Monday, December 31, 2012
L2 L2-4 (H) Rochdale Saturday December 29, 2012. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Injuries
Andrew Davies, knee, Out 4 months (from Nov 1st)
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
===========================
Match Media & Stats
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=345265&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
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Final whistle - match report
Parkinson admits Bantams were not at the races as they find it heavy going against Rochdale
7:30am Monday 31st December 2012
By Simon Parker
Bradford City 2 Rochdale 4
Phil Parkinson's reinvention of City in 2012 has been such that some joked he should have been named in the New Year's Honours List.
Most things that the Bantams boss has touched have turned to gold for this success-starved club, with a concerted push to escape League Two allied with a certain cup run.
This season you can count the days when Parkinson – and City – have got it wrong on one hand.
Saturday was one of them, as the manager was quick to admit afterwards.
Against a Rochdale side that made a mockery of their mid-table billing, City were second best in every department – defence, midfield, attack and on the sidelines.
Parkinson insisted he was as culpable as the rest for a setback that ended a memorable year with an unforeseen jolt.
Rochdale's reputation for killing off the top teams is well-founded. City's scalp was added to that of Rotherham and Gillingham, both away, Cheltenham, who were also hit for four at Spotland, and a point at new leaders Port Vale.
The fact that Dale are still only up to tenth shows a mental slackness against those sides they should be expected to roll over. But you can guarantee now that John Coleman's men will be seriously contesting the top seven when it matters.
Rochdale's Achilles heel has been a generous defence – only the bottom two had conceded more. With no clean sheet since October, City fancied their chances on the goal hunt.
So Parkinson unleashed Kyel Reid for his first league start since getting injured in the first meeting between the sides.
He also gambled on sticking with Nathan Doyle, another of the victims to the Christmas bug, in the crucial midfield battle where Rochdale had the extra man.
The plan was to attack the visitors down the flanks. Instead, City found themselves starved of possession by Dale's grip on the middle area, where Peter Cavanagh bossed his personal contest with Gary Jones, the man he replaced as Rochdale skipper.
Nobody was more fired up than Jones to impress against the club where he holds the record for most appearances. The reception he got from the away fans before kick-off illustrated the affection in which he is still held t'other side of the Pennines.
But Jones, like his team-mates, never got going. Cavanagh called it the start of a new Rochdale era; certainly the present blue triumphed comfortably over the past.
City could find little room to get through. In contrast, Rochdale's breaks were lethal and incisive with some short, sharp passing as impressive as anything Parkinson's side have encountered all season – Arsenal included.
Parkinson realised the folly of his team selection at half-time and brought on Will Atkinson to tighten the midfield and give City some more control on the ball. But the damage had already been done.
By then Dale had put four past a surprisingly out-of-sorts Matt Duke and City were hurtling towards only their third home defeat.
Parkinson admitted: "We lacked intensity in all departments, in terms of the way we defended, our strength in challenges and obviously when we had possession.
"I've got to hold my hand up as well because the balance of the team wasn't right.
"We know Rochdale score goals but they do concede them. I had to pick a team that would be strong enough to deal with them going forward but physically we were second best.
"We didn't pass the ball to each other, didn't get it down and play and create anything. But the lads have been magnificent this season and we're a lot better than we showed."
For opposite number Coleman, there is no place like the Coral Windows Stadium.
This was his sixth visit to Valley Parade and he is still to be beaten. City may have banished their Accrington jinx on Boxing Day but the Coleman curse lives on.
"It's a fantastic place for me," he smiled. "I was linked to come here (as manager) about 18 months ago and think I might have lost by now if I'd got it!"
It was a bit longer than that, nearer two years, when Accrington's hefty compensation demands kyboshed Coleman's potential move to City before Peter Jackson was appointed.
Few would complain with how it has turned out since Parkinson's arrival. One bolt-from-the-blue result, however unwelcome, should not deflect from a first half of the season that even the most hard-bitten fan would have snapped up.
City have responded positively to previous bad results and we shouldn't expect any less at Morecambe tomorrow.
But this was still a chastening lesson in what will happen when the team are collectively off the pace.
The warning signs were flashing as early as the sixth minute. Bobby Grant, sent off against City in October, made amends immediately with a neat pass for Terry Gornell to blast past Duke at his near post.
But City's resilience was straight to the fore with an equaliser from the penalty spot after Alan Connell was sent tumbling by Ryan Edwards.
City missed the explosive pace of Nahki Wells to stretch the play and Connell's inclusion does change the focus of their play, something that the team have struggled to come to terms with.
But you cannot fault the former Swindon man's personal efforts. His spot-kick double took his goal tally for December to five – plus another perfect penalty in the Capital One quarter-final shoot-out.
He now leads James Hanson as City's distant second top scorer behind Wells.
But no sooner had Connell got the Bantams back on terms than Rochdale struck again. It was the pattern of the first half.
Andrew Tutte exploited the conditions to skid a drive beneath the keeper and then Ashley Grimes extended Dale's advantage with a well-struck volley after City failed to deal properly with a corner.
Once again, their salvage hopes were given a helping hand by Rochdale's generosity – literally in the case of Phil Edwards, who got both mitts to James Meredith's dangerous cross.
So Connell stepped up once more to outfox Josh Lillis from 12 yards, this time hammering his penalty into the roof of the net after placing the first in the bottom corner.
Valley Parade rose in anticipation of a glorious fightback mark two. Instead they got a fourth Rochdale goal within four minutes, Gornell exploiting the space between the two centre halves and a keeper in no man's land to loop home his header from the edge of the penalty area.
Connell was a coat of paint away from a hat-trick, flashing a header past the near post from Reid's cross.
It would have been a carbon copy of his winner three days earlier but the ball rattled the stanchion instead and the premature cheers were cut short.
That was as close as City came on a day when they were well short of normal service.
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When the dust settled - match report
'Important we don't get too down' says Connell after Bradford City setback
8:00am Monday 31st December 2012
By Simon Parker
Alan Connell insisted that City cannot afford to dwell on their heaviest home loss of the season.
Phil Parkinson's troops have the opportunity to get the Rochdale defeat straight out their system with tomorrow's trip to Morecambe.
The 4-2 setback was only the third time they had been beaten at Valley Parade this term and cost City the chance to jump into the automatic promotion places.
Connell netted two penalties to take his tally to five in five games but the Bantams were swept away in a first-half goal rush.
The experienced striker stressed there can be no lingering after-effects as City head into another frantic month to kick off 2013.
He said: "We won't sweep it under the carpet and there are one or two things we need to improve on. But it's our first league defeat in a long time and it's important we don't get too down.
"We've had a tremendous amount of games this season but we'd much rather be playing every Saturday and Tuesday. Bring it on, we've got a great squad.
"There's another tough schedule ahead and we've had one already. But we've got enough strength in depth in the squad.
"It was a strange game. Momentum is massive in football but every time we got back into it we conceded straight away.
"We just had to hang in there a bit longer but then we'd let in another bad goal.
"They kept the ball really well, whereas whenever we did put passes together we looked dangerous but that didn't happen often enough.
"It was a very frustrating day but you'll have setbacks in any season and it gives us even more incentive to respond against Morecambe."
Connell's personal form is a consolation and he is now up to eight goals for the club.
He added: "I've enjoyed December. Before my goal against Torquay which set me off, I was pleased with my performances but felt I was doing everything but scoring.
"Five goals this month and a penalty against Arsenal is something to be pleased about.
"I was very close to a hat-trick with a similar header to the one I scored against Accrington. I caught the ball really sweet but it just went wide – and I thought then that it wasn't going to be our day."
With Nahki Wells out ill, Ross Hannah came on for his first City appearance in over nine months. But he still looks to be heading out of Valley Parade, with Grimsby leading the race.
Parkinson said: "Grimsby made an offer and we're considering it but obviously we need him at the minute. The bench was everybody who was fit.
"We'll have to wait and see if Nahki's available for Morecambe. The doctor saw him and said he was best off missing this one.
"But it showed we missed him because he does carry that threat in behind (the defence). When you have that ability to stretch the pitch it does open it up for other players."
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Important Morecambe ticket update
PUBLISHED 08:01 31st December 2012
The football club would like to inform all supporters intending to attend City's New Year's Day fixture at Morecambe that this npower League 2 fixture is now an ALL-TICKET match.
This means any City fans travelling to the match to support Phil Parkinson's men MUST purchase their ticket(s) before match-day. NO tickets will be available to City supporters at Morecambe's Globe Arena on the day.
The club now only have a very limited number of tickets left for the visiting section at the Globe Arena.
These particular tickets are for Morecambe's covered standing section behind the goal. All of the club's allocated seating tickets have sold out.
The Ticket Office at the Coral Windows Stadium will be open today (Monday 31 December 2012) between 9:00am and 5:00pm to allow supporters to snap up the remaining Morecambe tickets.
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Bradford City's ten magic moments of 2012
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10130969.print/
11:20am Saturday 29th December 2012
By Simon Parker
It's traditional as another year winds to the end to look back on some of those memorable moments of the previous 12 months.
When you're talking Bradford City matches, that can often mean plenty of barrel-scraping – especially if you want to get past three or four.
It's fair to say we haven't been overloaded with happy times in recent seasons.
But look back on 2012 – the second half of it at least – and suddenly you're spoilt for choice.
Whatever transpires between now and the final game of the campaign on April 28 – or maybe the play-offs the following month – there have already been stand-out moments that nobody will forget for a long time.
In the case of a certain fixture on December 11, those who were there will remember and treasure it forever. It really was a case of Christmas coming a fortnight early.
So here's my top ten run-down from Bradford City 2012.
10. CITY 3 CHELTENHAM 1, October 20
Cheltenham at home the previous season had been one of the lower points of Phil Parkinson's reign. But the Bantams boss loved this one as his team showed bucketloads of fight to claw their way back against a promotion rival.
Going a goal down, City levelled by half-time and then scored two more in a riveting second half, capped with a superbly-worked first goal from left back James Meredith.
9. BRISTOL ROVERS 3 CITY 3, November 24
A draw away to a side at the wrong end of the table does not usually sound like a result to crow about. But factor in that City went behind three times in appalling weather and this was a classic example of a team refusing to quit.
Guy Branston, of all people, headed Rovers in front with his first touch for his latest club and only a minute gone. But every time the home side struck, back came the battling Bantams – and they had enough chances to have won it by the end.
8. NOTTS COUNTY 0 CITY 1, August 11
The Capital One Cup adventure began way back in the middle of the summer holidays. The league season did not kick off for another week as City took their first steps at League One Notts County.
Few gave them much of a chance of progressing past Keith Curle's highly-fancied Magpies. But in a sign of things to come, City frustrated their hosts for 90 goalless minutes before James Hanson delivered the coup de grace early in extra-time with a superb curling finish from the edge of the box.
7. BARNET 0 CITY 4, February 28
Craig Fagan had a mixed time in his year at City but his performance up front at Underhill reeked of Premier League class.
Aided by Darren Dennehy's early red card, the Bantams ripped their hosts apart with Fagan at the forefront. His penalty got the ball rolling on the way to as convincing an away win as you can get.
6. CITY 5 WIMBLEDON 1, August 25
Everything City touched seemed to go in during a dominant first half. The Dons were swept aside 5-1 – with all the goals flying in before the break.
There were five different scorers, including hapless Wimbledon defender Curtis Haynes-Brown on his loan debut from Yeovil. The day got worse for him as his afternoon ended early on a stretcher – but Dons boss Terry Brown still felt he was their best player.
5. WATFORD 1 CITY 2, August 28
City stunned Gianfranco Zola's Championship side with a first ever win at Vicarage Road – and did it the hard way by coming from behind.
Kyel Reid levelled late on before Garry Thompson emerged as the 94th-minute hero with his first goal for the club. More from him later ...
