The Bradford City Onion

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

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

L2 L0-1 (A) Burton Albion Saturday October 27, 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

Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Luke Oliver will be out of action for between 6 to 9 months following achilles surgery
No news yet on how bad Andrew Davies's injury is (knee ).

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

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_pics2011/

"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

Burton Albion: Oxley; O'Connor, Stanton, Diamond, McCrory; Taylor (Chappell 74), Weir, Bell, Maghoma; Zola, Kee (Paterson 81). Unused

substitutes: Richards, Lyness, Dyer, Kiernan, Rooney.

Bradford City: McLaughlin; McArdle, Davies (McHugh 46), Oliver (Darby 36), Meredith; Thompson, Doyle, Ravenhill, Forsyth; Connell (G Jones 36),

Hanson. Unused substitutes: R Jones, Duke, Atkinson, Hines.

Referee: Andy D'Urso (Essex).

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

When the dust settled - match report

Bradford City see red as ref D'Urso comes under scrutiny

6:40am Monday 29th October 2012

By Simon Parker

Burton 1, City 0

It is 12 years since Andy D'Urso was famously chased by an angry Manchester United posse after daring to award a penalty against them at Old

Trafford.

The sight of a snarling Roy Keane and five team-mates corralling the referee became an iconic image of player power gone mad.

D'Urso was lucky not to come under similar attack from City on Saturday after the incident which swung the match irretrievably against them.

It was the sort of big call that could have ended up with him being cornered by half of West Yorkshire.

D'Urso's decision to banish Ricky Ravenhill for a phantom head butt following a shocking over-reaction by Burton's Lee Bell left the visitors

every bit as angry as Keane and his cohorts that day.

The fact that City managed to last until the final nine minutes before gifting the hosts a self-inflicted goal did nothing to improve the mood

afterwards.

But Phil Parkinson, desperately treading on egg shells with his words, had sensed what might happen when he saw the Billericay official was down

to take charge.

Parkinson clearly felt it was a case of a referee feeling the game was beneath him.

"I've had times with Andy D'Urso before and occasions when Premier League referees come down to this level," he said.

"It's cold, there are only 2,000 people there and the officials weren't communicating at all throughout the game. It's almost as if they didn't

want to be there.

"It's probably difficult for them; a bit like a Premiership player coming down. You've got that feel about the officials. But that's all I want

to say because I don't want to get in trouble."

Parkinson had plenty to say about the way Bell had reacted – or "cheated", in the manager's words – to his contretemps with Ravenhill.

Bell hardly endeared himself later with a daft comment on Twitter, saying: "(I) went down like a girl, very poor from me. But it's been a long

time coming."

Parkinson was equally scathing about home defender Nathan Stanton for gesturing to the large away following once the game had finished. He

declined to shake hands afterwards, instead wagging an angry finger in the centre half's face before reporting what had happened to safety

officials.

Those unsavoury moments left a bad enough taste in the mouth for the manager and City fans. But confirmation that absolutely nothing went their

way came with the injuries to not just one but both centre halves.

If there are two players who have been irreplaceable on Parkinson's team sheet in the past year, it's Luke Oliver and Andrew Davies. City had to

play the second half on Saturday without both – and look like missing them for a fair while yet.

Davies' twisted knee has certainly put the kybosh on his hopes of facing Wigan tomorrow night. If the ligaments have gone, he could be looking at

a month out.

The initial fear with Oliver is that his Achilles injury is worse. Suddenly, in one fell swoop, the two rock-solid foundations of City's back

four have been knocked away.

Halloween may not be until Wednesday but it has come early for Parkinson ten times over. The team bus must have run over a family of black cats

on its way to the Pirelli Stadium.

Carl McHugh was thrust into unexpected action alongside Rory McArdle and did an excellent containing job for 45 minutes. But it will be a huge

ask for the Irish teenager to be pressed into combat as a regular starter until one of the main men is fit to resume.

At the other end of the scale, Parkinson would not have hurried Gary Jones back into the firing line so soon after his back injury. But needs

must with Ravenhill's three-game ban for supposed violent conduct.

So a week that had looked so promising with wins over Cheltenham and Northampton – one the reward for patience and never giving in, the other a

model in away-day discipline – ended with a massive shock to the collective system.

The biggest fear about City's quality over quantity policy with the squad numbers was injuries stacking up all at once. To lose two huge players

– in the same position – is a hammer blow.

The game was no great spectacle. The fact the Bantams got within touching distance of what would have been a memorable point says all you need to

know about the combined attacking capabilities.

City's only shot on target came with a full quota of players, Nathan Doyle's well-struck volley flying straight at Burton loan keeper Mark Oxley.

Otherwise the home debutant spent the rest of the afternoon shivering in the bitter wintry wind.

Jon McLaughlin was not much busier at the other end, even with inferior numbers in front of him for so long.

He made one good block from Zola after Jacques Maghoma's cross-shot came back off the bar. That apart, Burton could not pick their way through

the wall of voltage cherry.

From the moment that Bell and Ravenhill squared up – and Bell fell like he had been downed by a sniper – the contest became one of attack versus

defence.

Alan Connell, who must feel the most jinxed man of the lot at Valley Parade, was sacrificed in the post-Ravenhill reshuffle to leave James Hanson

in a lonely role up top.

With the rest of the team stuck in two rigid banks of four to protect the clean sheet, Hanson was left isolated to run and chase in vain for the

slightest sniff of an opening. He did the job manfully but inevitably it meant little cutting edge.

The question was whether City could follow Rochdale's lead from a month ago and survive intact with a man down for so long.

Burton's frustration seemed to build with every scoreless minute. Without a win from their previous four games, they could see the opportunity

slipping away.

Then City undid all their hard work for them. Thompson delayed fatally as Stanton clipped a ball over the top and McLaughlin got caught in two

minds whether to come for it or not.

Damien McCrory seized on their indecision to get between the pair and drill a pass across the gaping goal. Zola threw himself to bury it and that

was the game done.

Parkinson admitted: "We deserved a point for our efforts. I thought we were terrific with ten men but then conceded a sloppy goal.

"If we'd lost to a bit of skill or a good finish, you'd accept it. But we gave them that goal. One of them has got to take control of the

situation.

"Nothing much more could have gone against us by half-time but the lads worked so hard."

---

Parkinson counts cost as whatever can go wrong for Bradford City does in defeat at Burton

8:20am Monday 29th October 2012

By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson blasted the behaviour of two Burton players as he picked up the pieces from City's contentious weekend loss.

Parkinson labelled midfielder Lee Bell a "cheat" for his reaction in the first-half clash which saw Ricky Ravenhill shown Bradford's first red

card of the season.

And he accused Brewers centre half Nathan Stanton of goading the away fans after the final whistle.

Central defenders Luke Oliver and Andrew Davies were injured in an afternoon to forget for City, who will be missing both players for tomorrow's

daunting Capital One Cup visit to Wigan – and there are fears that Oliver could be sidelined long term.

City's troubles began with Ravenhill's dismissal after Bell collapsed in a heap following their coming together. It provoked a furious response

from Parkinson, who claimed: "He has cheated.

"Their manager might say it's won them the game because we went down to ten men – but in my book, Lee Bell's cheated.

"If there was contact, it certainly wasn't enough to knock him down like that. But he went down as if he'd been headbutted.

"Do we tell our players to roll on the floor every time they get touched? I don't know. But I hope he's embarrassed when he sees it again. He

deserves to be."

Parkinson was equally annoyed with the way Stanton appeared to taunt the City end of the ground. The away fans had been giving him stick after it

was claimed that he gestured at them earlier during the game.

The City chief felt Stanton should have been punished, after Nahki Wells was yellow-carded at Northampton for celebrating his goal with the fans

– a booking which meant he missed Saturday's game.

Parkinson made his feelings known to referee Andy D'Urso and the Burton safety staff about the incident.

He said: "We get Nahki booked for celebrating with our own fans and then you get an opposition player going towards our fans and inciting them.

"If that isn't inciting people to come on to the pitch, I don't know what is. I'm not having that because it's unacceptable."

Calvin Zola's late goal, after some defensive indecision between Jon McLaughlin and Garry Thompson, consigned City to defeat.

Youngster Carl McHugh made his league debut in the second half for Davies and his central partnership with Rory McArdle will now have to face the

Premier League Latics at the DW Stadium.

But Parkinson will have a late check on Gary Jones before deciding whether to risk him from the start. The skipper returned from a five-week

absence to play nearly an hour from the bench on Saturday.

Parkinson said: "Ideally I was going to give him 15 minutes at the end but obviously things changed.

"But we've got to be careful with Gary because he's a key player for us. I don't want to rush him back and we'll see how he is before making a

decision about the Wigan game."
===========================

@bbcleeds sport headlines: #bcafc will not appeal Ricky Ravenhill's sending off in the game against Burton because of a lack of evidence."

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

From Wigan Athletic Supporters Club
http://www.wastc.co.uk/2012/10/bobby-campbell-returns/?

BOBBY CAMPBELL TO RETURN FOR WIGAN GAME

Bobby Campbell will be present as Bradford City visit the DW Stadium to try
and knock Wigan Athletic out of this season's Capitol One Cup next Tuesday
and it is reported that over 4,000 Bantams are traveling over from
Yorkshire.

Latics and Bradford City have a history stretching as far back as 1978,
Wigan's first ever year in the Football League but have however only met
once in any Cup and that was in the FA Cup 1st Round where we took our
visitors to a replay before coming out 4-2 winners in 1983.

