with a #bethedifference calling card, the Surrey official could not have had more of a central role in the afternoon.

I hate writing ref-bashing reports because it inevitably smacks of sour grapes. You don't tend to hammer the men in black after a win.

And the standard of officiating at City games this season has generally been good. There haven't been too many Deadman or Drysdale-esque horror stories to recount.

But Ward was sadly the exception; a referee clearly hell-bent on showing that he would not be influenced by the crowd or the atmosphere. In short, he was determined to be the one who would make sure that the volume of fans made no difference whatsoever.

He could not be fingered directly for either Rochdale goal but his influence was writ large over both of them.

Nobody will argue that Ward was right to give a penalty when Jordan Pickford caught Matty Done in the area.

Billy Knott's misplaced pass on the halfway line was picked up by Peter Vincenti, who carved open the home defence to send Done free on goal. Pickford's slight hesitation gave the striker the advantage and he went tumbling over the keeper's outstretched legs.

It's a foul all day long. But to then compound the punishment by bringing out the red card was a nonsense.

The letter of the law states that denying a "goal-scoring opportunity" is cause for straight dismissal. Fair enough.

But Done's touch wide of the lunging Pickford had taken the ball away from goal and out of play. Not only that but there were two claret and amber shirts clearly in view protecting the keeper-less net.

Compare and contrast with the Leeds penalty at Bolton. Anyone watching the Football League highlights on Saturday night would have seen goalkeeper Andy Lonergan commit the same offence in almost identical circumstances – and stay on the field.

Rochdale's winner in the last knockings of added time could be put down to tired bodies and minds in the home ranks. Having worked so hard and for so long with a man down on another gluepot of a pitch, it was maybe one penalty-area battle too many.

But again, Phil Parkinson pointed to the decision to give the free-kick which led to the goal. There didn't appear too much wrong with Alan Sheehan's challenge in the first place.

Ward thought otherwise, as he seemed to about most things in a game when he was more than happy to go against the flow.

So City's proud unbeaten two-month run was brought to an unsatisfying, teeth-gnashing conclusion, although I'm not sure that's the last we'll hear of it.

Parkinson insisted on watching the DVD incident of the sending-off before addressing the press after the game – and then proceeded to tear a strip off the referee's efforts.

He was saying what the rest of Valley Parade were thinking – and is more than likely to pay the price for it. Don't forget, you're not allowed to criticise, even when the evidence clearly demonstrates there is good enough reason.

Anyway, that's too much taken up with one man's shortcomings when we should be praising the sterling efforts of the City ten.

When the bitter disappointment of another home defeat fades away, the immense character and determination on display can be held up as an example of the growing quality and togetherness of this team.

Managers will routinely say that playing against ten men is not the cakewalk that everyone expects. But to soldier on for all bar the first 12 minutes with a man down – and on such an unforgiving surface – is a huge credit to the fitness and fortitude of Parkinson's squad.

Make no bones about it. City's depleted numbers had been the better team, whatever the scoreline.

Dale boss Keith Hill virtually admitted as much during his honest appraisal. His side had been through a proper work-out.

The visitors got away with missing the penalty as Ian Henderson's attempted 'Panenka' came back off the bar.

He did have the presence of mind to duck the rebound and avoid a second touch, allowing Vincenti to follow in and fire it home as City were caught on their heels.

But the sense of injustice at losing Pickford and falling behind only served to inspire the Bantams.

Parkinson kept it positive by sticking with two up front. Andy Halliday was sacrificed from midfield but Jon Stead and James Hanson were left to maraud among the blue ranks – and how they relished it.

Hill was full of praise for the way City's front two gave his back four a working over. The importance of securing Stead for the rest of the season – and maybe, should we dare to dream, the play-offs – was underlined once more with another text-book afternoon of hold-up play and how to get team-mates involved.

He took his tally to five goals in 15 appearances with the equaliser. A City corner was returned to taker Filipe Morais, whose deep cross was headed on first by Hanson, then Sheehan and finally buried from close range by Stead.