4. NORTHAMPTON 1 CITY 3, April 14
Nahki Wells, pictured below, scored the club's first hat-trick since the days of Peter Thorne to rubberstamp their survival in League Two.
Last season was a difficult one for all concerned but Wells removed any lingering nerves about safety with a clinical poaching display on his favourite away ground.
3. CITY 3 BURTON 2, September 25
Some defenders have got a reputation for scoring goals – Stephen Darby is not one of them.
But the right back burst from the shadows as the unlikeliest hero with a 25-yard blast in extra-time to seal a memorable fightback.
City were staring down the barrel at 2-0 with only seven minutes of the Capital One Cup third round to go. But substitute Nahki Wells rattled in a quickfire double to force the added half-hour – and Darby's right foot did the rest.
2. WIGAN 0 CITY 0 (won 4-2 on pens), October 30
More than 5,000 fans travelled across the Pennines to see City tackle their first Premier League opposition for seven years.
The loss of both centre halves and Kyel Reid against Burton three days before had seemingly killed off any hope of an upset. Only nobody had told the team.
Roared on by their army of supporters, City matched the hosts for 120 goalless minutes before picking them off, inevitably, in the penalty shoot-out.
1. CITY 1 ARSENAL 1 (won 3-2 on pens), December 11
It wasn't just a sold-out Valley Parade but a watching nation that witnessed the biggest cup shock of the lot. Arsene Wenger brought all his big guns but it was City who fired the first shot when Garry Thompson's volley sent the place into raptures.
City were three minutes from a sensational win when Thomas Vermaelen headed the equaliser, the only time the defence switched off all night.
But once again, the underdogs negotiated the added half hour without a scare. And once again City were up to the spot-kick challenge, Vermaelen's miss sending the club through to their first ever League Cup semi-final and two dates with Aston Villa.
That's not a bad way to kick off 2013. And maybe this time next year we'll be looking back on a first visit to Wembley since 1996 – or even more than one ...
Happy New Year!
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Friday, December 28, 2012
L2 W2-1 (H) Accrington Stanley Wednesday December 26, 2012. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Injuries
Andrew Davies, knee, Out 4 months (from Nov 1st)
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
Craig Forsyth, returned to Watford
===========================
Match Media & Stats
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20778912
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=345253&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
Bradford City: Duke, Darby, McArdle, Naylor, Meredith, Hines (Wells 43mins, Connell 72mins), G Jones, Doyle, Atkinson (Reid 82mins, Thompson, Hanson. Unused substitutes: McLaughlin , Ravenhill, R Jones, Connell, Turgott.
Accrington Stanley: Rachubka, Winnard, Murphy, Nsiala, Liddle, Lindfield, Boco, Miller, Joyce, Molyneux (Carver half time), Beattie (Amond 88mins). Unused substitutes: Dawber (gk), Hatfield, Clark, Dixon, Eckersley.
Referee: G Eltringham (Newcastle).
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Final whistle - match report
Supersub Connell ends long Bradford City wait to sink Stanley
6:40am Thursday 27th December 2012
By Simon Parker
City 2, Accrington Stanley 1
There have been enough hints already that this season could be something special for Bradford City.
The race to snap up Capital One Cup semi-final tickets this morning illustrates that.
But surely the most compelling case to make this campaign one to remember was yesterday's Valley Parade scoreline.
A home win – secured very late – over a ten-man Accrington side on a dreadful run hardly sounds the stuff of legend.
But this is Stanley at Valley Parade which, for City, has been like trying to topple Manchester United at Old Trafford.
You had to go back to October 1955 for Accrington's last loss on Bantams soil. Since then they had made ten trips without defeat.
Not that City's record at the Crown Ground was much healthier, with no win over Stanley at either ground since 2008.
But City finally put that eight-game wait – and 57-year jinx – to bed, if not in the most convincing fashion. Few in the rain-swept crowd will have worried about that.
Garry Thompson set them on the way with a reprise of his cracking Arsenal finish. But it needed a late intervention from substitute Alan Connell to clinch the victory after Accrington, by then minus defender Dean Winnard, had threatened to spoil the party yet again through Rommy Boco's equaliser.
It was Connell's fifth league goal of the season – and reinforced his reputation as a super sub after netting the winner in the last home win in the league against Torquay.
City may have anticipated facing novice Andrew Dawber in the Accrington goal after Paul Rachubka's late red card at the weekend.
But Stanley played the system to slap in an appeal and, with no time to hear it over Christmas, that cleared the on-loan Leeds stopper to feature. City had done a similar thing this time last year with David Syers.
Rachubka was a spectator as City almost stole into a second-minute lead. James Hanson nodded into the mix and Will Atkinson's flick-header bounced past the far post with the keeper motionless.
Then Tom Naylor – deputising at centre half for Carl McHugh, who had a slight thigh strain – picked out Hanson with a long diagonal ball. The striker nodded down into the path of Zavon Hines but he scuffed the shot into the ground.
Nathan Doyle and Gary Jones both drove wide from outside the box before Doyle was back defending in his own penalty area with an important intervention as James Beattie shaped to strike.
But City were asking the questions and got their reward after 23 minutes. Rory McArdle's free-kick from just inside Accrington's half was nodded on, once again, by Hanson and Thompson met it with a sweet first-time drive that flew into the net.
It was the confident strike of a player clearly enjoying his football and a first league goal after his Capital One Cup exploits.
As the rain became a deluge, Stanley centre half Winnard got the game's first booking for a foul on Hines, who was proving a handful for him.
Hines then looked set to exploit Peter Murphy getting his feet in a tangle but the striker dropped to the floor holding his face after being caught by a stray finger.
Accrington struggled to deal with James Meredith's long throw and Doyle lashed another effort into the Kop.
City were forced into a change just before the break as Hines, still troubled by that whack to his head, was replaced by Nahki Wells. But there was no obvious respite for the visitors, with the substitute nearly nipping in between two defenders to chase a long clearance from Matt Duke.
Accrington won a corner to start the second half and Craig Lindfield's shot on the turn was their first of the game. But there was a scare for the hosts when Boco got on the end of Lindfield's cross with a low header directed back across the goalmouth and not far wide.
It was a worrying spell for the previously-dominant City and they were then caught out by a quickly-worked Accrington free-kick. Beattie teed up Lindfield for an angled shot that was heading for the far corner of the net until Duke tipped it away superbly.
City were not keeping the ball like they had done before the break, although Luke Joyce received Accrington's second yellow card for a late lunge on Hanson.
That was soon followed by a third – and second for Winnard after a cynical foul on Wells, although Stanley boss Leam Richardson later claimed his player was dismissed for a handball on the assistant referee's say-so.
Accrington's tactic of trying to neutralise City's ball players backfired, with the centre back getting his marching orders despite heated protests from his team-mates. He could have few complaints.
City subbed their sub with Wells, who had been recovering from the effects of a weekend stomach bug, making way for Connell.
Thompson fired over the bar but City had not read the warning signs – and were made to pay 11 minutes from time.
Joyce's free-kick into the mix was not dealt with and Boco drove past Duke from ten yards out.
The goal sparked huge celebrations in front of the Stanley dugout, although this time they did not spill in front of the home bench as was the case when Accrington equalised in stoppage time last season.
It looked to be heading for another tale of frustration – but the City subs had other ideas.
Kyel Reid, making his first appearance at Valley Parade since his Rochdale injury, collected Jones' sweeping pass and his cross to the near post was expertly buried by Connell.
The supersub had come off the bench to deny Stanley at the start of the season with a deftly-taken lob to equalise.
And he had broken their hearts again to rescue two crucial points with a well-directed header that keeps the City bandwagon rolling along.
Attendance: 11,181
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When the dust settled - match report
Super-sub Connell at it again for Bradford City
8:30am Thursday 27th December 2012
By Simon Parker
Phil Parkinson applauded another match-winning intervention from super-sub Alan Connell to get City's holiday campaign off with a bang.
Connell came off the bench to sink ten-man Accrington at Valley Parade yesterday – the second successive home league game when he had delivered the decisive blow.
His header from fellow substitute Kyel Reid's cross came just four minutes from time after Rommy Boco had cancelled out Garry Thompson's opener.
Parkinson said: "It was one of those days when it was very tough with the conditions and the heavy pitch. But the lads kept going and got their rewards with a real moment of quality.
"It was a class goal and Alan made the header look easy. But I can assure you, with the pace on the ball that was not the case.
"He won us the game against Torquay, has done it again now and got us a point at Accrington. They are three off the top of my head.
"He was unlucky not to start but I just thought the conditions were more conducive to the pace of Zavon Hines behind (the defence) rather than Alan's technical ability."
Hines had to go off with blurred vision after getting scratched in the eye with a fingernail. Nahki Wells, who was also a sub, was struggling with the effects of a stomach bug and had to be replaced himself by Connell.
Parkinson said: "Zav's vision was affected and he couldn't see properly. I've had that before as a player and it will be painful for the next 24 to 48 hours.
"We hadn't seen Nahki for seven days so I thought it was best to put him on the bench. He came on a bit sooner than anticipated and didn't feel great."
Curtis Good became the latest victim of the bug which has been sweeping the dressing room. Nathan Doyle had hardly been able to eat over the last few days.
Parkinson said: "We've had two doses of it now and we're trying to do everything we can (to stop it spreading).
"A few of the lads live in the same house, so we moved them out and put them in a hotel over Christmas. But it's hitting everyone hard.
"We hadn't seen Doyley until yesterday morning, so he did great to play.
"I feel for Curtis because he's waited for his chance and was going to play but he went down with it just before the game. Let's hope we get no more phone calls before the weekend."
Matt Duke saved superbly from Craig Lindfield as Accrington, unbeaten in their previous ten visits to Valley Parade, put on the pressure in the second half.
Stanley boss Leam Richardson complained about defender Dean Winnard's dismissal for a second bookable offence. He claimed it was given for a handball but Parkinson felt the centre half deserved to go for his foul on Wells.
He said: "I thought it was quite a cynical challenge as Nahki was putting the ball round him. Then one of their players kicked Nahki in the head when he was on the floor, which none of the officials saw but that was right in front of me.
"You'd like to think we could have dominated more against the ten men. But with the conditions and the rain, it was very difficult to get any fluency in our game.
"But we went again and it's great for us we've got subs with the quality of Connell and Reid to come on and win us the game."
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Parkinson: Let's get futures of Bradford City staff secured
8:30am Friday 28th December 2012
By Simon Parker
Phil Parkinson wants to get his Valley Parade future secured so he can nail down the crown jewels in the City squad.
Parkinson's current contract runs out at the end of June along with those of assistant manager Steve Parkin, fitness guru Nick Allamby and physio Matt Barrass.
Joint-chairman Mark Lawn told the T&A ten days ago that the board are keen to keep Parkinson at the helm after a season that is shaping up to be the best in well over a decade.
But they have not timetabled any discussions yet because of the hectic fixture schedule.
Parkinson is happy to bide his time until the board are ready – but hinted that getting something on the table sooner rather than later will allow him to start working on those players whose deals are also due to expire.
He said: "It's not just me but the staff as well. Steve, Nick and Matt are all out of contract.
"We're really happy here and really enjoying it. Myself and Steve love coming in to work every day, it's a terrific club and I feel that we are building something.
"It's the chairmen's prerogative (to decide when to talk). When they are ready to sit down, I'll be more than happy to do that so that my future's settled.
"I feel that will be important for the players as well because a lot of those are also out of contract."
The likes of Kyel Reid, Gary Jones, Andrew Davies and Nathan Doyle are all up for renewal at the end of the season.
Parkinson played a huge role in attracting them to City in the first place and his continued presence would be a telling factor in keeping in-demand players on board.
Parkinson, who took over the hot-seat from Peter Jackson 16 months ago, is confident that his own position can be finalised but will not push the board to hurry things along.