There is another reason to get down to the Stadium, seeing as one of the
all-time Latics' Legends is making a very rare appearance, not only guest of
honour for the night but also hosting his own room in the hospitality
section, for this night only.

Yes, the infamous Bobby Campbell will be coming down to promote his new book
"Curry and Campbell". This will certainly appeal to a certain age group and
tickets are limited, albeit at £40, but it also includes meal and all the
hospitality trimmings.

---
Campbells 'Legend' Wigan stats
(Coutesy Mike 'Tallgent' Harrison

Campbell was at Wigan for almost 2 seasons having left City in late September 1986.

He played 69 games for the Latics and scored 27 goals and he forged a useful partnership up front with a young Paul Jewell.

Campbell also helped Wigan get to the 6th round of the F A Cup in 1987 losing to L**s in a quarter final played at Springfield Park. This is

still the furthest Wigan have gone in the F A Cup despite playing in the Premier league since 2005.

Paul Firth, author of "They don't make them like him anymore" will be at Wigan tomorrow night with Campbell.

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

From bluesqfootball.com:

HANNAH TARGETS MARINERS STAY

Bradford City striker Ross Hannah has confirmed he would like to extend his
stay at Grimsby Town once his loan deal expires.

The 26-year-old joined the Mariners on a three-month loan deal in September
and made an instant impact, scoring on his debut as the Mariners defeated
Luton Town 4-1.

He has since gone on to net two more times in a further five first-team
appearances and says he is loving life under the guidance of joint managers
Rob Scott and Paul Hurst at Blundell Park.

Hannah told the Grimsby Telegraph: "I'm loving every minute here. I've got a
smile on my face all the time.

"The managers and the rest of the lads have been brilliant with me. I feel
like I've been here years.

"I'm really enjoying it, things are going well at the minute and I want to
keep that going."

...

"Whatever happens, happens."

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

Friday, October 26, 2012

L2 W1-0 (A) Northhampton Tuesday October 6, 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

Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

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

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_pics2011/

"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

Northampton Town: L Nicholls; East, Widdowson, Langmead, Charles; Tozer, A Nicholls, Roofe, Huws; Platt (Moult 68), Akinfenwa. Unused

substitutes: Higgs, Demontagnac, Mukendi, Wilson, Hornby, Dias.

Bradford City: McLaughlin; McArdle, Meredith, Davies Oliver; Thompson, Ravenhill, Doyle, Forsyth (Atkinson 78); Hanson, Wells. Unused

substitutes: Duke, Darby, R Jones, McHugh, Connell, Hines.

Referee: G Scott (Oxfordshire).

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

When the dust settled - match report

Bradford City goal ace Wells gives Cobblers another good kicking

6:30am Wednesday 24th October 2012

By Simon Parker

Northampton 0, City 1

It may not compare with downtown Bermuda but Northampton is fast becoming a favourite haunt for Nahki Wells.

He gave the Cobblers a shoeing in April with the first hat-trick of his fledgling professional life.

And he returned to Sixfields last night to stick the boot in once more with his tenth goal of the season.

The only blot was an unnecessary fifth booking after his celebration, which means he misses Saturday's trip to Burton. It's an area of his game

that the striker needs to improve.

That will be a frustration for Phil Parkinson but it's a minor quibble after another immensely satisfying City performance. Like Saturday, this

was the display of a side that really mean business.

Gary Jones had travelled down with the squad and was put through his paces on the pitch beforehand by trainer Matt Barrass. But the midfielder's

role was purely a watching one on this occasion as Parkinson stuck with an unchanged team and bench from the weekend win over Cheltenham.

So Craig Forsyth got the second start of his loan and the Watford winger had the first chance of the night after 12 minutes.

Northampton were unhappy that referee Graham Scott did not blow for a foul as Wells challenged keeper Lee Nicholls for a bouncing ball. As it

dropped free, Wells worked it back to Forsyth whose shot at the unguarded goal was deflected wide by home skipper Kelvin Langmead.

Both sides clocked up the early corners and City thought they had scored from their third one. James Hanson's header was blocked in a scrum of

players and the striker had another bite at the rebound but it was cleared off the line by Alex Nicholls.

Wells tested the uncertain home keeper from 25 yards as City looked to turn their bright spell into a breakthrough goal.

Parkinson's men knew what to expect at the other end with the physical presence of Adebayo Akinfenwa and Clive Platt. They also had to pay close

attention to the enormous throw-ins that Ben Tozer launched into the box.

But Northampton's first genuine effort came from midfielder Nicholls, though Jon McLaughlin appeared to have his skidding drive covered as it

flew wide.

Aidy Boothroyd appealed for a penalty – and possibly a red card – as last man Rory McArdle ran into Akinfenwa chasing a ball back to McLaughlin

but the official was unimpressed.

Forsyth was showing positive signs and teed up Wells for a well-struck drive that dipped just over the bar. City were asking the questions,

though James Meredith's attempt to replicate his Saturday strike squirted off the outside of his boot.

Andrew Davies took a couple of clouts from Platt and Parkinson made his feelings known to the fourth official when no yellow card was

forthcoming. The two centre halves were earning their corn.

Another City raid saw them with a numerical advantage on the attack but Forsyth's touch was too heavy and the opportunity was wasted. Then

Meredith whipped in a great cross but Anthony Charles beat Hanson on the end of it.

Akinfenwa found Nicholls in plenty of space for the home side but Meredith blocked his first cross and Davies slid across to cut out his second

in the City goalmouth.

But City had an escape six minutes before the break when Tozer's teasing angled ball beat everyone as both strikers strained to touch it past

McLaughlin.

Tozer unloaded another enormous throw-in which McLaughlin missed but the whistle blew for a push in the back by Akinfenwa.

As half-time approached, Meredith set off on a surge down the left which ended with a generous foul awarded. But Nathan Doyle, a busy figure

again, could not make the most of a decent position with the free-kick.

Luke Oliver picked up a cheap booking for knocking the ball away right at the end of the half and McLaughlin had to come through a crowd of

players to punch clear another Tozer missile.

But it was a slight concern to see Oliver reappear during the half-time break to do some shuttle runs with the physio, obviously trying to work

off a problem. It was not a game when City could afford to lose one of their defensive pillars.

Davies, who had a faultless first half, for once found himself the wrong side of Akinfenwa at the start of the second but was spared by a poor

pass from Northampton's battering ram.

But City's disciplined efforts were rewarded in the 53rd minute with the opening goal.

Hanson and Danny East both jumped for McLaughlin's goal kick and the ball flicked through for Wells to react the quickest. There were shades of

last season as the Bermudian held of his marker and poked the ball past the on-rushing Lee Nicholls into the bottom corner of the Northampton

net.

Wells ran on into the away fans to celebrate – and was booked by Scott when he came back on to the field. It was a costly yellow card because it

means a one-game ban.

City still had plenty to do to hang on to what they'd got. It was no time to ease off the throttle as Northampton tried to step up their own

game.

Ricky Ravenhill was getting through plenty of the dirty work patrolling the front of his own penalty area and made a tremendous challenge to

thwart one Cobblers raid.

But City should have been two to the good when Forsyth's 25-yard blast proved too hot to handle for keeper Nicholls. The rebound came out

invitingly for Hanson to end a seven-game goal drought – but he spooned it over into the travelling fans.

Still City knocked on the door and Hanson nodded down for Wells, whose close-range blast was smothered by a diving Langmead.

Parkinson kept urging his troops on as Boothroyd made his first change and threw on former Peter Taylor loanee Louis Moult for the ineffective

Platt.

Alex Nicholls showed strength to create a Northampton opening but the shot was harmless once again.

McLaughlin was finally called into proper action after 77 minutes of waiting. Davies half-cleared another Tozer throw and Moult's header was

tipped over the bar by the City keeper.

Will Atkinson replaced the hard-working Forsyth a minute later – and the substitute could have had his first goal of the season after some

quick-thinking by Wells. His closing-down spooked Langmead into coughing up the ball close to the byline but Atkinson's touch let him down as he

tried to finish the pass.

Garry Thompson received City's third yellow card but instantly atoned with an important sliding tackle on Kemar Roofe just outside the penalty

area.

City were not content to sit back and Wells forced two further saves from Lee Nicholls. There was no way they were going to let this one slip

away.

Attendance: 3,541

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

Wigan ticket update

See the link for full information
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/wigan-ticket-update-307536.aspx

The football club will be selling its final allocation of 190 tickets for next Tuesday's (30 October 2012) Capital One Cup Fourth Round tie at

Wigan Athletic from the Bantams Ticket Office tomorrow (Thursday 25 October 2012).

The tickets will go on sale from the Bantams Ticket Office - now located by the North West Corner - from 9:00am on Thursday.

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

Parkinson pride at Bradford City character

8:30am Wednesday 24th October 2012

By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson declared himself proud as punch after City claimed their second win in four days.

Nahki Wells netted the only goal to sink Northampton at Sixfields last night and cement their place in League Two's leading pack.

The victory, City's second away from home in the league, sets them up for three more games on the road coming up.

Parkinson said: "We have to start seeing a consistency on our travels and I was so pleased with the lads. We needed an Oxford away type of

performance and we got that.

"It was a massive test because Northampton are a decent team at home. It was a night when we had to defend the long throws and be strong.

"All the back four and the midfield players were really good dealing with their style of play – and when it was time to show quality, we did."

Wells poached his tenth goal of the season to win it and City should have scored more, with James Hanson guilty of missing a great chance.