The dream script pointed to a famous comeback victory and there were certainly chances. Knott was inches away from extending his scoring streak, Stead was denied from an angle by keeper Josh Lillis and Hanson twice headed over from good positions.

Apart from a Done cross-shot that flashed past the far post, Ben Williams had little to do on his first City league outing.

A point was the least they deserved for overcoming the numerical odds for so long. But then, for the third time in six games, those extra minutes at the end proved City's undoing.

Michael Rose pumped the ball into the box, where it was flicked up in the air for Andrew to climb over Stephen Darby and steer inside the post.

Attendance: 13,571

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

Bradford City have won the double
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11712355.Bradford_City_have_won_the_double/


Bradford City have won the double

6:00am Friday 9th January 2015

By Simon Parker

CITY today swept the board for the League One monthly awards as both Phil Parkinson and Rory McArdle picked up accolades for the recent hot run.

Parkinson, who yesterday secured Jon Stead on loan until the end of May, was named the Sky Bet top manager for December and centre half Rory McArdle took the divisional prize for the best player.

It is the seventh time that Parkinson has won the monthly management title and second as City boss. He also received a special merit award from the League Managers' Association after taking the club to Wembley twice in the same season.

But he deflected the praise on to McArdle, who he called "one of the key characters in the dressing room."

Parkinson said: "Rory's been terrific ever since he came to the club. It's quite rare for defenders to have the athleticism he's got and he covers the ground and makes blocks because of that.

"It's not often that defenders get awards. The strikers get the headlines but I know supporters appreciate Rory's honesty and commitment.

"He's a good age for a centre half and his best years are still ahead of him. It's so important to get players in the club who are driven and want to be the best they can and Rory is certainly one of those.

"It's always nice to get recognition and for both of us to win something is good for the club.

"We know it's a team effort. We're picking these up on behalf of the rest of the team and coaching staff.

"But we now draw a line through it and move on. Now we've got another great exciting period of games coming up."

Stead, whose contract at Huddersfield runs out in the summer, cemented his short-term future at Valley Parade after four goals in 14 appearances on loan.

Having already secured Ben Williams and Filipe Morais this month, Parkinson sees the experienced striker as another building block.

He added: "It was always high on our list to get Jon signed up. Not only has he played well himself, he's affected other players in the squad.

"His professionalism and attitude on the training pitch is so important to our young players.

"They are three big signings for us and add to the honesty in the camp. The more players you've got like that, the more chance you have of winning games consistently."

City go into tomorrow's home clash with Rochdale in a position of strength as they look to extend the ten-match unbeaten sequence. It is a far more settled picture compared with the last January transfer window, which was dominated by the sale of Nahki Wells.

Parkinson said: "We had a lot of disruption with the Nahki situation. That wasn't just January but leading up to that. We had Nahki wanting to get away, we also had injury problems and we struggled because we were in a new division.

"No one will be going (this year) as far as I'm concerned. Our aim is to at least keep the strength of the squad as it is.

"When Jon walked back in the building yesterday, it gave the rest of the lads a lift. To have him, Ben Williams and Filipe signed up is a boost for all of us.

"We've got a good spirit in the camp and we want to keep everybody together."

City are targeting their first double of the season against Dale after winning 2-0 at Spotland at the start of the season. Mark Yeates is set to return after missing the last two games with a knee injury.

Parkinson expects a tough ride against Keith Hill's men and warned: "They are a high energy team and we're going to have to be right at our best to match that.

"They've got young legs in the team and close down all over the pitch. They play the division well.

"We had a good game against them at their place. We started quickly ourselves and met them head on and wore them down in the end.

"We know that nothing less than a repeat of that will be good enough."