He said: "I haven't mentioned it at all to the chairmen. They are the chairmen of the football club and it's their right to decide when they are ready to discuss it.
"We have been exceptionally busy. Every meeting we've had has been taken up with planning for the next game, players who we are going to bring in and ones we are going to let go and things like that.
"It would be good to sort it out and I'm sure when the time's right then something will be done.
"Steve and I are both really enjoying our time here – but it's down to the chairmen.
"When they are ready, we look forward to having a good chat with them about it."
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Wednesday, December 26, 2012
FAC2-R L2-4 AET (A) Brentford Tuesday December 18, 2012. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Injuries
Andrew Davies, knee, Out 4 months (from Nov 1st)
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
===========================
Match Media & Stats
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=358380&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
===========================
Final whistle - match report
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20710465
Brentford became the first side to beat Bradford in a cup game this season in their FA Cup second-round replay.
The Bantams, who were expelled then reinstated in the competition, were ahead when Kyel Reid smashed home, but Marcello Trotta's penalty levelled.
After no more goals in 90 minutes, Alan Connell put the visitors ahead from the spot in extra-time.
But Trotta, Clayton Donaldson and Harry Forrester scored as the Bees beat last week's conquerors of Arsenal.
After the original tie finished 1-1, Bradford were expelled from the competition for fielding an ineligible player in Curtis Good, before a successful appeal allowed them back into the Cup.
However, the Yorkshire side were on the back foot early on in the replay with both Stewart Dallas and Trotta forcing Bantams keeper Jon McLaughlin into fine saves, before Reid's opener put the visitors ahead against the run of play.
After Trotta levelled from the spot when he was fouled by Carl McHugh just before half-time, neither side could find a winner in the 90 minutes.
Early in the extra period, Shaleum Logan's foul on Blair Turgott allowed Connell to fire Bradford ahead from the spot against his former side.
But Trotta's strike, Donaldson's turn and shot and Forrester's low drive ensured that Brentford ended Bradford's unbeaten run in cup competitions this season, and set up a third-round trip to Southend.
Bradford boss Phil Parkinson told BBC Radio Leeds:
"I thought it was a gallant performance from the lads, given the team we had out tonight, I don't think we could have asked for much more.
"We didn't want to go to extra-time but there are a lot of benefits from the game.
"Kyel Reid has been out for 10 or 11 weeks, that's like an off-season and he needs a lot of work but it was great for him to get a goal and that will give him a lot of confidence.
"We decided with the board that we would leave some of our key players back in Bradford for the game because some of them really needed a rest."
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
===========================
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20782559
Brentford boss Uwe Rosler criticises FA over Bradford decision
Brentford manager Uwe Rosler has criticised the Football Association after beating Bradford City in their FA Cup second round replay.
The tie had to be re-arranged after the Bantams were expelled from the competition but then reinstated.
He told BBC London 94.9: "The FA put us in a very difficult situation but we overcame it. We didn't like it.
"We feel we are the club punished in the end by people who did not make careful decisions in the first place."
Bradford were thrown out of the Cup for fielding an ineligible player, on-loan Newcastle defender Curtis Good, in the original match between the two sides, which ended in a 1-1 draw.
However, the League Two side appealed against the decision and were let back into the competition.
Brentford chief executive Mark Devlin said the club were "a little perplexed" by the FA's U-turn but had to accept the decision.
"I respect the FA very highly and think it is a fantastic organisation with a long history and great people working there," Rosler continued.
"But I am employed by Brentford Football Club,
"I would have had no problem had Bradford stayed in the Cup in the first place.
"They throw them out, then reinstate them and only fine them £1,000. It makes no sense."
The replay, originally scheduled for last week, was re-arranged and played on Tuesday night, with Brentford winning 4-2 after extra time.
Rosler said the timing of the game ahead of a busy festive programme will do no favours for his side, who are currently chasing promotion from League One.
"We didn't want the game and I don't think [Bradford manager] Phil Parkinson really wanted the game," the German added,
"They are chasing promotion and we are trying to chase promotion and obviously the last thing we wanted was 120 minutes.
"But we had a very good outcome and it is very important for us to keep our run going."
Brentford will now face a trip to Southend United in the third round.
===========================
Full Villa ticket details
You thought playing Arsenal was exciting? Imagine the excitement over two legs against Premiership side Aston Villa in the Capital One Cup Semi-Final!
So how can you be part of this momentous occasion?
Tickets will go on sale from Thursday December 27 2012 at 9:00am.
The club's Season Ticket/FlexiCard holders can purchase both home and away tickets for an exclusive period until Friday 4 January at 5.00pm.
From Saturday 5 January 9:00am until 8 January 4.00pm – match tickets will go on general sale.
The club have held off selling match tickets for the forthcoming Villa ties because of the Christmas break and a busy Boxing Day game - Accrington Stanley at home, 3.00 pm kick-off.
Tickets will be available on the day for the Accrington match via the ticket office until 1.00pm. Cash turnstiles will also be in operation at both the Co-operative Main Stand and the Kop.
Season Ticket/FlexiCard tickets holders will be able to purchase two tickets per person for the home leg of the Villa tie and one ticket per person for the away leg of the tie - the club have been allocated 6375 for the Villa Park away leg.
Tickets can be bought either online or at the ticket office, although the club recommends that supporters, if possible, purchase their tickets online via the Bradford City website to beat the queues.
To gain access to the club's online ticketing website please click HERE.
http://www.bcfc.talent-sport.co.uk/PagesPublic/Home/home.aspx
For those people who choose attend the Bantams Ticket Office, please take your Season Ticket card or FlexiCard with you to make the transaction quicker.
The club would also suggest that over the next few days supporters log on and ensure that their details on the ticketing website are up to date.
All tickets are on a first come first served basis and are subject to availability. Please remember, however, there will be enough home match tickets for all Season Ticket/FlexiCard tickets holders to purchase two per person.
Following a discussion with Aston Villa, the club's only option is to seat their fans within the Northern Commercials Stand (Midland Road) stand - as per the Arsenal match.
With this in mind, it is not possible for the club to guarantee Season Ticket/FlexiCard holders their usual reserved seat due to the reconfiguration of the seating within the ground.
This means that all seating areas within the home sections of the ground for the home Villa tie will be open to Season Ticket/FlexiCard holders on a first come first serve basis. NO SEASON TICKET/FLEXICARD SEATS HAVE BEEN RESERVED FOR SUPPORTERS.
A reminder of the ticket prices:-
Home match 8 January 2013
Adults: £25
Concessions: £20 (Over 60s and full time students)
Junior Under 16s: £15
The away leg will be played at Villa Park on Tuesday 22 January 2013.
The prices for this match will be:
Adults: £29
Concessions: £25
Juniors: £15
Concessions at Villa Park consist of over 65s, full time students, under 21s and members of the Armed Forces with current ID.
Supporters will also be able to purchase online or via the ticket office suite upgrades to either the Bantams or Patrons bar. These upgraded tickets are available at an additional £15.00 per respective home match ticket price. Details of these selected seats will be issued shortly.
Our ticket office will be opening at additional times so please see below the revised opening hours:-
Ticket office opening times 22 December – 8 January inclusive
26 December 9.00am – 2.45pm - only normal match day tickets will be available to purchase
27 December 9.00am – 5.00pm
28 December 9.00am – 5.00pm
29 December 9.00am – 2.45pm – only normal match day tickets will be available to purchase
30 December 9.00am – 5.00pm
31 December 9.00am – 5.00pm
1 January Closed
The Bantams Ticket Office is then open every day (including Sunday 6 January) until 8 January 2013 9.00am to 5.00pm.
For those wishing to purchase banqueting and hospitality packages please contact our commercial team directly at commercial@the-bantams.co.uk
Please keep an eye on website for further updates on this historic Semi-Final tie.
===========================
McArdle is Bradford City's marathon man
7:20am Wednesday 26th December 2012
By Simon Parker
Rory McArdle will reach a remarkable endurance milestone for City against Accrington this afternoon as the busiest player in English football.
The ultra-consistent defender has arguably spent more time on the pitch than anyone throughout the domestic game this season.
When today's Valley Parade clash reaches the 58th minute, McArdle will have played 48 hours of football – or two full days on the pitch.
Back-four team-mate James Meredith is only 44 minutes behind as City continue their hectic progress through a memorable campaign.
Saturday's postponement at Wycombe offered an unexpected breather but McArdle is ready for the next rush.
The Northern Ireland international, in line for his 30th start, is happy to keep the games coming.
McArdle said: "Everyone knows the Christmas period is busy. We looked at it a few weeks ago and worked out it was going to be a big month.
"We also thought January would be calming down a bit but fortunately we've managed to get a bit of a scalp by beating Arsenal and now we've got another two games in the Capital One Cup as well as the JP Trophy.
"So we're playing Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday again – but that's not a bad thing. We know we've got a good squad and the injured boys are pretty much there."
Zavon Hines and Kyel Reid both returned from their lay-offs last week and Andrew Davies is getting nearer after being sidelined for two months with his knee injury.
McArdle said: "Only big Luke (Oliver) is not going to feature. Dava is a month or two away and he's in good spirits and getting stronger every day.
"And of course we've got Zav and Reidy available again. It does give us a lift to see more players coming back.
"It keeps everyone on their toes too because people know that if they aren't performing there are boys waiting to come in and take their places.
"But it's also not easy for those coming back. The boys have dug in and got results since they've been out.
"It was a massive test for us, particularly with the players we've lost. You look back to the start of the season and people like big Olly, Dava and Reidy were the heart of the team.
"I think the boys have more than handled it. Ideally we'd like to be sitting a bit higher in the league but it's only December.
"If we're still up there come the end of next month, we should have everyone back fit and firing."
Phil Parkinson has banned any mention of the forthcoming double-header with Aston Villa but City's incredible cup success has given them a reputation with the rest of League Two.
McArdle said: "We've become a bit of a scalp now and that increases the expectation. But we've got no problem with that.
"We put pressure on ourselves from the start of the season to get promoted and that hasn't changed.
"We can just enjoy the cup; that's the bonus for us. It's been good for the fans, especially with the draws we've had, but promotion is the key.
"This is a big period for us and we're expected to win in the league. But we can handle that."
===========================
Thursday, December 20, 2012
CFML Special - Villa game info / Ticket Office Feedback needed / Free Wycombe tickets available
Dates confirmed
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/villa-sky-553377.aspx
PUBLISHED 11:56 20th December 2012
The football club can now confirm that the dates for both legs of their forthcoming Capital One Cup Semi-Final with Aston Villa have now been finalised.
City will host Paul Lambert's Villa at the Coral Windows Stadium in the first leg on Tuesday 8 January 2013.
Phil Parkinson's men will then travel to Villa Park exactly two weeks later on Tuesday 22 January 2013 for the second leg.
Both ties will be broadcast live on Sky Sports television and will kick off at 7:45pm.
Ticket details for both legs will be announced in due course on www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk
=====
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/villa-tickets-553384.aspx
Villa online ticket feedback required
PUBLISHED 10:56 20th December 2012
Club statement
In preparation for our forthcoming Capital One Cup Semi-Final home leg against Aston Villa, the club would like to ask supporters who purchased their recent Arsenal tickets online to give us feedback regarding their ticketing experience.
The purpose of this request is to allow us to ensure we make it even easier for our supporters to purchase tickets for 8 January tie.
Some examples of where our system wasn't user friendly would be helpful. It could be trouble logging in, adding friends/ family or even knowing whether your transaction was successful.
Whatever your feedback, please let us know at micklamb@the-bantams.co.uk as we're striving to make purchasing online even simpler for you.
We'd also stress the importance of having your contact details up to date so we'd ask that you spend a few moments to log into the Bradford City ticketing system and make any necessary amendments.
We'd especially like to draw your attention to ensuring that your email address is up to date.