Parkinson said: "We probably should have killed them off in the second half. But sometimes a 1-0 win tells you a lot about your team.

"You have to show character and concentrate right to the last minute and we did that. Our focus was there to the last whistle.

"It's hard to single players out but I was really pleased with Garry Thompson's performance. He was very strong, worked really hard and typified

the performance.

"There's nothing better for the mood of the players than any away win, especially at a challenging place like Northampton.

"They really put you through it but we handled everything they threw at us and I'm very proud."

The only downside was a fifth booking for Wells for going into the away crowd to celebrate and he is now banned for Saturday's trip to Burton.

Parkinson admitted the striker must learn from collecting cheap yellow cards.

He said: "I don't want to take the gloss off his night but some of the bookings, like when he kicked the ball away at Notts County, come back to

cost you.

"But what I liked about his display was that he upped his level again after he scored. A winning mentality is important because it's all about

the team."

Recovering midfielder Gary Jones also made the trip, although he was not involved in the game.

Parkinson said: "It's important to get him back with the team. He's a real influence to have round the dressing room.

"We decided not to put him on the bench but give him some extra training and each day he's getting stronger and stronger.

"Gaz is a top-class player but I've got to say Ricky (Ravenhill) and Nathan Doyle were really solid. When you see a good player coming back, it

inspires you to keep your place."

Meanwhile, City's youngsters are in action at Valley Parade tonight when they host Grimsby in the FA Youth Cup.

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

Controversial book about Bradford's Ointment football hooligans to boost burns research unit funds

5:03pm Monday 22nd October 2012

By Steve Wright

A controversial book about Bradford football hooliganism is set to benefit the city's burns research unit, set up after the Valley Parade fire

disaster.

Bradford City fan Kevin McDonnell has written Getting A Nasty Shock – The Bradford Ointment Story, which charts the violent history of the

Bradford City Ointment gang, from its heyday in the late 1970s and early 1980s to the present day.

The book, being launched in the city, features former hooligans and is described by the publishers as "not for the faint-hearted as you are taken

through a journey of extreme violence and shocking acts of brutality."

For every book sold, £1 will be donated to the plastic surgery and burns research unit, based at the University of Bradford.

Today the offer of charitable donations from sales of the book was cautiously welcomed.

Professor David Sharpe, the unit's director, who treated many Valley Parade fire victims, said he was conscious that people would not want to

receive money from groups currently associated with criminal behaviour.

"But there is no reason why people who are reformed characters, who wish to donate money to a good charitable cause, for a legitimate reason,

should not have their money accepted. I don't have a problem with that," said Prof Sharpe.

"I know nothing about the organisation, I thought the name referred to some sort of medical treatment! The background may offend some people. It

is like some sordid thing that football hooligans got up to."

The Plastic Surgery and Burns Research Unit was set up following the Valley Parade disaster, on May 11, 1985, in which 56 people died. Many more

suffered serious burns.

Bradford City joint chairman Mark Lawn said: "No-one can condone what happened years ago, but football has cleaned up its act. Some people may

feel uncomfortable about this, but it is an independent book that has nothing to do with Bradford City Football Club.

"I support Prof Sharpe. If donations go to a good cause, that's a good thing."

Author Kevin McDonnell said: "Most of the people in the book were at Valley Parade on the day of the fire. Some of them are in their late 50s now

and haven't been involved in violence for decades. They asked me to make the donation to the unit. It's a charity that touches everybody's

hearts."

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

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

L2 W3-1 (H) Cheltenham Saturday October 20, 2012. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Npower League Two
Bradford C (1) 3 Wells pen 45+4, 68, Meredith 83.
Cheltenham (1) 1 Pack pen 29.
Att: 9,648

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

Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Loan: Craig Forsyth, left winger, two-months from Watford (Kyel Reid cover)

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

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_pics2011/

"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

Stats: Bradford C - Cheltenham
Possession: 44 - 56%
Shots on target: 6 - 2
Shots off target: 4 - 1
Fouls: 6 - 10
Corners: 5 - 3

Ref: Brendan Malone (Wiltshire).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Wells 45+2'.
Cheltenham: Pen 45+1', Carter 45+3', Jombati 45+4', Duffy 88.

BRADFORD C: 1. Jon McLaughlin, 15. Craig Forsyth 61', 5. Andrew Davies, 6.
Luke Oliver, 3. James Meredith, 23. Rory McArdle, 4. Ricky Ravenhill, 24.
Nathan Doyle, 11. Garry Thompson 62', 21. Nahki Wells, 9. James Hanson.
SUBS: 12. Matt Duke, 2. Stephen Darby, 8. Ritchie Jones, 14. Will Atkinson
62', 16. Carl McHugh, 17. Alan Connell, 20. Zavon Hines 61'.

CHELTENHAM: 1. Scott P Brown, 2. Keith Lowe, 6. Steve Elliott, 4. Darren
Carter, 3. Billy Jones, 22. Sido Jombati, 7. Marlon Pack, 16. Russell Penn
73', 11. Jermaine McGlashan, 23. Kaid Mohamed 86', 26. Chris Zebroski 87'.
SUBS: 12. Connor Roberts, 8. Sam Deering 86', 9. Darryl Duffy 87', 10. Jeff
Goulding, 14. Shaun Harrad 73', 17. Danny Andrew, 21. Bagasan Graham.

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

Final whistle - match report

By Simon Parker (T&A)

City came from behind to deservedly claim their first win in five games and
end Cheltenham's unbeaten away record.

Nahki Wells took his goal tally to nine with a couple more but the best
effort came from left back James Meredith at the end of a superb team move.

It was just the pick-me-up the Bantams needed and they certainly earned the
three points against in-form opponents who had started the day in third
spot.

Loan signing Craig Forsyth came straight into the side and was heavily
involved in the opening minutes. But his first effort on goal - a free-kick
from 25 yards - curled harmlessly into the Kop.

The game took a while to get going but burst into life after 27 minutes when
Scott Brown turned away James Hanson's header. Garry Thompson, making his
first league start since the opening day, crossed back in but Hanson put his
second effort wide.

And City were behind within a minute as Cheltenham skipper Marlon Pack sent
Jon McLaughlin the wrong way with a penalty after Andrew Davies had pushed
Jermaine McGlashan.

Wells went down under Russ Penn's challenge looking for a penalty at the
other end. Cheltenham were unimpressed with the appeal and both managers
squared up on the touchline.

Referee Brendan Malone was becoming the central figure and flashed his
yellow card four times in as many minutes. Three of them were to the
visitors, including one for handball against right back Sido Jombati which
allowed Wells to fire City level from the spot in added time at the end of
the half.

The Bermudian almost had another soon after the re-start, flicking a header
wide from James Meredith's cross.

Nathan Doyle hassled a mistake out of Steve Elliott to go clear but the
defender just recovered in time to get a toe in. Zavon Hines replaced
Forsyth for the final half hour hoping to repeat his super-sub antics from
the previous week.

And the winger had an assist within eight minutes, heading down for Wells to
force home City's second goal from close range.

The home side were now well on top and made sure with a third goal seven
minutes from time.

After a superb passing move, Will Atkinson flicked into Meredith's path and
the defender took a touch on his chest before half-volleying into the roof
of the net.

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

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

CITY SNAP UP LOAN WINGER CRAIG FORSYTH
Friday Oct 19
By Simon Parker (T&A)

Bradford City have signed Watford left winger Craig Forsyth on a two-month
loan deal to cover Kyel Reid's absence.

The 23-year-old 6ft 2in Scot, who scored twice against the Bantams in the FA
Cup in January, comes straight into the squad for a possible debut against
Cheltenham this weekend.

Forsyth's loan covers up to Christmas, by which time Reid is expected to be
back in action.

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

From the BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19813899?

PRICE OF FOOTBALL: BURTON ALBION CHEAPEST IN LEAGUE TWO
By Karen Fazackerley (BBC Sport)

Burton Albion is the cheapest place to watch League Two football, according
to BBC Sport's Price of Football study.

The least expensive adult ticket at the Staffordshire club is £14, although
that is £4 more expensive than the cheapest ticket in the Championship.

A day out at the Pirelli Stadium - a ticket, a programme, a cup of tea and a
pie - would cost an adult £20.80.

It was thought Plymouth were the cheapest but the £12 ticket supplied to the
BBC was actually for disabled fans.

Fleur Robinson, Burton's commercial director, told BBC Sport: "We try to
take a realistic approach when setting our prices and up to now this has
seen us raise our ticket price only once in the last four seasons, and that
was only by £1. Children's ticket prices have not increased at all since our
promotion to the Football League in 2009.

"We aim to keep our prices as affordable as possible across the board for
all of our supporters and hopefully we can encourage more people in our
local community to visit the stadium."

Only two other professional clubs - Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town -
offer cheaper days out.

Did you know?
Seven out of 10 of the most expensive matchdays out in League Two are based
in the south and south west of the United Kingdom, with four based less than
36 miles from London

Southend, Bradford and Accrington have one ticket price regardless of seat
or position - at £21, £20 and £17 respectively.

At Northampton and Port Vale spectators can upgrade to the most expensive
seats for an extra £1.

Gillingham is the most expensive club to watch League Two football.

The cheapest ticket at the Priestfield Stadium is £21. Adding in a pie,
programme and tea, the cost of a day out rises to £28.90.