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

Thursday, January 08, 2015

FAC3 D3-3 (a) Millwall Saturday January 3, 2014. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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


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

Next/Upcoming Game
Wed 14     Millwall (FA Cup 3 replay) see below for ticket info
Leyton Orient has now been rearranged for Tuesday 17 February 2015.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11703140.FA_Cup_draw_Made_in_Chelsea__Double_delight_for_fans_as_Bantams_handed____special_one____out_of_hat_on_same_day_Morais_signs_long_term_deal/

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Morais signs 2.5 yr deal
https://twitter.com/officialbantams/status/552142291578544130/photo/1
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11701016._Bantams_best_club_I___ve_ever_played_for____says_Morais_as_he_looks_to_finalise_deal_to_remain_at_Valley_Parade/

Bradford City re-sign Huddersfield Town striker Jon Stead on loan until the end of the season

Injuries
Yeates update
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/yeates-ruled-out-of-millwall-trip-2175019.aspx

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


Preview
BBC http://ift.tt/1I4zIQr
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxR-yOLg9-g
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11695006.Bantams_boss_Parkinson__We_re_banking_on_having_Ben_at_the_Den/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11695776.Mark_Yeates_ruled_out_of_Bradford_City_FA_Cup_clash/

Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11700627.FA_Cup_blog__Millwall_3_City_3/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=410272&action=stats
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/sport_bantams_pics2014_millwallaway/

Tweets
https://twitter.com/thedrbob/status/551396184452255745?s=09
https://twitter.com/jamrolypoly_sb/status/551409261499392002?s=09


Highlight/ Goals
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/30667392 (UK only)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Alj3nbFYVgM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v1C-CNKpxk&sns=em (extended)

Post Game Interview



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

Final whistle - match report


Parkinson pleased to see Bantams go "toe to toe" at Millwall

6:24pm Saturday 3rd January 2015

By Simon Parker

PHIL Parkinson felt City did their travelling army proud today to bring Millwall back to Valley Parade.

Just over 1,000 away fans were at the Den to see the FA Cup third-round clash finish in a 3-3 thriller.

Parkinson said: "I'm obviously pleased with the way we've played. We've gone toe-to-toe with a Championship side – but we probably should have won.

"I was looking forward to seeing how we would fare and a lot of our players stood up really well.

"We're on a good run and we weren't prepared to let Millwall take that away from us.

"I was amazed when I heard how many tickets we sold.

"We haven't been in round four since 2000 and haven't won three games to get to round four since 1975-76.

"We reminded the players that's why we've got good support. They are also responding to how we are playing and it was very important we maintained that positivity."

Parkinson also confirmed that the club are trying to keep both Jon Stead and Filipe Morais.

He added: "We've got permission to speak to Jon. He wants a permanent deal and we need to have that chat.

"With Filipe, we met his agents last night and I don't think we're too far away."


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

When the dust settled - match report


It's Hammer time as West Ham fan Knott shines in see-saw encounter to Den-y Lions

8:30am Monday 5th January 2015

By Simon Parker

Millwall 3 Bradford City 3

TAKE 1911 out of the equation and the FA Cup and City have barely been on nodding terms down the years.

Those of a certain age will remember the run to the quarter-finals 39 years ago and Southampton's dubious free-kick routine at Valley Parade.

There was Brian Mitchell beating Spurs – as repeated on the BBC's nostalgia spot over the weekend – and, of course, that goal from Chris Waddle at Everton.

But otherwise, City's recent history in the competition has been a parade of disappointments and very early departures.

The fact that Saturday was only the second time in 11 years that they had got as far as the third round spelled that out.

And while the wait goes on for a place in the last 32 – not achieved since 2000 when the then Premier Leaguers were ingloriously dumped by a Gillingham team two divisions below – the FA Cup can at least be mentioned again in these parts without eyes being rolled.

For the rip-roaring encounter at The Den was what the famous old cup is meant to be all about. The hoary old clichés and clips from yesteryear are based around cracking encounters like the one with Millwall.

It was a glorious throwback to the halcyon days, if they ever existed in the first place, when teams would attack, attack and attack some more.

Phil Parkinson has promised there would be no "shutting up shop" against the Championship strugglers. He asked his players to go toe-to-toe – and they certainly did that in a 90-minute slugfest.

Just over 1,000 City fans backed them all the way – a remarkable turn-out given the difficulty of a journey which saw many caught up by an accident that shut the M11.