Supporters can reach the club's online ticketing website by clicking HERE (http://www.bcfc.talent-sport.co.uk/PagesPublic/Home/home.aspx).
The club will announce over the next few days the ticketing and match details.
We once again thank you for your continued loyalty and support.
===========================
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20788986
Bradford City to face Aston Villa in Capital One Cup semi-final
Bradford's reward for knocking Arsenal out of the Capital One Cup is a semi-final against Aston Villa, while Chelsea will take on Swansea.
League Two Bradford will play the first leg of their semi-final at home against five-time winners Villa.
The first matches will be played in the week starting 7 January and the second legs a fortnight later.
The Bantams pulled off one of the biggest League Cup shocks by beating Premier League side Arsenal on penalties at Valley Parade last week.
Villa won 4-1 away at Norwich and are currently unbeaten in six matches in all competitions.
Capital One Cup semi-final draw:
Chelsea v Swansea
Bradford v Aston Villa
Ties to be played weeks commencing 7 & 21 and January
League Cup pedigree
Aston Villa won the last of their five League Cups in 1996
Chelsea have won it four times, including in 2005 and 2007
Bradford and Swansea have never won the competition
===========================
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/parkinson-villa-draw-553072.aspx
Parkinson pleased with Villa draw
PUBLISHED 10:20 20th December 2012
Bantams boss Phil Parkinson has declared himself pleased with the news that City have been pitted together with Premier League side Aston Villa for their forthcoming Capital One Cup Semi-Final.
For the club's first-ever appearance in the last four stage of this competition, Parkinson's men will host Villa on Tuesday 8 January 2013 in the first leg before travelling to Villa Park for the second leg exactly two weeks later.
Chelsea and Swansea City will battle it out for a place in the final in the other semi.
Following Chelsea's defeat of Leeds United in the final quarter-final tie last (Wednesday) night, City will be the Football League's sole representative in the competition.
Speaking after the draw was made, Parkinson said: "I think the draw is perfect for us as a team and for our supporters.
"Chelsea or Swansea would have been long trips for our supporters. It might have been very expensive and very difficult for them to get down to the away leg if we'd drawn either one of those teams.
"Villa will be a bit easier for our fans to get to in their numbers and both ties should be good for the club financially as well.
"Financially, the best draw probably would have been Chelsea, but Villa are still are huge club and it will be a great opportunity for everyone involved with the club.
"The lads will understandably be excited about the draw but we have five important league games to focus on before we can look forward to the first leg.
"We will have nothing to lose going into the two legs. They will be two occasions for the club to look forward to and really enjoy."
===========================
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/free-wycombe-tickets-549107.aspx
Free Wycombe tickets still available
PUBLISHED 09:23 20th December 2012
The football club would like to remind supporters that their FREE ticket offer for Saturday's (22 December 2012) npower League 2 fixture at Wycombe Wanderers is still available.
The club purchased as many as 2,000 tickets earlier this week for the match at Adams Park with the intention of giving them away to supporters as an early Christmas present.
Supporters can come to the Bantams Ticket Office NOW to collect their FREE Wycombe tickets.
Phil Parkinson commented: "This is a fantastic gesture from both Mark and Julian and would urge as many of our fans as possible to come and pick up your Christmas pressie"
Tickets can be picked up from the Bantams Ticket Office now during its opening hours (9:00am - 5:00pm).
Coach travel is no longer available for the match after the club sold its remaining travel spaces to supporters this Thursday.
===========================
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/villa-sky-553377.aspx
PUBLISHED 11:56 20th December 2012
The football club can now confirm that the dates for both legs of their forthcoming Capital One Cup Semi-Final with Aston Villa have now been finalised.
City will host Paul Lambert's Villa at the Coral Windows Stadium in the first leg on Tuesday 8 January 2013.
Phil Parkinson's men will then travel to Villa Park exactly two weeks later on Tuesday 22 January 2013 for the second leg.
Both ties will be broadcast live on Sky Sports television and will kick off at 7:45pm.
Ticket details for both legs will be announced in due course on www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk
=====
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/villa-tickets-553384.aspx
Villa online ticket feedback required
PUBLISHED 10:56 20th December 2012
Club statement
In preparation for our forthcoming Capital One Cup Semi-Final home leg against Aston Villa, the club would like to ask supporters who purchased their recent Arsenal tickets online to give us feedback regarding their ticketing experience.
The purpose of this request is to allow us to ensure we make it even easier for our supporters to purchase tickets for 8 January tie.
Some examples of where our system wasn't user friendly would be helpful. It could be trouble logging in, adding friends/ family or even knowing whether your transaction was successful.
Whatever your feedback, please let us know at micklamb@the-bantams.co.uk as we're striving to make purchasing online even simpler for you.
We'd also stress the importance of having your contact details up to date so we'd ask that you spend a few moments to log into the Bradford City ticketing system and make any necessary amendments.
We'd especially like to draw your attention to ensuring that your email address is up to date.
Supporters can reach the club's online ticketing website by clicking HERE (http://www.bcfc.talent-sport.co.uk/PagesPublic/Home/home.aspx).
The club will announce over the next few days the ticketing and match details.
We once again thank you for your continued loyalty and support.
===========================
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20788986
Bradford City to face Aston Villa in Capital One Cup semi-final
Bradford's reward for knocking Arsenal out of the Capital One Cup is a semi-final against Aston Villa, while Chelsea will take on Swansea.
League Two Bradford will play the first leg of their semi-final at home against five-time winners Villa.
The first matches will be played in the week starting 7 January and the second legs a fortnight later.
The Bantams pulled off one of the biggest League Cup shocks by beating Premier League side Arsenal on penalties at Valley Parade last week.
Villa won 4-1 away at Norwich and are currently unbeaten in six matches in all competitions.
Capital One Cup semi-final draw:
Chelsea v Swansea
Bradford v Aston Villa
Ties to be played weeks commencing 7 & 21 and January
League Cup pedigree
Aston Villa won the last of their five League Cups in 1996
Chelsea have won it four times, including in 2005 and 2007
Bradford and Swansea have never won the competition
===========================
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/parkinson-villa-draw-553072.aspx
Parkinson pleased with Villa draw
PUBLISHED 10:20 20th December 2012
Bantams boss Phil Parkinson has declared himself pleased with the news that City have been pitted together with Premier League side Aston Villa for their forthcoming Capital One Cup Semi-Final.
For the club's first-ever appearance in the last four stage of this competition, Parkinson's men will host Villa on Tuesday 8 January 2013 in the first leg before travelling to Villa Park for the second leg exactly two weeks later.
Chelsea and Swansea City will battle it out for a place in the final in the other semi.
Following Chelsea's defeat of Leeds United in the final quarter-final tie last (Wednesday) night, City will be the Football League's sole representative in the competition.
Speaking after the draw was made, Parkinson said: "I think the draw is perfect for us as a team and for our supporters.
"Chelsea or Swansea would have been long trips for our supporters. It might have been very expensive and very difficult for them to get down to the away leg if we'd drawn either one of those teams.
"Villa will be a bit easier for our fans to get to in their numbers and both ties should be good for the club financially as well.
"Financially, the best draw probably would have been Chelsea, but Villa are still are huge club and it will be a great opportunity for everyone involved with the club.
"The lads will understandably be excited about the draw but we have five important league games to focus on before we can look forward to the first leg.
"We will have nothing to lose going into the two legs. They will be two occasions for the club to look forward to and really enjoy."
===========================
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/free-wycombe-tickets-549107.aspx
Free Wycombe tickets still available
PUBLISHED 09:23 20th December 2012
The football club would like to remind supporters that their FREE ticket offer for Saturday's (22 December 2012) npower League 2 fixture at Wycombe Wanderers is still available.
The club purchased as many as 2,000 tickets earlier this week for the match at Adams Park with the intention of giving them away to supporters as an early Christmas present.
Supporters can come to the Bantams Ticket Office NOW to collect their FREE Wycombe tickets.
Phil Parkinson commented: "This is a fantastic gesture from both Mark and Julian and would urge as many of our fans as possible to come and pick up your Christmas pressie"
Tickets can be picked up from the Bantams Ticket Office now during its opening hours (9:00am - 5:00pm).
Coach travel is no longer available for the match after the club sold its remaining travel spaces to supporters this Thursday.
===========================
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
L2 D2-2 (a) Southend United Saturday December 15, 2012. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Injuries
Andrew Davies, knee, Out 4 months (from Nov 1st)
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
===========================
Match Media & Stats
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Southend%20United
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=345236&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
Southend United: Smith; Clohesy, Cresswell, Prosser, Barker (Eastwood 87); Hurst, Mkandiwire (Corr 69), Laird, Timlin; Assombalonga, Tomlin.
Unused substitutes: Straker, Martin, Donnelly, Bentley, Leonard.
Bradford City: Duke; Darby, Meredith, McHugh, McArdle; G Jones, Doyle (Ravenhill 81), Atkinson, Thompson (Forsyth 57); Wells (Hines 70), Hanson.
Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Connell, Turgott, Good.
Referee: S Martin (Staffs).
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
Southend burst Bantams' bubble in dramatic end to a dramatic week
8:00am Monday 17th December 2012
By Simon Parker
Southend 2 Bradford City 2
Commonsense and realism have been in short supply at the end of a week that could have been written by Hans Christian Andersen.
Cloud nine does not have room for pragmatists.
But in the cold light of Monday morning, the weekend point from Roots Hall looks a precious one.
It didn't feel like that at the time. Still riding on the euphoria of a certain cup tie, it seemed that nothing could spoil City's mood.
Until Gavin Tomlin shrugged off Stephen Darby to unlock a shattered defence in stoppage time and rescue a draw that Southend probably deserved.
So the Bantams' feet were brought back down to earth, if not with a resounding thud then with enough of a bump to remind us all that League Two
cares little for giant-killing reputations.
But among the muted reaction of a weary squad boarding the team bus, Rory McArdle typically provided the voice of reason.
Having done more than anybody to repel numerous Southend attacks, McArdle put the afternoon after the night before in proper perspective.
He said: "We all saw the papers on Wednesday and it was all about Bradford beating Arsenal. It's been unbelievable really.
"But everybody was on a bit of a comedown after that. So we knew coming to Southend would be tough after the events of the week.
"It wasn't a pretty game because the pitch was heavy after all the bad weather but we've come out the right side.
"I don't think the boys changed their mentality. We'll enjoy the cup success but promotion is the key.
"There was no pressure on us at all last Tuesday but we know what's expected of us in the league.
"And if you'd said before the start of the week that we'd beat Arsenal and get a point at Southend, I'm pretty sure everyone would have taken
that."
Of course it could have been so much better. If Will Atkinson's curler had found the top corner, if somebody had got a toe on the cross from
Zavon Hines that was begging to be tapped home, if referee Stephen Martin had spotted the barge on Matt Duke which Phil Parkinson was so adamant
about before Southend's opener.
And if City had dealt with one last hopeful punt upfield in the first minute of added time.
It was a sloppy equaliser to concede as Paul Smith's clearance was allowed to bounce right through for Tomlin to net for the sixth time in seven
games.
But let's not be too harsh. The back four had been magnificent up to that point against a side as free-flowing and dangerous as anyone they have
encountered – Arsenal included.
As Parkinson had warned, Southend love to ping in crosses and make chances for fun. But for 80 minutes at least, City's defence stood strong.
The late blows owed much to energy tanks and minds running on empty; entirely understandable in the context of a tumultuous few days. No wonder
Parky will shuffle as much as he can at Brentford tomorrow.
Unfortunately defence, the area which could most do with a breather, is the one where he can hardly tinker. Forrayah Bass could make his senior
debut but the unavailability of Tom Naylor and, of course, Curtis Good means the two centre halves could be forced to stay on duty.