The pie north-south divide:
• Pies in the north are generally cheaper than those elsewhere in the
country
• Bradford City, Bristol Rovers, Chesterfield, Gillingham, Northampton,
Oxford United and Torquay have the most expensive pies in League Two at £3
• Accrington Stanley, AFC Wimbledon, Fleetwood, Port Vale and Rochdale have
the cheapest ranging from £1.50-£2.40
• In comparison the most expensive pie is at Blue Square Premier side
Kidderminster where one pie costs £4
• For the cheapest you have to travel to Scottish Division Two sides Albion
Rovers, Alloa and Forfar Athletic where a pie costs £1

If fans buy the most expensive ticket available at the Priestfield Stadium,
the cost of a day out rises to £33.90.

Port Vale is the only club in League Two to lower their cheapest adult
matchday ticket prices. In 2010-2011, it would cost £20.50. Now it is £20.

At £1.50, Accrington have the cheapest pies in the whole of the Football
League.

"They might cost less than others, but we can proudly say they are fantastic
quality, made by a local supplier half a mile down the road," said managing
director Robert Heys.

A few miles further north of Accrington, Morecambe offer a pie for £2.80. It
is almost double the cost but the club now supplies them to Harrods' famous
food counter where they cost more than £8.

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

CITY STRIKE UP MEDIA DEAL

PUBLISHED
10:41 23rd October 2012

Bradford City are pleased to announce a deal with Complete IT Systems - one
of the fastest growing IT companies in Yorkshire - to have them installed as
the club's new official IT Supplier.

The club have also struck up a fresh agreement with The University of
Bradford which will continue to see their students film various projects for
the Bantams, including first-team home fixtures during the current 2012/2013
season.

Complete IT Systems Company Director Ben Gregg said: ''We benefit from the
partnership because it's a great privilege to be working closely with such
an important part of Bradford's heritage and history''.

''Bradford City Football Club are an integral part of our vibrant City and
working with them helps us to cement our position as the same.

''Bradford City Football Club are able to benefit from having a close
relationship with a successful local business, this gives them faster
response, local resources and access to the latest technical advantages
whilst also helping to continue Bradford City Football Club's role at the
centre of cultural and commercial heritage in our great City'.

''On top of this, purely in commercial terms, Bradford City benefit from
having leading, cutting edge technology making the business of football more
efficient and therefore delivering real customer benefits and reducing
overall costs whilst we benefit through the kudos of acquiring such an
important and iconic client to our portfolio''.

Simon Couth, Director of the working academy at The University of Bradford
added: ''We have students at the University who have a great educational
experience here, but there's nothing like honing these skills in a real
production environment such as Bradford City Football Club.''

''One of the reasons our courses are endorsed by Creative Skillset is
because we engage our students directly in the industry. Working on proper
commissions that lie at the football club, is the best way of building a
professional portfolio.'

''It's an amazing opportunity for some of our students who want to work in
Sport Journalism to get the experience of being on the gantry alongside Sky
and The BBC.'

''Bradford City benefit from the partnership as the University has a
fantastic range of media sources, including a fully equipped outside
broadcast vehicle and specialist technicians that the football club can call
on to support its filming of live matches.'

''Working with the students, Bradford City is able to offer a greater range
of edited highlights packages than it has been able to offer its supporters
in the past.''

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

FA CUP DRAW - First Round

Northampton v Bradford City

Doncaster v Bradford Park Avenue

Thursday, October 18, 2012

L2 D1-1 (H) York City Saturday October 13, 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

Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

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

Match Media & Stats

Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams

Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2011/

"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

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

When the dust settled - match report

Hines a star in the making, says Bradford City boss Parkinson
7:00am Monday 15th October 2012
By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson has vowed to put Zavon Hines back on track after the winger's moment of magic.

Hines came off the bench to fire a superb equaliser in City's 1-1 draw with York.

It was the perfect response to the previous league outing when he was hauled off against Dagenham at half-time. City put the winger through an

intensive week's training – and got their rewards as he rescued a point from the Valley Parade derby.

Parkinson hopes Hines' first goal for the club can encourage him to rekindle the talent that marked him down as a potential star when he was a

youngster at West Ham.

He said: "Zavon's a terrific lad, he's got a big heart and he wants to improve. When you've got those qualities, we've got something to work

with.

"You have to remember that he has played in the Premier League and for England under-21s. He's lost his way and I'm going to help him get back on

track.

"Zav got brought off last week but a lot of players could have been. He's reacted tremendously well and been working every day with our fitness

coach to improve.

"I'm so pleased with him to get that goal because he needed that. It will give him a massive lift.

"It wasn't a tap-in but a great individual goal. But he's capable of that because he's got pace and skill."

City need an on-song Hines after discovering that Kyel Reid is likely to be sidelined until December – a month longer than they first thought.

Parkinson, who is also missing Gary Jones for the foreseeable future, will sit down with the board today to discuss bringing in a loan

reinforcement.

The City boss ruled out one potential winger target last week but he feels now is the time to act.

He said: "Reidy is still a while off and the specialist feels it's going to be more ten weeks than six. Jones is not improving as quickly as we

thought he would do.

"We won't do anything for the sake of it. We'll assess things but if the right person comes available, we'll try this week."

Parkinson felt that City's hectic schedule caught up with them in a sluggish first half which saw them trailing to an Ashley Chambers volley. But

Hines levelled within five minutes of coming on and City could have won it. Fellow sub Garry Thompson hit a post and Nahki Wells fluffed a one-

on-one which he put wide.

Parkinson added: "You'd normally expect Nahki to score that because that's his forte. On another day, he would have scored. It wasn't Nahki's

best game but you leave him on the pitch because if he gets that moment then he'll take it.

"We looked a tired team and you can understand that to a certain degree with the amount of games we've had. But you have to give the players

credit for having a real go in the second half."

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

Johnstone's Paint Trophy Area quarter-final draw:

Northern:
Crewe v Doncaster
Bury v Preston
Port Vale v Bradford City
Coventry v Notts County or Sheffield United.

The matches will be played in the week commencing December 3.

(Wednesday Oct 17th)
Port Vale JPT details confirmed

City's forthcoming Johnstone's Paint Trophy Area Quarter-Final at fellow League 2 side Port Vale has been dated for Tuesday 4 December 2012 at

Vale Park is scheduled to kick off at 7:15pm.

The Bantams' trip to Port Vale will be sandwiched between their F.A Cup with Budweiser Second Round tie, should City reach that stage, and a home

match with Torquay United the following weekend.

Entry prices for the tie will be as follows:
Adults: £10.00
Concessions (Under 19s and Over 61s): £5.00

Details on how to purchase tickets for this tie will be confirmed in due course.

---

FA CUP DRAW ON SUNDAY

Bradford City will find out their latest cup opponents this season when the
draw for F.A Cup with Budweiser First Round takes place this coming Sunday
(21 October 2012).

A special programme broadcasting the draw will be shown on ITV1 on Sunday
from 1:30pm in the afternoon.

Ties in the first round are scheduled to take place over the weekend of 3/4
November 2012.

Despite the season being only just over two months, Sunday's draw will
incredibly be the SEVENTH City will be involved in already this campaign.

Ahead of this Sunday's F.A Cup draw, the Bantams are still in the Capital
One Cup and in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy having yet to taste defeat in a
cup tie this season.

---

http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/wigan-ticket-update-307536.aspx
Thursday 18th
Wigan tickets update

The Bantams have now sold over 2,300 match tickets for their forthcoming Capital One Cup Fourth Round tie at Wigan Athletic.

The tie against the Premier League side, which will be held at Wigan's DW Stadium, is scheduled to take place in less than two weeks time on

Tuesday 30th October 2012 - kick off: 7.45pm.

At present, priority is being given to Season Ticket holders and holders of the voucher given to fans upon entering the stadium for the previous

round against Burton Albion last month...Any remaining tickets will go on general sale at 9:00am next Monday (22nd October).

Please see the link for the full article and all ticket details
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/wigan-ticket-update-307536.aspx

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

From the Official BCFC website...

CITY DIRECTOR DAVID BALDWIN ON RADIO LEEDS

City's Director of Operations David Baldwin will be the studio guest on BBC
Radio Leeds' West Yorkshire Sport Daily programme this Thursday (18 October
2012).

The Bantams' Chief Executive will be in the studio between 6:00pm -
7:00pm on Thursday evening discussing various Bradford issues, both on and
off the pitch.

Supporters can tune in to listen on 103.9FM, 92.4FM, 774AM and DAB Digital
Radio.

City fans can put their questions to David either via Twitter @WYSdailyor by
text, with the number 81333, starting the message with WYS.

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

NIGHT OF NOSTALGIA WITH BRAFORD CITY 'GODFATHER'
By John Hendrie (T&A)

It was phenomenal seeing so many people turn out for the Bobby Campbell
night. What a tribute to the big fella.

I was one of 12 ex-players there as well as 350 fans and you could feel the
warmth in the room towards Bobby.

Don Goodman hit the nail on the head when he said that he never experienced
a team spirit like that City team had. I could play until I'm 90 and would
not find another like it.

That didn't just come from the boys in the room but from the chairman
Stafford Heginbotham downwards. We were all living in each other's pockets
and that was the beauty of it.

So when we meet up, it's like we haven't seen everyone since yesterday.
We're all totally relaxed and having a good laugh.

It was nice to be able to say a few things about Bobby, although when his
wife got introduced I had to throw away a few tales I'd had planned!