A lot were still coming in well after the game kicked off. Other unfortunates could not get there at all because they were marooned on the motorway.

Parkinson was staggered by the number who did make it; he was not so surprised by the way his players proved a match for a team from the division above.

Like 2012, the last time City's interest in the FA Cup had stayed alive as long as January, the draw away to Championship opponents was not a promising one.

Unlike Watford on that occasion, the six goals on Saturday were shared equally. City were well worth having a second crack at Ian Holloway's Lions next week.

Parkinson had prepped his players with all the facts. In the pre-match briefing, he trotted out the lines about 15 years since they made the fourth round and that 1976 was the last occasion when they had won three or more FA Cup ties in the same season.

Billy Knott did not need any more motivation. His had been the only genuinely positive reaction when the draw was made; a lifelong West Ham fan getting the chance to stick it up their traditionally bitter rivals.

And how close he came to doing that with an effervescent performance in that "number ten" role where he had sparkled against Notts County the week before.

Taking the confidence on from that game, Knott was a constant figure whenever the Bantams crossed into enemy territory. Cheered on by his customary fan club of family and friends from Essex, he relished the responsibility of chief Lion-tamer.

Knott made an immediate impact from the game's first corner as City jumped on Millwall's fragile mindset.

James Hanson won the battle for Alan Sheehan's set-piece and the midfielder whipped in from close range.

The home stands may have been sparsely populated but the reaction to their own players quickly bordered on the poisonous. With only two wins from 19 before Saturday, the punters were in no mood for patience.

Andy Halliday should have stoked up their anger but flashed a volley over from eight yards – another decent scoring opportunity gone begging from the Scot.

But Millwall regrouped and mustered their forces as the half progressed. They leaned heavily on the left flank, where attack-minded full back Matthew Briggs and winger Lee Martin ganged up on Stephen Darby.

The equaliser came from that side as Martin's cross was delicately glanced home by the diving Scott McDonald. Now we had a cup tie on our hands.

Millwall's fans got off their team's backs and there was a brief lull in City's ambitions. But they saw it through to half-time and came again, home keeper David Forde recovering from a flap at Filipe Morais' cross by clinging on to Knott's follow-up volley on his line.

Millwall were having more of the play and struck again midway through the half. Morais appeared to be fouled before McDonald took the ball away from Rory McArdle and delivered a glorious cross with the outside of his right foot for veteran Ricardo Fuller to finish.

City found themselves behind for the first time since the unbeaten run was hatched at Halifax. Could they respond?

The answer was emphatic and took only four minutes.

Hanson's shot blooped off Alan Dunne and on to the bar before dropping straight down to catch Sid Nelson unawares and deflect off the young centre half into the net.

The equaliser may have come with a huge slice of good fortune but City's spirit deserved the break. For some of the fans behind that goal, there may have been a touch of karma given the roughhouse antics of Nelson and his team in last season's FA Youth Cup at Valley Parade.

The pendulum swung once more as City went in search of further success. A fine team move ended with Morais atoning for his part in Millwall's second by teeing up Knott for a nonchalantly-dispatched finish.

But City were pegged back again just six minutes from time after a moment of naivety from Jason Kennedy.

Rather than taking one for the team, he allowed Magaye Gueye to surge unchecked from the halfway line.

The Millwall sub fed Martin by the penalty area and he crossed for an unmarked Fuller to coolly convert from 12 yards.

So there was disappointment tinged with the satisfaction at playing a full part in an end-to-end afternoon.

Parkinson said: "We've done Bradford proud again with the way we played. We'd love to have got through but we have another opportunity.

"That'll be another chance for us to show this wasn't a one off. I'm confident we can."
===========================

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11706474.Money_match__Replay_win_worth__half_a_million__to_Bradford_City__says_Rhodes/


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

From VitalFootball:

FORMER BRADFORD BOSS IN AT WEST BROM

Bradford City's former manager Paul Jewell has returned to the game to join
the coaching staff at West Brom.