McArdle and Carl McHugh had little time to relax on Saturday against the lively pairing of Tomlin and on-loan Watford frontman Britt
Assombalonga.
It was the same for the full backs, James Meredith and Stephen Darby, as Southend attacked with the vigour of a team unbeaten now in 12. But none
of the backline were found wanting.
"We've got defenders who always get in the right position," said their manager. "They are always filling holes at the right time and reading
situations."
There are confident individuals all through the team, none more so than Meredith, who continues to take the step up from non-league in his
effortless long strides.
The Australian is as equally at home in the opposition half as his own. It was his run that set up City's breakthrough for Nahki Wells in the
first half.
Meredith's forward forays also allow Atkinson to tuck inside, his favoured part of the pitch, and the pair dovetailed neatly before the left back
slipped Wells into the box.
Luke Prosser, who had an afternoon he will want to forget, slid across to block his shot. But the deflection merely succeeded in committing the
keeper and popped back in the path of City's striker to take his goal tally to 15.
That setback riled Southend, who spent the rest of the first half and the opening stages of the second camped in Bantam territory.
Assombalonga, Kevan Hurst and Prosser all went close to levelling.
With City penned in, it seemed only a matter of time before a Southend equaliser despite some magnificent resistance.
The visitors needed a break – and got it thanks to the luckless Prosser. Atkinson teased and tormented Chris Barker and whipped in a cross that
bobbled up ominously on the cut-up surface.
Prosser attempted to clear it first time but sliced instead and left his keeper rooted to the spot.
City had never won at Roots Hall until last year. Suddenly the prospect of back-to-back triumphs in deepest Essex loomed large.
Southend boss Paul Sturrock, determined to break the curse of being named manager of the month before the game, went for broke. He had four
strikers on the pitch for the last 20 minutes.
City had plenty more defending to do and were finally undone when Ryan Cresswell emerged strongest from a scrum of players on the end of Hurst's
corner. Parkinson's pleas alleging foul play on Duke fell on deaf ears.
The late momentum was all with the home side and McArdle produced the tackle of the match with a goal-saving intervention on Tomlin.
But just as the 210 travelling fans prepared to salute another huge result, City's weary troops did not react to Smith's booming kick. Tomlin
did, despite Darby's best efforts, to ensure the points were shared.
Parkinson admitted: "Their second goal was purely down to tiredness on our part but I'm not going to criticise.
"It was tough after the Arsenal game but we've got such an honest group of players that they just keep going.
"You could see in the dressing room before kick-off, they were saying themselves they knew the importance of this game. They knew we had to push
ourselves and go again.
"Of course you're down when you don't win after being two up. But this was a good point and I can't tell you how proud I am of these lads."
===========================
Brentford - FA Decision
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20696090
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10104538.Bradford_City_s_week_just_gets_better_and_better/?ref=rss
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10104538.Bradford_City_s_week_just_gets_better_and_better/?ref=rss
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20712896
===========================
Burns Unit Appeal
Ebay auction
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bantams-Banter-T-Shirt-Signed-By-Alan-Davies-Bradford-City-Legends-/200864799711?
Auction ends 21 Dec, 2012 11:48:15 GMT
One of a kind Bantams Banter t-shirt.
Signed by Bradford City legends; Bobby Campbell, Dean Windass, John Hendrie, Ian Ormandroyd, Jamie Lawrence and Gordon Watson.
Also signed by Comedians Alan Davies and Keith Dover of TV and podcast fame.
All signatures added on THAT night, when Bradford City beat Arsenal!
T-shirt kindly donated by Bowler Clothing
100% of proceeds will go to Bradford Burns Unit Appeal.
===========================
Bradford City boss Parkinson to give youth a chance in FA Cup replay
7:20am Monday 17th December 2012
By Simon Parker
Phil Parkinson may dip into City's youth ranks to face Brentford Tuesday after calling the FA Cup replay "a game we don't need".
The Bantams chief intends to rest as many of his regulars as possible ahead of the demanding League Two schedule over Christmas.
Saturday's 2-2 draw at Southend has left them in fifth.
Parkinson has been given the green light by the board to make mass changes for the trip to Griffin Park after stressing that the promotion bid
must not be affected.
City were reinstated in the FA Cup on appeal after they had been kicked out for fielding Curtis Good in the first game when he was not cleared to
play.
Parkinson agreed with the principle of City fighting their corner but he refuses to jeopardise the games coming up by using players who have
already spent more minutes on the pitch than any others in the country.
He said: "I told the chairmen they did that appeal to get justice for the club because it was a wrong decision. They did not do it to chase more
money in the FA Cup.
"And they said that if I want to play the whole youth team, then I can do that and give them experience in this game. I need to look after the
(senior) players.
"I totally understand why they appealed because it was a ridiculous decision to throw the club out. But it was a game we didn't need."
Parkinson will employ the likes of Ricky Ravenhill, Alan Connell, Ritchie Jones and Zavon Hines – who gave a lively cameo in the last 20 minutes
on Saturday. Kyel Reid also travelled with the squad to Essex and is set to be involved.
But other untried youngsters will beef up the squad.
Parkinson said: "The fans who travel down there should know that I will always put a team out who can do the club justice.
"However Curtis can't play, Tom Naylor can't play, Craig Forsyth can't play and Ross Hannah will be back with us next week but he can't play
because he wasn't registered in time before the first game.
"All the players who need a game will play and I'll try my best to give everybody else a rest. The chairmen are more than happy with that.
"We'll give everyone we can a game and some of the youth team."
Hannah plays the final game of his three-month loan at Grimsby on Friday. The striker has netted eight times for the promotion-chasing Blue
Square Bet side and is likely to be a permanent target when the transfer window opens next month.
Parkinson was chuffed with City's display at Southend, despite seeing them blow a two-goal lead in the last ten minutes.
Nahki Wells put City ahead with his 15th of the season before Luke Prosser's own goal seemed to have clinched a fourth away win. But Southend hit
back through Ryan Cresswell and Gavin Tomlin's injury-time leveller.
Parkinson said: "Of course we're disappointed not to win it but I can't be critical of anyone. It's a great point for us against a good side. I
can't praise the lads enough."
===========================
Help rename the Kop!
Bradford City Football Club is pleased to announce the launch of a new stand partnership.
A number of local businesses have joined together with the Bantams in a joint sponsorship proposition to take over what was formally known as the
Carlsberg Stand at the Coral Windows Stadium.
These organisations have chosen to support the club in a three year deal, in addition to this they have all agreed to allow the fans to rename
the stand.
So a huge thank you from Bradford City to the following organisations for there commitment and support...
Complete IT Systems
Multi Point Locks
Autoelectro
CMI Logistics
Petherbridge Bassra
Mittons
Mittons Aftercare
Robert Watts Estate Agents
If you'd like to get involved and rename your stand, please vote below. The closing date is December 22nd, and anyone who registers will go into
a draw to win a 2012/13 season ticket worth £199 - so get involved today!
Please click HERE to make your choice!
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/rename-the-kop-and-win-a-season-ticket/
===========================
Early Christmas present
Christmas is just around the corner, and Bradford City have decided to give its supporters an early present!
The club have purchased as many as 2,000 tickets for this Saturday's (22 December 2012) npower League 2 match at Wycombe Wanderers and plan to give them out as presents to fans as a thank you for their superb support this season.
Each ticket will be FREE of charge.
Tickets will be limited to two per person and can be picked up from the Bantams Ticket Office now during its opening hours (9:00am - 5:00pm).
As well as this amazing match ticket deal, City supporters will also be able to secure coach travel to Adams Park for only £10.00 per person.
Again, this will be available from the Bantams Ticket Office.
It is not compulsory, however, for supporters to buy coach tickets to enable them to qualify for free match tickets.
Subject to availability, coach tickets and match tickets will be available from the Bantams Ticket Office until this Friday (21 December 2012).
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Injuries
Andrew Davies, knee, Out 4 months (from Nov 1st)
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
===========================
Match Media & Stats
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Southend%20United
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
BBC highlights (uk only)
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=345236&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
Southend United: Smith; Clohesy, Cresswell, Prosser, Barker (Eastwood 87); Hurst, Mkandiwire (Corr 69), Laird, Timlin; Assombalonga, Tomlin.
Unused substitutes: Straker, Martin, Donnelly, Bentley, Leonard.
Bradford City: Duke; Darby, Meredith, McHugh, McArdle; G Jones, Doyle (Ravenhill 81), Atkinson, Thompson (Forsyth 57); Wells (Hines 70), Hanson.
Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Connell, Turgott, Good.
Referee: S Martin (Staffs).
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
Southend burst Bantams' bubble in dramatic end to a dramatic week
8:00am Monday 17th December 2012
By Simon Parker
Southend 2 Bradford City 2
Commonsense and realism have been in short supply at the end of a week that could have been written by Hans Christian Andersen.
Cloud nine does not have room for pragmatists.
But in the cold light of Monday morning, the weekend point from Roots Hall looks a precious one.
It didn't feel like that at the time. Still riding on the euphoria of a certain cup tie, it seemed that nothing could spoil City's mood.
Until Gavin Tomlin shrugged off Stephen Darby to unlock a shattered defence in stoppage time and rescue a draw that Southend probably deserved.
So the Bantams' feet were brought back down to earth, if not with a resounding thud then with enough of a bump to remind us all that League Two
cares little for giant-killing reputations.
But among the muted reaction of a weary squad boarding the team bus, Rory McArdle typically provided the voice of reason.
Having done more than anybody to repel numerous Southend attacks, McArdle put the afternoon after the night before in proper perspective.
He said: "We all saw the papers on Wednesday and it was all about Bradford beating Arsenal. It's been unbelievable really.
"But everybody was on a bit of a comedown after that. So we knew coming to Southend would be tough after the events of the week.
"It wasn't a pretty game because the pitch was heavy after all the bad weather but we've come out the right side.
"I don't think the boys changed their mentality. We'll enjoy the cup success but promotion is the key.
"There was no pressure on us at all last Tuesday but we know what's expected of us in the league.
"And if you'd said before the start of the week that we'd beat Arsenal and get a point at Southend, I'm pretty sure everyone would have taken
that."
Of course it could have been so much better. If Will Atkinson's curler had found the top corner, if somebody had got a toe on the cross from
Zavon Hines that was begging to be tapped home, if referee Stephen Martin had spotted the barge on Matt Duke which Phil Parkinson was so adamant
about before Southend's opener.
And if City had dealt with one last hopeful punt upfield in the first minute of added time.
It was a sloppy equaliser to concede as Paul Smith's clearance was allowed to bounce right through for Tomlin to net for the sixth time in seven
games.
But let's not be too harsh. The back four had been magnificent up to that point against a side as free-flowing and dangerous as anyone they have
encountered – Arsenal included.
As Parkinson had warned, Southend love to ping in crosses and make chances for fun. But for 80 minutes at least, City's defence stood strong.
The late blows owed much to energy tanks and minds running on empty; entirely understandable in the context of a tumultuous few days. No wonder
Parky will shuffle as much as he can at Brentford tomorrow.
Unfortunately defence, the area which could most do with a breather, is the one where he can hardly tinker. Forrayah Bass could make his senior
debut but the unavailability of Tom Naylor and, of course, Curtis Good means the two centre halves could be forced to stay on duty.
McArdle and Carl McHugh had little time to relax on Saturday against the lively pairing of Tomlin and on-loan Watford frontman Britt
Assombalonga.
It was the same for the full backs, James Meredith and Stephen Darby, as Southend attacked with the vigour of a team unbeaten now in 12. But none
of the backline were found wanting.
"We've got defenders who always get in the right position," said their manager. "They are always filling holes at the right time and reading
situations."
There are confident individuals all through the team, none more so than Meredith, who continues to take the step up from non-league in his
effortless long strides.