Trevor Cherry was talking on screen about that team and saying that he
didn't know why Coventry let Greg Abbott, myself and Martin Singleton go. So
Bobby turns round to me and Greg sat behind him and whispers: "Because you
were ****!"

That just summed the evening up. His one-liners were absolutely brilliant
and we heard some cracking stories.

The title of his book, They Don't Make Them Like Him Any More, is so
appropriate. He was like the Godfather.

We had to be quick learners on the pitch. If we weren't performing then
Bobby would be on your case, particularly with the wingers.

But he was also protective because he had a reputation. If we had any
problems, it was like calling your big brother.

You only had to shout "Bobby, he's hitting me" and he'd be straight over to
sort your opponent out. You wouldn't have a problem then.

Centre backs were petrified of him. But what I best remember is seeing Bobby
after games with his pint and a fag in his hand. You wouldn't get away with
that nowadays.

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

Bradford City: Manic match schedule has 'taken its toll on players'
6:50am Tuesday 16th October 2012
By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson admits City's free week could not have come a moment too soon.

Today is the first Tuesday for over a month that they have not had a game in a hectic schedule.

It is a brief respite before City face three more midweekers on the bounce – trips to Northampton and Premier League Wigan before a home clash

with Chesterfield.

Midfielder Ritchie Jones is expected to get some game time for the reserves today against Mansfield as he builds up following his two-month

injury absence.

But for the rest of Parkinson's squad, the next few days are a valuable opportunity to recharge batteries in time for the next busy spell.

City have used only 17 players in the opening 12 league games and Parkinson, who gave them a day off yesterday, feels the recent rush of action

has taken its toll.

Parkinson said: "This week is really important for us. Watching from the sidelines, it looked like a game too far on Saturday.

"This is the chance to rest any injuries, recharge the batteries and come out really ready to fight because we play at our best when we play with

intensity."

City looked sluggish in the first half of the draw with York and Parkinson admitted some of his side were carrying knocks from wear and tear.

"Some have played when they probably shouldn't have done. Andrew Davies has had swelling on his knee for a while and Luke Oliver's got this hip

problem and did really well to be out there.

"The ones who've played all the games like Davies need to get their injuries right.

"We've got to use the time wisely because once this week's finished we go again. There are a lot of players who need a rest."

Parkinson will be keeping his fingers crossed that Rory McArdle returns unscathed from international duty with Northern Ireland.

McArdle is likely to be on the bench for tonight's World Cup qualifier against Portugal in Porto, where Cristiano Ronaldo will win his 100th cap.

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

Former Bradford City star Dean Windass gets driving ban for being 3 times over limit
6:10pm Monday 15th October 2012
By Kathie Griffiths

Bradford City football legend Dean Windass was fully aware he was over the limit when he got into his silver Mercedes-Benz after drinking wine

and lager at a soccer match in Hull, a court was told today.

The 43-year-old was banned from driving for 28 months and ordered to carry out 250 hours' unpaid community work by Bradford and Keighley

Magistrates after he pleaded guilty to being three times over the drink-drive limit.

The former City striker had drunk two large glasses of wine and two pints of lager in Hull before deciding to drive home to Menston after plans

to stay over at a friend's had not worked out.

But on the way back he had got lost and fallen asleep at the wheel, colliding with a parked car in Otley Road, Baildon. Police were called and he

was arrested.

The player, City's third highest goalscorer in history who now sells nuts and bolts for a fixings firm in Hull, was also ordered to pay a total

of £165 costs and asked for 14 days to pay it.

He also opted to go on a drink-drive rehabilitation course which could reduce his ban by 28 weeks.

In mitigation, Windass's solicitor Maria Tempkow said depression "had got the worst" of her client who had struggled with his lifestyle change

since retiring from football. His father had died and he had marriage problems.

Miss Tempkow said: "He says he does not have a drink problem, he says he's not an alcoholic. He has been for rehabilitation where he has been

told his problem is not alcohol – it's depression.

"It's difficult, that change from being the centre of attention to having nothing to get up for or put your kit on for. It's the depression that

has got the worst of him but he is optimistic about the future."

She said her client "bitterly regretted" getting into his car that night but was in court showing the attitude "when you've done something wrong,

you hold your hands up".

She said: "He has to learn to take more help than he has been taking. Maybe with assistance from the probation service and his family he can

start to look forward and not back."

A probation officer, who gave magistrates a report, said Windass was "ashamed and embarrassed for what he had done" and that he had vowed it

would never happen again.

The striker, scored 87 goals in 243 appearances during two spells with City, and was top scorer in four consecutive seasons, before leaving for

Hull City, where he scored the winning goal in the 2008 play-off final to take the club into the Premiership. After the hearing he refused to

talk to waiting media, but in an earlier interview with the Telegraph & Argus had said: "I've made a mistake. It doesn't make you a bad person.

"It's my first offence. I've been through a bad three years."

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

McARDLE NOT USED BY NORTHERN IRELAND

Bradford City defender Rory McArdle unfortunately missed out on being part
of Northern Ireland's match-day squad for their shock draw at European
giants Portugal this Tuesday night.

McArdle, who was called up into the Northern Ireland squad for the Portugal
fixture last week, wasn't even selected on the substitutes' bench.

In other international-related news, former Bantams youngster Tom Cleverley,
who was in the crowd for City's draw with York City last Saturday, was
forced to wait until Wednesday to add to his four England caps against Poland.

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

Friday, October 12, 2012

JPT2 W0-0 (3-2 pens) (A) hartlepool Tuesday October 9, 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

Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

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

Match Media & Stats

http://www.johnstonespainttrophy.com/news/2012-2013/second-round-extravaganza-produces-40-goals/

Head to Head
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Hartlepool%20United

Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2011/

"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=356171&action=stats&lang=EN

Hartlepool: Flinders 7, Austin 6, Baldwin 7, Hartley 7, Holden 7, Franks 8, Walton 7 (Sweeney 62min), Humphreys 6, Horwood 6, Noble 7, Wyke 7. Subs (not used): Collins, Poole, James, A McHugh.

City: McLaughlin 8, Darby 6, McArdle 7, Davies 8, C McHugh 6 (Meredith 72min), Ravenhill 7, Jones 7 (Doyle 68min), Atkinson 7, Connell 7, Thompson 7, Hanson 6 (Wells 68min). Subs (not used): Hines, Duke.

HarU   BraC
5(4)   Shots (on Goal)   10(4)
9   Fouls   10
8   Corner Kicks   3
1   Offsides   3
41%   Time of Poss.   59%
0   Yellow Cards   0
0   Red Cards   0
4   Saves   4

Attendance   1777
Stadium   Victoria Park

Penalty shoot out
G. Thompson (F) missed (Centre Low) Bradford City
1-0 N. Austin (D) scored (Left Low) Hartlepool United
1-1 N. Doyle (M) scored (Right Low) Bradford City
1-1 J. Franks (M) missed (Crossbar) Hartlepool United
1-2 N. Wells (F) scored (Centre High) Bradford City
1-2 R. Noble (F) missed (Right Upright) Hartlepool United
1-3 A. Connell (F) scored (Left Low) Bradford City
2-3 C. Wyke (F) scored (Right Low) Hartlepool United
2-3 A. Davies (D) missed saved (Left Low) Bradford City
2-3 E. Horwood (D) missed (save onto Crossbar) Hartlepool United

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

Sky Sports show 'Soccer AM' will once again play host to the draw this Saturday
morning.

The latest edition of the light-hearted football show will be on Sky Sports
2 this Saturday from 10:00am, with the draw expected to be made within the
first half an hour or so of the programme starting.

The Area Quarter-Finals themselves will take place the week commencing 3rd
December 2012.

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

Final whistle - match report

Hartlepool United 0, Bradford City 0 (City win 3-2 on pens)

9:34pm Tuesday 9th October 2012

By Simon Parker

Jon McLaughlin saved Evan Horwood's spot-kick to earn City another dramatic win on penalties in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

The Bantams edged Hartlepool 3-2 in the shoot-out after the game had finished goalless.

McLaughlin had made three important first-half saves to keep out Hartlepool.

McLaughlin, one of the six starters from Saturday to keep their place for City, beat away a fierce volley from Simon Walton after 14 minutes.

He also denied on-loan Middlesbrough striker Charlie Wyke with the best save of the lot from his 27th-minute curler.

And right on half-time, McLaughlin was equal to Ryan Noble's blast at his near post.

City, playing 4-3-1-2 again, matched their League One hosts in terms of possession but had not tested home keeper Scott Flinders. Garry Thompson fired high and wide after being set up by Alan Connell.

Ritchie Jones made his first appearance of an injury-delayed season. And he almost had a goal against his old club with City's first real effort after 57 minutes but Flinders tipped over.

As City stepped it up, Jones fired over from another Thompson and Connell link-up and James Hanson headed wide from close range.

McLaughlin saved from Wyke and Flinders denied Nahki Wells, who had come on for Hanson midway through the half.

City nearly snatched it four minutes from time when Thompson's cross was headed on to the bar by Ricky Ravenhill.

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

When the dust settled - match report

Bradford City victorious again after another spot of drama

6:30am Wednesday 10th October 2012

By Simon Parker

Hartlepool United 0, City 0

(City win 3-2 on pens)

Forget the Germans, the true kings of the penalty shoot-out are Bradford City.

Jon McLaughlin tipped Hartlepool's final effort from Evan Horwood on to the underside of the bar to clinch an incredible SIXTH successive spot-kick decider in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

City have not won a JPT tie in open play since September 2009. More importantly, they have not lost from 12 yards in the competition in the last half-dozen penalty showdowns.