Tony Pulis' appointment as the Premier League's new manager was confirmed in
the New Year with Pulis moving quickly to secure the services of Jewell, who
he feels 'fitted the bill perfectly.

Pulis said: 'Jewelly is someone I have known for a long time. When I thought
about what I wanted for this post, he fitted the bill perfectly.'

Jewell, who of course enjoyed much success with us some years back has held
various posts since with Wigan his most successful - he had been out of the
game since leaving Championship outfit Ipswich in 2012.


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

Mark Schwarzer: Leicester City sign Chelsea goalkeeper
From the BBC.

Leicester City have signed keeper Mark Schwarzer on a free transfer from
fellow Premier League club Chelsea.

The 42-year-old has agreed a deal until June 2016 and could play against
Aston Villa on Saturday with regular first-choice Kasper Schmeichel injured.

Schwarzer has made 508 Premier League appearances during spells at
Middlesbrough, Fulham and Chelsea.

"I'm delighted we've been able to sign a player of Mark's vast experience,"
said Foxes boss Nigel Pearson.

"To have played the number of games he has played at the very top level is
outstanding and highlights both his ability and his professionalism.

"I know Mark really well. He has a number of great attributes as a player
and brings a huge amount of Premier League know-how to the squad.

"His qualities as a player and as a man will be very valuable for us during
the second half of the season and beyond."

Schwarzer, who won 109 caps for Australia, moved to England in 1996 with
Bradford City and a year later he joined Middlesbrough, where he made 446
appearances in 11 years.

He made the switch to Fulham in 2008 before joining Chelsea in July 2013.

Schwarzer played with Pearson in their time together at Middlesbrough.

He told the Leicester website:  "I've known Nigel for many years and I know
what he's like as a person. For me it was a very easy decision to make to
come here based on him alone."

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

http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/updated-info-on-millwall-f.a-cup-replay-2187300.aspx

See the link for a Q&A

Match tickets for the Millwall replay are now on sale to City supporters from the Bantams Ticket Office and online - please click HERE.
http://www.bcfc.talent-sport.co.uk/PagesPublic/ProductBrowse/productHome.aspx

Ticket prices for the game will be:

Adults: £15.00
Senior Citizens: £10.00
Juniors: £5.00

The McCall and Hendrie Suites in the JCT600 Stand will also be open for the match. Ticket prices for this section will be £5.00 dearer per person across the board.


Friday, January 02, 2015

L1 W1-0 (h) Notts County Sunday December 28, 2014. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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


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

Next/Upcoming Game
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11695006.Bantams_boss_Parkinson__We_re_banking_on_having_Ben_at_the_Den/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11695776.Mark_Yeates_ruled_out_of_Bradford_City_FA_Cup_clash/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11698580.Bradford_City_to_go_on_the_attack_in_Lions__Den/


Signings, Loans and Injuries


Injuries


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


Preview
BBC http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30566428
https://twitter.com/officialbantams/status/549188710152273920?s=09
https://twitter.com/officialbantams/status/549168089657790465?s=09


Game links
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/11690202.Live_blog__Bantams_v_Notts_County/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/sport_bantams_pics2014_nottscountyhome/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=394027&action=stats

Highlight/ Goal
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeDwobrTb8c


Post Game Interview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yN8Q_hUugU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SA_sdEuc_-0



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

When the dust settled - match report


Knott 1 Notts 0: Jones and Thompson are thwarted on return to Bradford City

9:25am Monday 29th December 2014

By Simon Parker

Bradford City 1 Notts County 0

BANTAMS present put one over Bantams past to strengthen their position among the play-off pack.

A second win in three days made it a cracker of a Christmas for City, who are now unbeaten in nine games. What a way to see out the old year!

It had been billed as the Gary Jones and Garry Thompson show but instead it was the 2014 version that stood tall.

Rather than Jones coming back to sting his former employers, it was ex-County midfielder Gary Liddle – who had scored for them in the corresponding fixture last season – and Billy Knott who ruled the roost in midfield.

And Knott clinched this most satisfying of results with his fourth goal of the season, keeping up his proud record of every one leading to a City win.