The Australian is as equally at home in the opposition half as his own. It was his run that set up City's breakthrough for Nahki Wells in the
first half.
Meredith's forward forays also allow Atkinson to tuck inside, his favoured part of the pitch, and the pair dovetailed neatly before the left back
slipped Wells into the box.
Luke Prosser, who had an afternoon he will want to forget, slid across to block his shot. But the deflection merely succeeded in committing the
keeper and popped back in the path of City's striker to take his goal tally to 15.
That setback riled Southend, who spent the rest of the first half and the opening stages of the second camped in Bantam territory.
Assombalonga, Kevan Hurst and Prosser all went close to levelling.
With City penned in, it seemed only a matter of time before a Southend equaliser despite some magnificent resistance.
The visitors needed a break – and got it thanks to the luckless Prosser. Atkinson teased and tormented Chris Barker and whipped in a cross that
bobbled up ominously on the cut-up surface.
Prosser attempted to clear it first time but sliced instead and left his keeper rooted to the spot.
City had never won at Roots Hall until last year. Suddenly the prospect of back-to-back triumphs in deepest Essex loomed large.
Southend boss Paul Sturrock, determined to break the curse of being named manager of the month before the game, went for broke. He had four
strikers on the pitch for the last 20 minutes.
City had plenty more defending to do and were finally undone when Ryan Cresswell emerged strongest from a scrum of players on the end of Hurst's
corner. Parkinson's pleas alleging foul play on Duke fell on deaf ears.
The late momentum was all with the home side and McArdle produced the tackle of the match with a goal-saving intervention on Tomlin.
But just as the 210 travelling fans prepared to salute another huge result, City's weary troops did not react to Smith's booming kick. Tomlin
did, despite Darby's best efforts, to ensure the points were shared.
Parkinson admitted: "Their second goal was purely down to tiredness on our part but I'm not going to criticise.
"It was tough after the Arsenal game but we've got such an honest group of players that they just keep going.
"You could see in the dressing room before kick-off, they were saying themselves they knew the importance of this game. They knew we had to push
ourselves and go again.
"Of course you're down when you don't win after being two up. But this was a good point and I can't tell you how proud I am of these lads."
===========================
Brentford - FA Decision
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20696090
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10104538.Bradford_City_s_week_just_gets_better_and_better/?ref=rss
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10104538.Bradford_City_s_week_just_gets_better_and_better/?ref=rss
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20712896
===========================
Burns Unit Appeal
Ebay auction
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bantams-Banter-T-Shirt-Signed-By-Alan-Davies-Bradford-City-Legends-/200864799711?
Auction ends 21 Dec, 2012 11:48:15 GMT
One of a kind Bantams Banter t-shirt.
Signed by Bradford City legends; Bobby Campbell, Dean Windass, John Hendrie, Ian Ormandroyd, Jamie Lawrence and Gordon Watson.
Also signed by Comedians Alan Davies and Keith Dover of TV and podcast fame.
All signatures added on THAT night, when Bradford City beat Arsenal!
T-shirt kindly donated by Bowler Clothing
100% of proceeds will go to Bradford Burns Unit Appeal.
===========================
Bradford City boss Parkinson to give youth a chance in FA Cup replay
7:20am Monday 17th December 2012
By Simon Parker
Phil Parkinson may dip into City's youth ranks to face Brentford Tuesday after calling the FA Cup replay "a game we don't need".
The Bantams chief intends to rest as many of his regulars as possible ahead of the demanding League Two schedule over Christmas.
Saturday's 2-2 draw at Southend has left them in fifth.
Parkinson has been given the green light by the board to make mass changes for the trip to Griffin Park after stressing that the promotion bid
must not be affected.
City were reinstated in the FA Cup on appeal after they had been kicked out for fielding Curtis Good in the first game when he was not cleared to
play.
Parkinson agreed with the principle of City fighting their corner but he refuses to jeopardise the games coming up by using players who have
already spent more minutes on the pitch than any others in the country.
He said: "I told the chairmen they did that appeal to get justice for the club because it was a wrong decision. They did not do it to chase more
money in the FA Cup.
"And they said that if I want to play the whole youth team, then I can do that and give them experience in this game. I need to look after the
(senior) players.
"I totally understand why they appealed because it was a ridiculous decision to throw the club out. But it was a game we didn't need."
Parkinson will employ the likes of Ricky Ravenhill, Alan Connell, Ritchie Jones and Zavon Hines – who gave a lively cameo in the last 20 minutes
on Saturday. Kyel Reid also travelled with the squad to Essex and is set to be involved.
But other untried youngsters will beef up the squad.
Parkinson said: "The fans who travel down there should know that I will always put a team out who can do the club justice.
"However Curtis can't play, Tom Naylor can't play, Craig Forsyth can't play and Ross Hannah will be back with us next week but he can't play
because he wasn't registered in time before the first game.
"All the players who need a game will play and I'll try my best to give everybody else a rest. The chairmen are more than happy with that.
"We'll give everyone we can a game and some of the youth team."
Hannah plays the final game of his three-month loan at Grimsby on Friday. The striker has netted eight times for the promotion-chasing Blue
Square Bet side and is likely to be a permanent target when the transfer window opens next month.
Parkinson was chuffed with City's display at Southend, despite seeing them blow a two-goal lead in the last ten minutes.
Nahki Wells put City ahead with his 15th of the season before Luke Prosser's own goal seemed to have clinched a fourth away win. But Southend hit
back through Ryan Cresswell and Gavin Tomlin's injury-time leveller.
Parkinson said: "Of course we're disappointed not to win it but I can't be critical of anyone. It's a great point for us against a good side. I
can't praise the lads enough."
===========================
Help rename the Kop!
Bradford City Football Club is pleased to announce the launch of a new stand partnership.
A number of local businesses have joined together with the Bantams in a joint sponsorship proposition to take over what was formally known as the
Carlsberg Stand at the Coral Windows Stadium.
These organisations have chosen to support the club in a three year deal, in addition to this they have all agreed to allow the fans to rename
the stand.
So a huge thank you from Bradford City to the following organisations for there commitment and support...
Complete IT Systems
Multi Point Locks
Autoelectro
CMI Logistics
Petherbridge Bassra
Mittons
Mittons Aftercare
Robert Watts Estate Agents
If you'd like to get involved and rename your stand, please vote below. The closing date is December 22nd, and anyone who registers will go into
a draw to win a 2012/13 season ticket worth £199 - so get involved today!
Please click HERE to make your choice!
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/rename-the-kop-and-win-a-season-ticket/
===========================
Early Christmas present
Christmas is just around the corner, and Bradford City have decided to give its supporters an early present!
The club have purchased as many as 2,000 tickets for this Saturday's (22 December 2012) npower League 2 match at Wycombe Wanderers and plan to give them out as presents to fans as a thank you for their superb support this season.
Each ticket will be FREE of charge.
Tickets will be limited to two per person and can be picked up from the Bantams Ticket Office now during its opening hours (9:00am - 5:00pm).
As well as this amazing match ticket deal, City supporters will also be able to secure coach travel to Adams Park for only £10.00 per person.
Again, this will be available from the Bantams Ticket Office.
It is not compulsory, however, for supporters to buy coach tickets to enable them to qualify for free match tickets.
Subject to availability, coach tickets and match tickets will be available from the Bantams Ticket Office until this Friday (21 December 2012).
Friday, December 14, 2012
CC-QF W1-1 (3-2pens) aet (H) Arsenal Tuesday December 11, 2012. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc
Bradford 1 Arsenal 1
Thompson 16′ Vermaelen 88′
Bradford win 3-2 on penalties
Att: 23,971
The draw for the Semi finals of the Capital One Cup will be on 19th December.
City reinstated into the FA Cup. The Brentford replay will be Tuesday December 18th ko 7.45pm and the winners will be away to Southend in the third round.
Unoffical highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtdjKbpOmZ4
(audio is out of sync for some reason)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q8D2zlA9WM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzWPwztGqrQ
The team
Bradford City: Duke; Darby, McArdle, McHugh, Meredith; Thompson (R Jones 72), Doyle, G Jones, Atkinson (Turgott 93); Hanson, Wells (Connell 74).
Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Ravenhill, Hines, Good.
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Injuries
Andrew Davies, knee, Out 4 months (from Nov 1st)
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
Doubtful for Southend
Wells, jarred knee
Atkinson, hip flexor problem.
===========================
Match Media & Stats
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Arsenal
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/arsenal-images-539083.aspx
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
a
http://theoriginalwinger.com/2012-12-11-video-bradford-city-v-arsenal-highlights-goals-penalties-capitol-one-cup
Audio & Video (assume possible black out if outside the uk)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20692707#asset
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20688052#asset
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9738900/Bradford-City-v-Arsenal-Gervinhos-horror-miss-a-low-point-for-Arsene-Wengers-
side-at-Valley-Parade.html
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=357329&action=stats&lang=EN
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20590500
Commentary
http://m.guardiannews.com/football/2012/dec/11/bradford-city-arsenal-live-mbm
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10101284.Live_Blog__Bantams_v_Arsenal/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20590500
HT 1-0
FT 90 +5
ET 30 +2
Bradford City: Duke; Darby, McArdle, McHugh, Meredith; Thompson (R Jones 72), Doyle, G Jones, Atkinson (Turgott 93); Hanson, Wells (Connell 74).
Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Ravenhill, Hines, Good.
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Cazorla, Wilshere, Ramsey (Rosicky 69), Coquelin (Chamakh 60); Gervinho, Podolski
(Oxlade-Chamberlain 69). Unused substitutes: Mannone, Arteta, Squillaci, Jenkinson.
Referee: M Dean (Wirral).
Att: 23,971
===========================
Final whistle - match report
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/parkinson-hails-history-makers-539055.aspx
PUBLISHED 02:58 12th December 2012
Parkinson hails history-makers
A beaming Phil Parkinson was bursting with pride after his City side pulled off one of the biggest cup shocks in recent years by defeating
Premiership giants Arsenal on penalties to reach the final four of the Capital One Cup in front of a bumper Coral Windows Stadium crowd.
Nearly 24,000 packed into Valley Parade to see Parkinson's men unbelievably overcome a star-studded Arsenal line up, including the likes of Jack
Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski, 3-2 in a dramatic shoot-out.
The truly memorable result fires City into the Capital One Cup Semi-Finals for the first time ever in the club's history - making them the first
fourth-tier side to reach this stage of the competition since Wycombe Wanderers in the 2006/07 season.
The penalty victory was also incredibly City's NINTH shoot-out win in a row.
Despite the sensational win coming via penalties, however, Parkinson was keen to make sure that the manner of victory didn't detract from the
superb performance levels of his players against Arsenal's internationals.
With City only a few minutes away from winning it in normal time until Thomas Vermaelen's late equaliser, Parkinson's feels his side's
performance made them worthy of victory.
Parkinson said: "The lads were unbelievable tonight."
"The discipline and effort of the players was first-class.
"To be only three minutes away from beating a team of Arsenal's calibre says it all. The talk after the game might be about the penalty shoot-out
win and our run of penalty victories, but that shouldn't take anything away from the lads' performance.
"I thought they were all unbelievable tonight.
"Arsenal have some world-class players, they are an outstanding side and they played some of their very best players, but the lads stuck to their
jobs superbly all night.
"I have to give our players so much credit tonight.
"It was a big, big performance from the lads in front of a full stadium and a tremendous atmosphere.
"This result means everything to us, that's the players, management and staff. We want to try and put Bradford back on the map for the right
things, and nights like tonight will certainly help do that.
"The people of this city have been superb with the club, their support tonight was magnificent, and they deserve a team they can be proud of. I
believe we are getting there with that one."
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
Parkinson's pride as Bradford City penalty kings are on cloud NINE
8:00am Wednesday 12th December 2012
By Simon Parker
Giant-slaying City woke up today as Capital One Cup semi-finalists after a night that Phil Parkinson believes fans will cherish "for the rest of
their lives".