Nathan Doyle, Nahki Wells and Alan Connell nailed their efforts and, despite misses from Garry Thompson with the first and Andrew Davies the last, the League One hosts crumbled under the pressure.

Phil Parkinson kept six starters from Saturday to stay within the JPT rules. He also stuck with the 4-3-1-2 formation that had played so well in the second half at Dagenham.

Thompson was one of the changes, up front alongside James Hanson, and he nearly created a goal for his partner after six minutes, Scott Flinders just flicking away his drilled cross as Hanson slid in.

McLaughlin produced a strong block to deny a volley from one-time Leeds midfielder Simon Walton after Horwood's free-kick was only half-cleared.

Connell again played behind the front two and looked to get about the pitch. He collected one pass just outside his own box, took a return in the centre circle and threaded a deflected ball through for Thompson, who fired well over.

McLaughlin pulled off a superb save to finger-tip away a curler from Charlie Wyke, who had only joined Hartlepool on loan from Middlesbrough yesterday morning. The ball looked to be sneaking in at the far post but the keeper was at full stretch to turn it behind.

Ritchie Jones, making his belated first City appearance of the season, looked to slip through on Connell's back-heel but Flinders whipped the ball away.

Hartlepool had enjoyed the only real chances of the first half and centre half Peter Hartley flashed a header wide from Jonathan Franks' corner. Then Ryan Noble forced McLaughlin into another save at his near post right on the break.

City had their fair share of the ball without troubling the home goal. Kicking towards the 224 away fans for the second half, Jones immediately whipped in a decent cross which was nicked off Thompson's head.

But the visitors went close to grabbing the lead from a well-worked move on 57 minutes. Thompson did well to cross low from the left, Connell cleverly back-heeled and Jones met it with a fierce drive – which Flinders managed to deflect over.

The same trio combined again when Connell's pass was cushioned by Thompson into the path of Jones on the right side of the box. He could have hit it first time but took a touch and then could not keep his effort down.

City were threatening and Connell released Thompson to skip past Darren Holden. His cross set up Hanson but, perhaps conscious of colliding with the far post, he put his header six inches wide.

Hartlepool responded with a mad scramble from Franks' corner but City were saved by Graham Salisbury's whistle for a handball.

The game was really opening up and McLaughlin thwarted Wyke before Parkinson made a double substitution, replacing Hanson and Jones with Nahki Wells and Nathan Doyle.

James Meredith also came on for McHugh, who had been beaten a couple of times down City's left.

Now it was Hartlepool's turn to press and Davies – a rock at the back – was in the right place to frustrate sub Antony Sweeney.

City hit back as Wells showed quick feet to step inside Neil Austin and test Flinders. Then Connell was just over from the edge of the box after Thompson controlled Stephen Darby's cross.

As penalties beckoned, Thompson's cross picked out Ricky Ravenhill, whose looping header beat Flinders but bounced back off the bar.

City need not have worried. There's only ever one winner when it comes to shoot-outs.

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

BRADFORD CITY EARN PRAISE FOR BOUNCING BACK
By Simon Parker (T&A)

Phil Parkinson praised spot-on City for getting Dagenham straight out their
system with another penalty win in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

League One opponents Hartlepool became the latest shoot-out victims at
Victoria Park last night as Jon McLaughlin saved their final kick from Evan
Horwood.

City won the second-round tie 3-2 on penalties after the game had finished
goalless – and Parkinson was delighted with the way his team bounced back
from leaking four at the weekend.

He said: "We've done well on penalty shoot-outs. Jonny is an athletic keeper
and he's sharp in his goal.

"It was a good night for us and a good response from Saturday. We looked
really solid and were strong defensively. I thought we deserved to win it.

"We had some really good chances and didn't quite take them. But if you
don't, then the defenders have to do their job at the other end and they did
that.

"Now in five away games we've only conceded one goal in four of them. For
whatever reason, we didn't do ourselves justice on Saturday.

"But all you can do is get another game quickly and react. Andrew Davies, in
particular, was outstanding at the back.

"It was so important we got back to winning ways. Coming to a League One
club, you can see we have got some good players who are more than capable in
that company."

Parkinson stuck with the 4-3-1-2 look, with Alan Connell deployed in a deep
role behind strikers James Hanson and Garry Thompson.

The City chief said: "It suits Alan because he likes getting in those
pockets of space. I thought he was bright and enthusiastic like he was on
Saturday when he came on.

"I told the lads when we were picking the team on the way back (from
Dagenham) I just wrote Connell. He had to play because of his performance
and he did well again."

There was a strange delay before City's victory was confirmed. Referee
Graham Salisbury checked with his assistant to make sure the ball had not
crossed the line after McLaughlin pushed Horwood's shot on to the bar.

McLaughlin said: "I heard it hit the woodwork but I couldn't see where it
bounced because I was facing the other way.

"I was asking the linesman but he wasn't given anything away at first. It
was the weirdest end to a penalty shoot-out I've ever seen.

"We didn't want to go off celebrating in case he pulled it back and I looked
an idiot. But it was great we got the save and came through with the win."

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

Memories of previous cup ties

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jARR4lGTFf8

Supplied By Mike "City Gent" Harrison to the Friends of BCFC for the upcoming Bobby Campbell evening.

Extra info
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams/opposition/Liverpool

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

RORY McARDLE'S INTERNATIONAL CALL-UP
By Simon Parker (T&A)

Rory McArdle has been called up for Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier
in Portugal next week.

The Bradford City defender was added to Michael O'Neill's squad for
Tuesday's game in Porto after Hull's Joe Dudgeon pulled out with a knee
injury.

Northern Ireland are already without West Brom centre half Gareth McAuley,
who is suspended after picking up two bookings.

McArdle has been involved in every City game so far this season, starting
all but one of them. But he will miss the York clash after flying to Belfast
yesterday.

McArdle's last cap was as a substitute in the 6-0 thrashing in Holland in
June in the week he joined the Bantams.

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

WINDASS DETAINED IN BAILDON ON DRINK DRIVE CHARGE
By Steve Wright (T&A Crime Reporter)

Bradford City football legend Dean Windass is to face court after he was
arrested on suspicion of drink driving.

The 43-year-old former soccer star was detained by police after his silver
Mercedes-Benz was in collision with a parked car in Baildon.

He was breathalysed and was alleged to be more than three times over the
drink-drive limit. Nobody was injured in the crash.

Windass, who lives in Menston, is due to appear before magistrates on Monday
and could face a ban from driving if found guilty.

The player, who is City's third highest goalscorer in history, had helped to
kick off a road safety campaign just days before the incident.

He has had a troubled life since his retirement from football three years
ago.

Windass has been charged with driving his Mercedes-Benz car, registered
W17DAS, while over the prescribed limit. He is alleged to have given a
reading of 118 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath. The
legal limit is 35.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "We received a call at 5am on
October 3, reporting a road traffic collision in Otley Road, Baildon,
involving a grey Skoda Octavia and a silver Mercedes. No-one was reported to
be injured.

"A 43-year-old man from Menston was arrested on suspicion of being over the
prescribed limit."

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

Bobby Campbell slideshow
http://friendsofbcfc.com/#/bobby-campbell/4569719214

Present were Gary Watson, Terry Dolan, Ian Ormondroyd, John Hawley, Mark
Ellis, Greg Abbott, Dave Evans, Barry Gallagher, Don Goodman, John Hendrie,
Jacko and Stuart with a video appearances by Trevor Cherry.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

L2 L3-4 (A) Dagenham&Redbridge Saturday October 6, 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

Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

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

Match Media & Stats

Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2011/

"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

Dagenham & Redbridge: Lewington; Ogogo, Wilkinson, Doe, Ilesanmi; Bingham, Howell, Spillane; Elito (Woodall 83), Gayle, Williams. Unused substitutes: Seabright, Scott, Reed, Saunders, Hoyte, Green.

Bradford City: McLaughlin; McArdle, Davies, Oliver, Meredith; Hines (Connell 46), Ravenhill, Doyle, Atkinson (Thompson 72); Wells, Hanson. Unused substitutes: Duke, R Jones, Darby, McHugh, Baker.

Referee: P Gibbs.

D&R                     BraC
11(4)   Shots (on Goal)   12(8)
10   Fouls   13
5   Corner Kicks   7
2   Offsides   3
48%   Time of Poss.   52%
3   Yellow Cards   1
0   Red Cards   0
8   Saves   2

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

Final whistle - match report

Dagenham 4 City 3

4:56pm Saturday 6th October 2012

By Simon Parker

A storming second-half effort could not save City from defeat at Dagenham this afternoon.

Nahki Wells scored twice and there was also a goal for sub Alan Connell as Phil Parkinson's men threw everything at the hosts.

But the damage had been done after they had trailed 3-0 and their ferocious fightback came up just short.

City's problems began early and they found themselves down in the sixth minute.

John McLaughlin saved well from Sam Williams on a Dagenham counter-attack but he had no chance with the rebound as Billy Bingham hammered it home from 15 yards.

The visitors could not keep hold of the ball while the Daggers were lively and threatening. A poor clearing header from Zavon Hines, in the City side for the injured Kyel Reid, dropped to Luke Howell who drove across goal.

But Dagenham's control of the half was rewarded with a second on the half hour. Medy Elito powered past Andrew Davies on the right wing and Sam Williams stepped over his low cross to allow Michael Spillane to finish from close range.