Jones and Thompson contributed 202 appearances and a lifetime of memories in their two-year stint in claret and amber, so the warmth of the reaction from the home fans came as no surprise.

They had arrived at Valley Parade as part of the only team yet to lose on their travels this season in all four divisions. But not any more.

County certainly did not lack for experience – Jones and Thompson were among five players aged 34 or above, including former Leeds battler Alan Smith, Hayden Mullins and Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Roy Carroll.

Phil Parkinson had talked of shuffling the pack over the Christmas rush but made only one change from the Fleetwood win and that was forced upon him. Knott got his chance again because Mark Yeates suffered a knee injury from a strong tackle in that game.

City reverted back to playing two wingers after matching up Fleetwood with a midfield diamond. Andy Halliday moved wide on the left and was involved in the first threatening moment.

James Hanson flicked on to the Scot, who skipped away from centre half Mullins into the box. But a heavy touch took him too wide of Carroll and he could only sky the shot into the away fans.

Hanson set up Jon Stead for another off-target effort as City started brightly. Then Liddle picked out the lurking Knott, whose curler on the turn flew just over.

But the home mood was punctured in the 14th minute when Andrew Davies pulled up, rubbing his hamstring. So another Notts County old boy, former captain Alan Sheehan, entered the fray – to a very different reaction from the away end.

Stead's flick from a corner ended in the side-netting but Notts went closest to breaking the stalemate with their first shot, Jake Cassidy's skimming drive clipping the outside of the post.

James Meredith responded with a surging run and low cross to set up Halliday 12 yards out but the winger again got underneath it and cleared the bar.

City had racked up seven efforts on goal in the opening half hour but were yet to test Carroll – a problem that afflicted Fleetwood 48 hours earlier.

They had not made the most of their chances and were nearly made to pay when Thompson's flick released Ryan Hall, who lobbed past the right post with only Jordan Pickford in front of him.

That acted as a spur for the home side, who finally turned pressure into a goal four minutes before the break.

Knott chased a ball down to the corner of the penalty area, where Carroll failed to control as he slid out. Thompson unwittingly got in his way as City kept the ball alive and Knott played a neat one-two with Meredith before firing home via a deflection off Mullins.

The soft pitch was proving a major obstacle for both sides as the surface cut up easily, making it a challenge to control and pass along the floor.

But City had looked the most adventurous and were well worth their half-time advantage for the fourth home game running. With a bit more composure in front of goal, their position could have been far more comfortable.

Knott began the second half in the same positive vein, attacking the Notts box before slipping an angled pass into Halliday's path. But once again, his control betrayed him when well placed and the ball ran away from danger.

That stirred up the crowd as a rousing rendition of 'Parkinson's Bradford army' boomed from the Kop. City forced their fifth corner but Hanson was unable to direct his header from Filipe Morais' deep cross.

The pitch made its mark as Carroll scuffed a clearance horribly and the ball shot along the ground to Knott in the centre circle. But Jones nicked the ball away before the City midfielder could line up a long-range shot at the gaping goal.

Smith had been a peripheral figure – until he was subbed midway through the half. A few choice words must have been said behind the away dugout as he appeared to react to the fans and stewards were called into that section.

Having learned a painful lesson against Scunthorpe, City continued to push for a second goal with some sustained pressure. Knott and Stead linked neatly before teeing up Hanson but Carroll turned it past the post. But home hearts were briefly in their mouths when a Notts County corner popped out to Jones lurking on the edge of the penalty area. He met it well enough but there were plenty of bodies in the way to smother the impact.

Thompson received a standing ovation when he was subbed with five minutes left. The home fans were happy to show their appreciation now he was no longer a potential threat.

Francois Zoko, a late addition for the tiring Stead, nearly settled matters with an angled shot beneath Carroll. It looked in all the way but rolled agonisingly the wrong side of the far post.

But the job had been done and City could look back on the most satisfying Christmas possible.

They head into 2015 firmly ensconced in the top six – potentially a great platform to build on going into the second half of the season.

Attendance: 14,518
===========================