Parkinson's warriors stunned a full-strength Arsenal side in front of Valley Parade's biggest crowd since 1960, winning their ninth penalty
shoot-out on the trot after the game finished 1-1.
Garry Thompson's volley was cancelled out by Thomas Varmaelen with only three minutes of normal time to go. But the Belgian's miss during
penalties proved decisive as City sealed one of the biggest results in their history to reach the semi-final of the competition for the first
time.
Parkinson admitted: "I'm very proud of the boys. I don't really want to single anyone out but there were some tremendous performances.
"It hasn't really sunk in for them or for me yet and I don't think the enormity of what they have achieved will do until today.
"It was a night to remember. We want to put this club and this city back on the map – football clubs can do that.
"This is a fantastic football club. You could just feel the support and passion around the ground.
"I came in at 4.30 and you could start sensing it then.
"It was a very special night for everybody. All the people here, especially all the kids, will remember it for the rest of their lives."
Arsene Wenger surprised City by putting out his best team but the home side refused to be fazed by their big-name opponents.
Parkinson said: "He'd been saying in the press that he'd bring a strong squad but I didn't expect him to go 'bang' and play them all. Seeing the
likes of Jack Wilshere and (Santi) Carzola in there was a real surprise.
"The talk will be about the penalties again but I'd rather praise the performance. It was sensational.
"We've taken on Arsenal's best team and were leading with three minutes to go. Then we had the setback of conceding the goal and had to go again.
But I thought the lads were outstanding and showed immense quality once again.
"Once their goal went in, I was glad there were only three minutes because you could just see us dip. That's understandable.
"But we asked the lads afterwards if they were fit and strong enough to go again (in extra-time) and they showed they were. They weren't going
under."
Skipper Gary Jones, a scorer in the shoot-out, called it "one of the best nights of my life" before adding: "We've just knocked Arsenal out of
the Capital One Cup. It was 11 versus 11 and we had to keep our shape and frustrate them."
Goalkeeper Matt Duke, who saved a penalty from Santi Cazorla, said: "We set our stall out and the men in front of me were fantastic. We are
really fit as a team and that showed."
===========================
Pre match media talk
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/20676255#asset
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2246356/Bradford-City-v-Arsenal-preview-10-things-love-Bradford.html
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-city/gunners-head-for-bradford-with-only-four-of-pl-line-up-against-west-brom-1-5213275
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10099390.Bradford_City__Tight_lipped_Bould_let_nothing_slip_at_50th_bash_says_Parkin
http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20121211/SPORT01/712119950
http://arsenallatest.com/news/692-bradford-city-v-arsenal-preview.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2246387/Andrey-Arshavin-returns-Bradford-City.html
===========================
Selection of other match reports and comments, or at least the ones that don't have the Gunners feeling sorry for themselves
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2012/dec/12/bradford-bradford-city-bantams-arsenal-valley-parade
http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=1906532.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/dec/12/bradford-city-double-celebration-arsenal
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/dec/12/torquay-arsenal-bradford-captain-jones
(I'm not a guardian pusher, I see the links, I copy them!)
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10107988.Bantams_won_t_let_cup_hysteria_knock_them_off_track/?ref=rss
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-city/sleepless-night-for-bradford-s-penalty-hero-duke-1-5219970
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/12/bradford-city-arsenal-penalties-capital-one-cup_n_2287958.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2247634/Bradford-City-invite-Diana-Ross-practise-penalties.html
===========================
Lawn hails Bantams' cup win
Wednesday 12th December 2012 15:27
Bradford's co-chairman Mark Lawn has his eyes on a Wembley final after the Bantams made it into the last four of the Capital One Cup.
Lawn, who admits he is "probably the only chairman with a tattoo of the club on his arm", woke up with a thick head on Wednesday morning "after a
few sherberts" and the dawning realisation that League Two side Bradford are only two semi-final legs away from a dream final.
It is a far cry from the grim years of 2002 and 2004 when the club suffered two administrations, and two relegations, following a period of
over-spending in the Premier League.
Lawn, who bailed out the debt-laden club in 2007, admits he was expecting the worst when he saw Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had put out a full-
strength team.
He said: "When I saw the side they put out I thought we were going to get hammered but the lads did brilliant.
"We were a fourth division club up against a Champions League team - because that's what Arsenal were last night - and what our lads did was
quite amazing.
"I have been a Bradford fan all my life - I'm probably the only chairman with a tattoo of the club on my arm.
"I went to my first match in 1964 when I was four, and last night ranks up there with the greatest in our history. Given the gulf between the
sides it has to be up there.
"We've only one player who cost a fee, and that was James Hanson for £7,500.
"Phil Parkinson got his tactics absolutely perfect. We have to give a big shout out to all the management team, in fact to everybody, right down
to the cleaning lady. "
Lawn, the founder of a nationwide driver recruitment business, celebrated last night in the way he knew best - with the friends with whom he used
to stand on the terraces at Valley Parade.
He added: "I didn't get to bed until past 5am. I had a few sherberts with some of the lads I used to go to matches with, and sung a few of the
old songs."
The victory has changed Lawn's attitude to the opponents he would like Bradford to face in the semis. Instead of another glory tie with Chelsea,
the prospect of progressing to the final has made Lawn question whether the Bantams would be better off facing Championship opposition.
"I did say Chelsea originally but now I'm thinking maybe Leeds or Boro to have more of a chance getting to Wembley," he said.
"Leeds would certainly be a money-spinner but there would be a lot of stuff off the pitch to contend with too.
"The most important thing is that we are in the semi-final.
"This club has been through such a lot, a £34million administration the first time and then a second administration and I got involved after that
to get us onto an even keel.
"A lot of praise has to go to [co-chairman] Julian Rhodes whose family nearly lost everything including their houses supporting this club.
"It was a great, great night for this club against Arsenal, and one that nobody who was there will ever forget."
===========================
http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2012-12-13/gazidis-upset-and-angry-at-cup-exit/
[Extract]
As for the performance against Bradford, one of the Bantams players, Gary Jones, compared Arsenal unfavourably with npower League Two rivals
Torquay who they played last weekend.
"I think Torquay gave us a tougher game," Jones was quoted as saying in several national newspapers this morning.
"It was like a role reversal against them. Torquay defended well against us and we defended really well against Arsenal. The lads were
unbelievable."
Asked if Arsenal should have been embarrassed by the result, Jones added: "Without a shadow of a doubt. No disrespect to us and our lads but they
should be beating Bradford City."
===========================
No place like home for Bradford City boss
8:00am Friday 14th December 2012
By Simon Parker
Roots Hall tomorrow will seem a world away from the euphoria of the Capital One Cup.
After a rocking Valley Parade against Arsenal, the Bantams hit the long road to Southend.
While it will ensure all City's thoughts are firmly fixed back on their league quest, Phil Parkinson admits he would prefer to have followed up
Tuesday night with another game on their own patch.
"I'd rather have been at home because we're riding on the back of our supporters," he said. "They are such a big part of it.
"I know it's a cliché that managers always come out with saying how great their supporters are.
"But in this case it's very genuine from me and all the players.
"Our supporters are a big part with what we're trying to achieve here. Without their positivity created in the ground, it would be very difficult
to get through all the games we've done."
That has not always been the case at Valley Parade during the club's recent bleak period. But while encouraging a change of attitude on the
pitch, Parkinson has felt a similar shift off it.
He is well aware that the results-driven nature of the business can soon upset that balance but feels that right now there is a genuine bond
within the club. The fans have trust in their team.
Parkinson added: "There have been some good examples of the relationship between the players and supporters at the moment.
"You look back to last Saturday when it was 0-0 against Torquay when they were down to ten men (after Brian Saah was sent off). There was no
agitation but a real understanding among the supporters.
"There have been other games when we've been behind and they see what's happening. They understand when we might make changes from the bench to
try to liven things up.
"That's got to continue. We're really at the early stages of this season and so are the supporters.
"Whatever we're doing now in the league it's where we are at the end of April and early May that counts."
===========================
And to recap, the British record, English record and un-offical World record...of failing to win a game in normal time!
Bradford penalty kings
6 October 2009: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Notts County (h)
10 November 2009: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Port Vale (h)
30 August 2011: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Sheffield Wednesday (a)
4 October 2011: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Huddersfield (a)
8 November 2011: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Sheffield United (a)
9 October 2012: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Hartlepool (a)
30 October 2012: Capital One Cup - Wigan (a)
13 November 2012: FA Cup - Northampton (h)
11 December 2012: Capital One Cup - Arsenal (h)
===========================
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=357329&action=live&lang=EN&wjb=
Penalty Takers
Bradford City
1-0 N. Doyle (M) scored
(Right High)
Arsenal
1-0 S. Cazorla (M) missed (saved)
(Right Low)
Bradford City
2-0 G. Jones (M) scored
(Left High)
Arsenal
2-0 M. Chamakh (F) missed
(Left Upright)
Bradford City
2-0 S. Darby (D) missed (saved)
(Right Low)
Arsenal
2-1 J. Wilshere (M) scored
(Right Low)
Bradford City
3-1 A. Connell (F) scored
(Left High)
Arsenal
3-2 A. Oxlade-Chamberlain (M) scored
(Left Low)
Bradford City
3-2 R. Jones (M) missed (saved)
(Centre Low)
Arsenal
3-2 T. Vermaelen (D) missed
(Right Upright)
===========================
Thompson 16′ Vermaelen 88′
Bradford win 3-2 on penalties
Att: 23,971
The draw for the Semi finals of the Capital One Cup will be on 19th December.
City reinstated into the FA Cup. The Brentford replay will be Tuesday December 18th ko 7.45pm and the winners will be away to Southend in the third round.
Unoffical highlights
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtdjKbpOmZ4
(audio is out of sync for some reason)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q8D2zlA9WM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tzWPwztGqrQ
The team
Bradford City: Duke; Darby, McArdle, McHugh, Meredith; Thompson (R Jones 72), Doyle, G Jones, Atkinson (Turgott 93); Hanson, Wells (Connell 74).
Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Ravenhill, Hines, Good.
Read this article online
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/46810838356/
CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html
Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN
The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/
Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx
===========================
Signings, Loans and Injuries
Injuries
Andrew Davies, knee, Out 4 months (from Nov 1st)
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
Doubtful for Southend
Wells, jarred knee
Atkinson, hip flexor problem.
===========================
Match Media & Stats
Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Arsenal
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/
Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/arsenal-images-539083.aspx
"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html
a
http://theoriginalwinger.com/2012-12-11-video-bradford-city-v-arsenal-highlights-goals-penalties-capitol-one-cup
Audio & Video (assume possible black out if outside the uk)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20692707#asset
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20688052#asset
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/arsenal/9738900/Bradford-City-v-Arsenal-Gervinhos-horror-miss-a-low-point-for-Arsene-Wengers-
side-at-Valley-Parade.html
Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=357329&action=stats&lang=EN
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20590500
Commentary
http://m.guardiannews.com/football/2012/dec/11/bradford-city-arsenal-live-mbm
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10101284.Live_Blog__Bantams_v_Arsenal/
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20590500
HT 1-0
FT 90 +5
ET 30 +2
Bradford City: Duke; Darby, McArdle, McHugh, Meredith; Thompson (R Jones 72), Doyle, G Jones, Atkinson (Turgott 93); Hanson, Wells (Connell 74).
Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Ravenhill, Hines, Good.
Arsenal: Szczesny; Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen, Gibbs; Cazorla, Wilshere, Ramsey (Rosicky 69), Coquelin (Chamakh 60); Gervinho, Podolski
(Oxlade-Chamberlain 69). Unused substitutes: Mannone, Arteta, Squillaci, Jenkinson.
Referee: M Dean (Wirral).