City marginally improved for a few minutes after the goal but there was still nothing to worry Daggers keeper Chris Lewington.

And they nearly went in 3-0 down as Bingham's curler just eluded the far post in added time.

Connell replaced Hines for the second half and City were close to pulling one back straight away as James Hanson just failed to get a touch on Wells' volley across goal.

City's comeback hopes looked finished when Luke Wilkinson headed in unmarked from a corner.

But Wells responded with a superb 25-yard free-kick over the wall four minutes later.

It was the spark City needed and they slashed the gap to 3-2 within five minutes with a Wells penalty after Lewington caught Connell in the face. Wells thought he had another penalty from a challenge by Wilkinson and Connell sent an angled shot over the bar as the Bantams pushed for an equaliser.

But then Dwight Gayle broke away from the halfway line and kept his composure to make it 4-2 with 14 minutes left.

Andrew Davies was denied by a goalline clearance for the second game running. But City managed to hit back once again, the excellent Connell forcing home after Nathan Doyle's long throw-in caused panic.

They finished the game with five up front including Davies, who headed on to the top of the net. But Dagenham just about hung on to claim a breathless victory.

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

When the dust settled - match report

Parkinson must find way to accommodate Connell in Bradford City line-up

6:40am Monday 8th October 2012

By Simon Parker

Dagenham & Redbridge 4, City 3

Two questions must have dominated Phil Parkinson's mind on the way back home from this latest Dagenham debacle.

One of City's least favourite stop-offs had once again put paid to hopes of building momentum on the road.

Last season they arrived at this particularly unglamorous corner of east London on the back of successive away wins and went back with nothing.

On Saturday, a three-match unbeaten run on their league travels – the first time that had been achieved since the final weeks of the 2010 campaign – was put to bed by a rollercoaster performance.

John Still, Dagenham's wise old manager, once more waxed lyrical about putting one over such a big name. But having done it for the fourth season in a row now, he should really change the record.

What will really stick in the craw for Parkinson is the defensive implosion that gave Dagenham the headstart which City's spirited second half just could not quite manage to peg back.

So question number one for the manager. How could a team that had conceded only one goal in the previous three away games suddenly collapse like a pack of cards?

Yes, City have let in three at Gillingham and four at Rotherham but they were in the opening three weeks. Nothing in the last month's hectic schedule had suggested that anything like this was on the horizon.

It was attack not defence that was the talking point pre-match after successive blanks against Port Vale and Rochdale.

But for the first 45 minutes, a back four that was developing into a formidable unit played like a bunch of strangers just picked off the street.

The marking – or absence of it – for the third goal was no better either. And ultimately that near-post header from Luke Wilkinson was to prove the significant blow in Parkinson's eyes.

City had been drilled all week into what to expect from Dagenham. To be fair, anyone watching could have told them.

The Daggers only operate one way – put the ball forward quickly and get in your face. It's simple and can be very effective.

But the visitors could not handle it and in particular lone striker Dwight Gayle, who was banging in goals for fun with non-league Bishop's Stortford this time last year. He might as well have worn a Barcelona shirt on Saturday...

Not that City were too shoddy going forward, at least in the second half anyway. Having barely got a foot on the ball up to then, they battered the Daggers for a way back.

That brings us to the manager's second dilemma. Where does Alan Connell fit in?

The substitute was City's match-changer after replacing the ineffective Zavon Hines at the break. Playing just behind the front two, his cleverness on the ball and speed of thought were instrumental in their concerted attempts to pull back from the brink.

Connell finished with the scars to show for it, courtesy of the punch in the nose from keeper Chris Lewington that won the City penalty. He also had a goal bundled home from a scramble while another angled chip just carried too much for the top corner.

He deserves far more than just a cameo run-out – but the dilemma is how he can be accommodated.

Nahki Wells scored two more to take his tally to a team-leading seven. His place must be nailed down.

And to leave out James Hanson would lose that aerial dominance and hold-up play that the other strikers thrive from.

The switch to 4-3-1-2 was necessitated by the scoreline and the absence of any wing threat. How City missed Kyel Reid in their first game of his predicted six-week lay-off.

If this was Hines' audition for the starring role, he failed miserably. Hooked after barely touching the ball, let alone beating his man, it is no wonder that Parkinson is seriously contemplating his first loan reinforcement.

The change of system worked a treat but would be a gamble to use from the start. It could work with full backs prepared to get forward, though there is always the risk of going too gung-ho and leaving themselves too open on the counter.

That happened with Gayle's well-taken fourth goal, leaving Andrew Davies and Rory McArdle running in custard as he raced away from the centre circle.

But it would be wrong to blame defeat on that. The damage had been done in that feeble first half.

City were undone inside six minutes from their own free-kick. Will Atkinson, a shadow of the all-action performer at Rochdale, gave the ball away cheaply and Gayle was away.

Jon McLaughlin saved from Tom Williams but midfielder Billy Bingham followed up to mark his 50th Daggers appearance with a confident finish.

The lead was doubled on the half-hour mark. City could not stop the flow down the Daggers' right and when Medy Elito skipped past Davies, Gayle stepped over his cross for Michael Spillane to tap home.

Half-time could not come quick enough for the toothless opponents as Bingham's curler was only a couple of inches away from making it three.

And then it all changed, although not before Wilkinson had been unguarded to surely kill off the contest at 3-0 after 51 minutes.

City, having shown more in the opening six minutes of the half than they had in the first 45, suddenly refused to go quietly.

Wells powered in a superb free-kick from 25 yards out and there was a glimmer of hope. As Dagenham panicked, Luke Oliver flicked across the goalmouth and Lewington clocked Connell's face rather than the ball.

Wells was again the man on the spot to send the keeper the wrong way from 12 yards. Game very much on.

The 350 away fans roared on the miracle in front of them and Wells looked to have a strong shout for a second penalty when Wilkinson nudged him down. Referee Phil Gibbs was unmoved.

Connell latched on to Hanson's header to shoot from a tight angle. A bit less oomph behind it and the ball would have dropped under the bar with Lewington already giving it up.

Gayle then exploited the inevitable gaps as City committed the job lot going forward. Surely the points were in the bag now?

Or maybe not. City had five up front by this stage – the three strikers, Garry Thompson and SOS targetman Davies.

Abu Ogogo cleared off the line from the centre half before the incessant pressure paid off again. Nathan Doyle's long throw was touched on by Hanson, Davies and Connell threw themselves into the mix with the substitute getting the decisive touch.

When the fourth official flashed up five minutes of added time, the stage was set for City to complete their comeback. But there was to be no fourth goal.

Wells almost got his hat-trick from McArdle's cross before Davies headed too firmly on to the top of the net.

It had been an exhilarating finish to a depressing result. For all their considerable effort in the second half, City had still come up short against opposition they should be beating. Parkinson has much to ponder.

Attendance: 1,768

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

Friday, October 05, 2012

L2 D0-0 (A) Rochdale Tuesday October 2, 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

Official Mobile app
http://communicatoremail.com/IN/Y2tx0dX-0UIRu4P1_588C9Eehl64XmQ-JA8WroOSpEQ/WebView.aspx

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Kyel Reid, six weeks, groin injury
Jones has a back injury and a few other knocks so didn't play (v Rochdale)

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

Match Media & Stats

Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2011/

"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.bradfordcityfc.co.uk//news/article/rochdale-first-half-action-406998.aspx?pageView=full
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk//news/article/rochdale-second-half-action-407000.aspx?pageView=full

Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results

http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=345090&action=stats&lang=EN
Rochdale                Bradford
6(1)   Shots (on Goal)   20(9)
9   Fouls   10
5   Corner Kicks   7
2   Offsides   2
52%   Time of Poss.   48%
1   Yellow Cards   1
1   Red Cards   0
9   Saves   2

Rochdale: Lillis; Rafferty, R Edwards, Bennett, McIntryre; P Edwards, Donnelly, Kennedy (Putterill 87), Tutte, Grant; Adebola. Unused

substitutes: Barry-Murphy, Grimes, Pearson, Curran, Craney, Smith.

Bradford City: McLaughlin; McArdle, Davies, Oliver, Meredith; Reid (Hines 26), Ravenhill (Thompson 75), Doyle, Atkinson; Wells (Connell 81),

Hanson. Unused substitutes: Duke, R Jones, Darby, McHugh.

Referee: J Adcock (Nottingham).

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

Final whistle - match report

Draw with ten-man Dale a sore point for Bantams

7:30am Wednesday 3rd October 2012

By Simon Parker

Rochdale 0 Bradford City 0

It was Beatles mania at soggy Spotland and it proved to be a Hard Day's Night for City.

All the tunes were dedicated to the Fab Four to celebrate their 50th anniversary. And a point at Rochdale would usually be reason to Twist and

Shout.

But City spurned the Ticket to Ride higher up the table after failing to cash in on a man advantage for over an hour.

When Rochdale had striker Bobby Grant sent off ten minutes before the break, the stage was surely set for the visitors to make it back-to-back

away wins.

But for all the pressure, the shots and the corners, City could not find that finish needed. The only fox in the box was the wild one that ran

across the pitch in stoppage time.

To add to City's frustration, Kyel Reid could face a spell on the sidelines after an early injury. He will be missed.

A Yellow Submarine would have come in handy during the solid downpour before the game but thankfully the rain had eased by kick-off and there was

no fear of a late postponement like Bury and Accrington nearby.

The big news was the absence of Gary Jones, out with the back injury he suffered in the Burton game.