Att: 23,971
===========================
Final whistle - match report
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/parkinson-hails-history-makers-539055.aspx
PUBLISHED 02:58 12th December 2012
Parkinson hails history-makers
A beaming Phil Parkinson was bursting with pride after his City side pulled off one of the biggest cup shocks in recent years by defeating
Premiership giants Arsenal on penalties to reach the final four of the Capital One Cup in front of a bumper Coral Windows Stadium crowd.
Nearly 24,000 packed into Valley Parade to see Parkinson's men unbelievably overcome a star-studded Arsenal line up, including the likes of Jack
Wilshere, Santi Cazorla and Lukas Podolski, 3-2 in a dramatic shoot-out.
The truly memorable result fires City into the Capital One Cup Semi-Finals for the first time ever in the club's history - making them the first
fourth-tier side to reach this stage of the competition since Wycombe Wanderers in the 2006/07 season.
The penalty victory was also incredibly City's NINTH shoot-out win in a row.
Despite the sensational win coming via penalties, however, Parkinson was keen to make sure that the manner of victory didn't detract from the
superb performance levels of his players against Arsenal's internationals.
With City only a few minutes away from winning it in normal time until Thomas Vermaelen's late equaliser, Parkinson's feels his side's
performance made them worthy of victory.
Parkinson said: "The lads were unbelievable tonight."
"The discipline and effort of the players was first-class.
"To be only three minutes away from beating a team of Arsenal's calibre says it all. The talk after the game might be about the penalty shoot-out
win and our run of penalty victories, but that shouldn't take anything away from the lads' performance.
"I thought they were all unbelievable tonight.
"Arsenal have some world-class players, they are an outstanding side and they played some of their very best players, but the lads stuck to their
jobs superbly all night.
"I have to give our players so much credit tonight.
"It was a big, big performance from the lads in front of a full stadium and a tremendous atmosphere.
"This result means everything to us, that's the players, management and staff. We want to try and put Bradford back on the map for the right
things, and nights like tonight will certainly help do that.
"The people of this city have been superb with the club, their support tonight was magnificent, and they deserve a team they can be proud of. I
believe we are getting there with that one."
===========================
When the dust settled - match report
Parkinson's pride as Bradford City penalty kings are on cloud NINE
8:00am Wednesday 12th December 2012
By Simon Parker
Giant-slaying City woke up today as Capital One Cup semi-finalists after a night that Phil Parkinson believes fans will cherish "for the rest of
their lives".
Parkinson's warriors stunned a full-strength Arsenal side in front of Valley Parade's biggest crowd since 1960, winning their ninth penalty
shoot-out on the trot after the game finished 1-1.
Garry Thompson's volley was cancelled out by Thomas Varmaelen with only three minutes of normal time to go. But the Belgian's miss during
penalties proved decisive as City sealed one of the biggest results in their history to reach the semi-final of the competition for the first
time.
Parkinson admitted: "I'm very proud of the boys. I don't really want to single anyone out but there were some tremendous performances.
"It hasn't really sunk in for them or for me yet and I don't think the enormity of what they have achieved will do until today.
"It was a night to remember. We want to put this club and this city back on the map – football clubs can do that.
"This is a fantastic football club. You could just feel the support and passion around the ground.
"I came in at 4.30 and you could start sensing it then.
"It was a very special night for everybody. All the people here, especially all the kids, will remember it for the rest of their lives."
Arsene Wenger surprised City by putting out his best team but the home side refused to be fazed by their big-name opponents.
Parkinson said: "He'd been saying in the press that he'd bring a strong squad but I didn't expect him to go 'bang' and play them all. Seeing the
likes of Jack Wilshere and (Santi) Carzola in there was a real surprise.
"The talk will be about the penalties again but I'd rather praise the performance. It was sensational.
"We've taken on Arsenal's best team and were leading with three minutes to go. Then we had the setback of conceding the goal and had to go again.
But I thought the lads were outstanding and showed immense quality once again.
"Once their goal went in, I was glad there were only three minutes because you could just see us dip. That's understandable.
"But we asked the lads afterwards if they were fit and strong enough to go again (in extra-time) and they showed they were. They weren't going
under."
Skipper Gary Jones, a scorer in the shoot-out, called it "one of the best nights of my life" before adding: "We've just knocked Arsenal out of
the Capital One Cup. It was 11 versus 11 and we had to keep our shape and frustrate them."
Goalkeeper Matt Duke, who saved a penalty from Santi Cazorla, said: "We set our stall out and the men in front of me were fantastic. We are
really fit as a team and that showed."
===========================
Pre match media talk
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/20676255#asset
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2246356/Bradford-City-v-Arsenal-preview-10-things-love-Bradford.html
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-city/gunners-head-for-bradford-with-only-four-of-pl-line-up-against-west-brom-1-5213275
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10099390.Bradford_City__Tight_lipped_Bould_let_nothing_slip_at_50th_bash_says_Parkin
http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20121211/SPORT01/712119950
http://arsenallatest.com/news/692-bradford-city-v-arsenal-preview.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2246387/Andrey-Arshavin-returns-Bradford-City.html
===========================
Selection of other match reports and comments, or at least the ones that don't have the Gunners feeling sorry for themselves
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/the-northerner/2012/dec/12/bradford-bradford-city-bantams-arsenal-valley-parade
http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=1906532.html
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/dec/12/bradford-city-double-celebration-arsenal
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/dec/12/torquay-arsenal-bradford-captain-jones
(I'm not a guardian pusher, I see the links, I copy them!)
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10107988.Bantams_won_t_let_cup_hysteria_knock_them_off_track/?ref=rss
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-city/sleepless-night-for-bradford-s-penalty-hero-duke-1-5219970
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/12/bradford-city-arsenal-penalties-capital-one-cup_n_2287958.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2247634/Bradford-City-invite-Diana-Ross-practise-penalties.html
===========================
Lawn hails Bantams' cup win
Wednesday 12th December 2012 15:27
Bradford's co-chairman Mark Lawn has his eyes on a Wembley final after the Bantams made it into the last four of the Capital One Cup.
Lawn, who admits he is "probably the only chairman with a tattoo of the club on his arm", woke up with a thick head on Wednesday morning "after a
few sherberts" and the dawning realisation that League Two side Bradford are only two semi-final legs away from a dream final.
It is a far cry from the grim years of 2002 and 2004 when the club suffered two administrations, and two relegations, following a period of
over-spending in the Premier League.
Lawn, who bailed out the debt-laden club in 2007, admits he was expecting the worst when he saw Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger had put out a full-
strength team.
He said: "When I saw the side they put out I thought we were going to get hammered but the lads did brilliant.
"We were a fourth division club up against a Champions League team - because that's what Arsenal were last night - and what our lads did was
quite amazing.
"I have been a Bradford fan all my life - I'm probably the only chairman with a tattoo of the club on my arm.
"I went to my first match in 1964 when I was four, and last night ranks up there with the greatest in our history. Given the gulf between the
sides it has to be up there.
"We've only one player who cost a fee, and that was James Hanson for £7,500.
"Phil Parkinson got his tactics absolutely perfect. We have to give a big shout out to all the management team, in fact to everybody, right down
to the cleaning lady. "
Lawn, the founder of a nationwide driver recruitment business, celebrated last night in the way he knew best - with the friends with whom he used
to stand on the terraces at Valley Parade.
He added: "I didn't get to bed until past 5am. I had a few sherberts with some of the lads I used to go to matches with, and sung a few of the
old songs."
The victory has changed Lawn's attitude to the opponents he would like Bradford to face in the semis. Instead of another glory tie with Chelsea,
the prospect of progressing to the final has made Lawn question whether the Bantams would be better off facing Championship opposition.
"I did say Chelsea originally but now I'm thinking maybe Leeds or Boro to have more of a chance getting to Wembley," he said.
"Leeds would certainly be a money-spinner but there would be a lot of stuff off the pitch to contend with too.
"The most important thing is that we are in the semi-final.
"This club has been through such a lot, a £34million administration the first time and then a second administration and I got involved after that
to get us onto an even keel.
"A lot of praise has to go to [co-chairman] Julian Rhodes whose family nearly lost everything including their houses supporting this club.
"It was a great, great night for this club against Arsenal, and one that nobody who was there will ever forget."
===========================
http://www.itv.com/sport/football/article/2012-12-13/gazidis-upset-and-angry-at-cup-exit/
[Extract]
As for the performance against Bradford, one of the Bantams players, Gary Jones, compared Arsenal unfavourably with npower League Two rivals
Torquay who they played last weekend.
"I think Torquay gave us a tougher game," Jones was quoted as saying in several national newspapers this morning.
"It was like a role reversal against them. Torquay defended well against us and we defended really well against Arsenal. The lads were
unbelievable."
Asked if Arsenal should have been embarrassed by the result, Jones added: "Without a shadow of a doubt. No disrespect to us and our lads but they
should be beating Bradford City."
===========================
No place like home for Bradford City boss
8:00am Friday 14th December 2012
By Simon Parker
Roots Hall tomorrow will seem a world away from the euphoria of the Capital One Cup.
After a rocking Valley Parade against Arsenal, the Bantams hit the long road to Southend.
While it will ensure all City's thoughts are firmly fixed back on their league quest, Phil Parkinson admits he would prefer to have followed up
Tuesday night with another game on their own patch.
"I'd rather have been at home because we're riding on the back of our supporters," he said. "They are such a big part of it.
"I know it's a cliché that managers always come out with saying how great their supporters are.
"But in this case it's very genuine from me and all the players.
"Our supporters are a big part with what we're trying to achieve here. Without their positivity created in the ground, it would be very difficult
to get through all the games we've done."
That has not always been the case at Valley Parade during the club's recent bleak period. But while encouraging a change of attitude on the
pitch, Parkinson has felt a similar shift off it.
He is well aware that the results-driven nature of the business can soon upset that balance but feels that right now there is a genuine bond
within the club. The fans have trust in their team.
Parkinson added: "There have been some good examples of the relationship between the players and supporters at the moment.
"You look back to last Saturday when it was 0-0 against Torquay when they were down to ten men (after Brian Saah was sent off). There was no
agitation but a real understanding among the supporters.
"There have been other games when we've been behind and they see what's happening. They understand when we might make changes from the bench to
try to liven things up.
"That's got to continue. We're really at the early stages of this season and so are the supporters.
"Whatever we're doing now in the league it's where we are at the end of April and early May that counts."
===========================
And to recap, the British record, English record and un-offical World record...of failing to win a game in normal time!
Bradford penalty kings
6 October 2009: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Notts County (h)
10 November 2009: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Port Vale (h)
30 August 2011: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Sheffield Wednesday (a)
4 October 2011: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Huddersfield (a)
8 November 2011: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Sheffield United (a)
9 October 2012: Johnstone's Paint Trophy - Hartlepool (a)
30 October 2012: Capital One Cup - Wigan (a)
13 November 2012: FA Cup - Northampton (h)
11 December 2012: Capital One Cup - Arsenal (h)
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http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=357329&action=live&lang=EN&wjb=
Penalty Takers
Bradford City
1-0 N. Doyle (M) scored
(Right High)
Arsenal
1-0 S. Cazorla (M) missed (saved)
(Right Low)
Bradford City
2-0 G. Jones (M) scored
(Left High)
Arsenal
2-0 M. Chamakh (F) missed
(Left Upright)
Bradford City
2-0 S. Darby (D) missed (saved)
(Right Low)
Arsenal
2-1 J. Wilshere (M) scored
(Right Low)
Bradford City
3-1 A. Connell (F) scored
(Left High)
Arsenal
3-2 A. Oxlade-Chamberlain (M) scored
(Left Low)
Bradford City
3-2 R. Jones (M) missed (saved)
(Centre Low)
Arsenal
3-2 T. Vermaelen (D) missed
(Right Upright)
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