In hindsight, Phil Parkinson would have taken him off there and then but the influential midfielder continued through and played again on

Saturday.

He had not been able to train since and was forced to miss the return to the club where he holds the record for most appearances.

Losing the ever-present Jones from City's plans meant a promotion from the bench for Ricky Ravenhill, who also took back the captaincy.

Both sides shot over the bar in the opening seconds before Bobby Grant tested Jon McLaughlin's concentration with a skidding free-kick.

Nathan Doyle fired in a 25-yarder but it was straight at home keeper Josh Lillis. Then Reid hung a tantalising cross to the back post, where

James Hanson headed down into the ground.

It was fast, open stuff on the slick surface and Jason Kennedy rattled the advertising hoardings with a dipping half-volley.

Hanson was his usual self in the air, winning all the early headers. But he could not keep his effort down when Will Atkinson nodded Reid's cross

back in to the striker.

Kennedy threatened again to burst through but Ravenhill timed his tackle perfectly to nick the ball away as Rochdale appealed in vain for a foul.

There was no room to breathe as the home side made sure City did not have time to settle. Reid stayed down after one forceful collision and was

unable to continue following treatment, holding the top of his groin as he went off.

While City were briefly a man down, Nahki Wells wiggled into room and Hanson was wide with a stretching header from his cross.

Zavon Hines took over from Reid and was immediately dumped on his stomach ten yards outside the Rochdale box. The winger took the free-kick and

Rory McArdle's back header was safely held by Lillis.

It was a feisty affair, with McArdle sliding into a double tackle to clear the danger and Dele Adebola catching Andrew Davies after the ball had

gone.

Things boiled over in the 35th minute when Rochdale were reduced to ten men. Grant flew into McArdle with a late lunge and referee James Adcock

went straight for his red card beneath the baying Bantams army.

Rochdale were briefly lifted by a sense of injustice. Adebola's shot was charged down in the box before George Donnelly looped the rebound over

the bar.

Hanson jabbed a shot at the keeper from Atkinson's cross before Rochdale were demanding red-card retribution of their own after Hines shoved Phil

Edwards.

The Dale midfielder collapsed to the ground theatrically but the referee's card was yellow as Wells and Ryan Edwards squared up behind the

official's back.

Hines almost got in behind the defence before the ball broke to Doyle to have a crack. Once again the shot was accurate but the keeper did not

have to move.

City went hunting a breakthrough again in stoppage time at the end of the first half and Hines and Atkinson efforts were both blocked in the box.

But Rochdale forced a couple of late corners and there was a moment of concern as McLaughlin slid out to save with his legs when a loose ball

threatened to drop to Adebola.

As the whistle sounded, Rochdale boss John Coleman was waiting in the tunnel for the referee, who copped plenty of abuse from the main stand. But

Grant had given him no option with the red card.

City started the second half with a good chance. Ravenhill nodded over from Atkinson's cross when Hanson was probably better placed just behind

him.

The away stand was in fine voice as another opportunity fell to Ravenhill. The midfielder's snap-shot was hit with power but again it was right

down the throat of Lillis.

Doyle found Hines in space but the winger wanted a touch too many and Kevin McIntyre was able to divert his shot off course.

City were trying to turn the screw but Wells drove a free-kick straight into the wall.

Atkinson was seeing plenty of the ball and linked neatly with McArdle but Rochdale snuffed out the cross.

Rafferty was booked for a trip on Hines but again the City set-piece from the winger was poor. They were missing the invention and guile of Jones

and Reid.

Another promising build-up fell to Atkinson but he could not get the ball out of his feet quick enough. Lillis saved at his post from Wells but

the Bermudian's shot was hit more with hope than expectation.

Atkinson, City's brightest performer, and Hines switched flanks and the Rochdale old boy combined with Hanson to win another corner. But both

Hanson and Davies went for the same ball, the centre half taking a whack on the head for his troubles.

Nothing had been seen of Rochdale as an attacking force until Andrew Tutte's pass broke to Donnelly, who briefly had a sight of goal before the

door was slammed shut.

Parkinson swapped Ravenhill for Garry Thompson with 15 minutes left. Atkinson moved to the middle with the sub taking over on the right.

Alan Connell made his customary change for the subdued Wells before City went the closest yet from their eighth corner.

Atkinson's kick dropped to Davies, who was denied another goal by right back Rafferty's clearance off the line.

With time ticking away, James Meredith swarmed forward before Hines took it on. The winger cut inside and fired past Lillis – but past the far

post.

It was close enough for Wells to jump off the bench ready to celebrate – only to throw his arms down in frustration.

Hines then went down in the corner of the box from Rafferty's tackle but the referee ignored the City penalty shouts.

As the game went into added time, a fox suddenly ran across the pitch to provide a comic interlude.

There was still time for one more shot from Connell but it curled harmlessly behind. Despite another commanding performance, this will feel like

two points dropped.

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

WIGAN v BRADFORD CITY CUP DATE CONFIRMED
(see below for more news)

Wigan Athletic have announced that their 4th round Capital One Cup tie
against League 2 side Bradford City will take place on Tuesday, 30th October
at the DW Stadium with a 7:45pm kick-off

Adults: £10.00
Senior Citizens (over 65): £5.00
Juniors (under 16): £5.00

Tickets for this tie will be on sale shortly from the Bantams Ticket Office. City supporters have been allocated the North Stand at the DW

Stadium.

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

Bradford City star out for six weeks

1:06pm Thursday 4th October 2012

By Simon Parker

Kyel Reid will be out for SIX weeks, it has been confirmed today.

The City winger suffered a groin injury in the first half of Tuesday's goalless draw at Rochdale.

Reid went for a scan yesterday which confirmed that he has torn the tendon - and now faces a spell on the sidelines until the end of next month.

Boss Phil Parkinson said: "He fell awkwardly in the tackle and a bit of tendon came away from the bone in the top of the groin area.

"It's a big blow for us but once again we've got other players waiting for their chance to come in. That's what the squad is for.

"You expect to get injuries throughout the season and you've got to deal with them. We will do.

"We've got good players to come in and they've got to grab hold of the opportunity, like Ricky Ravenhill did on Tuesday."

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

Bradford City playing it safe with Jones

7:50am Thursday 4th October 2012

By Simon Parker

City will not fast-track midfield general Gary Jones back into the fray before he is ready.

Jones lost his ever-present tag on Tuesday when a sore back forced him out of the goalless draw at Rochdale. It prevented him going back to the

club where he made a record 533 appearances.

Incredibly, it was just the second league game Jones has missed since February 2010 – and first because of injury. The only other time he did not

feature in that 119-match streak was in April when John Coleman dropped him for Rochdale's home win over Exeter.

Jones was gutted not to face the club where he has spent the bulk of his career but he was not fit enough to take a chance – and City will not

take a risk at Dagenham if they feel he needs more time.

Assistant boss Steve Parkin said: "If there's one player who wanted to be out there at Rochdale, it was Gary.

"But he's 35 and played 120 minutes in the last week (against Burton). He absolutely ran his socks off at the weekend as well and we've just got

to be careful. He's had a bit of a back injury and he got a couple of knocks on top of that. Gary would love to have played but he simply felt

too sore on Monday.

"We couldn't afford to get wrapped up in the emotions of him playing one game instead of playing all season.

"Hopefully it will settle down by the weekend but we've got a lot of games coming up over the next couple of weeks. So we've got to play it

right."

Ricky Ravenhill took his place at Spotland and nearly scored a second-half winner. It was only his second outing since recovering from a pre-

season knee injury.

Parkin added: "I thought Ricky slotted in there superbly. I just wish he could have got that goal when he hit it straight at the keeper.

"He's a great lad and hasn't moaned and groaned about being out of the team. He's just got on with his business and kept himself fit.

"He's a terrific captain and a good servant for the club. We need that pressure on places to make the ones who've got the shirts keep

performing."

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WIGAN TICKET UPDATE (friday Oct 5th)

The football club can confirm that they have been given an initial
allocation of 3,000 tickets for the forthcoming Capital One Cup Fourth Round
tie at Wigan Athletic.

The tie against the Premier League side, which will be held at Wigan's DW
Stadium, is scheduled to take place on Tuesday 30th October 2012 - kickoff:
7.45pm.

These tickets will be available from 9:00am Monday 8th October 2012 from the
Bantams Ticket Office at the Coral Windows Stadium.

Priority will be given to Season Ticket holders and holders of the voucher
given upon entering the stadium for the previous round against Burton
Albion.

All supporters will be required to produce their Season Ticket or Burton
voucher at the point of purchase.

Postal applications must include proof of purchase - either a copy of the
season ticket or the actual voucher from the Burton game(photocopies of the
voucher will not be accepted)

Season ticket holders and voucher holders only will have priority booking
until Saturday 20th October at 12noon (the day of City's home match with
Cheltenham Town).

Any remaining tickets will go on general sale at 9:00am on Monday 22nd
October 2012.

Tickets are priced as follows:-
Adults £10,
Concessions £5 - these are over 65 and under 16.

Disabled fans will pay the cost appropriate to their age group and will
include a free carer.

All disabled fans must be in receipt of Disability Living Allowance at
either the higher of middle levels, Proof will be required at the time of
booking. Please note that payment must by cash or card only, The club can no
longer accept payment for tickets by cheque.

The club are also looking to provide coach travel to and from the DW Stadium
on the night of the match, Cost of coach travel for supporters will be £10,
with the coach scheduled to depart the Coral Windows Stadium promptly at
5.30pm.

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