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, December 31, 2013

L1 D1-1 (h) Swindon Sunday December 29, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

Saturday, December 28, 2013

L1 L0-1 (h) Rotherham Thursday December 26, 2013. K.O. 3PM. #bcafc

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Caleb Folan: Bradford City release striker
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25527615

Injuries
Rory McArdle is suspended while striker James Hanson remains doubtful with a calf strain.

Winger Raffaele De Vita (thigh) is not expected back, while defender Andrew Davies (knee) remains a long-term absentee.

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

General Links

Current table
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/league-table/
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/league-one/table
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/standings?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN&wjb=

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/scoreboard?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN

The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/

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

T&A Reports & Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/

Bantams Player (subscription required)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/commercial/Bantams-player/

BBC headlines and highlights (video may be uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city

Pulse audio (last match highlights, post match interviews)
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/

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

2013 suite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYVaty8hdHg

2013 DVD trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvZKFeCPt8&feature=share

Fairplay standings
http://espnfc.com/stats/fairplay/_/league/eng.3/english-league-one?cc=5901

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

Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25441808

Game links
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368311&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25441808

VIDEO INTERVIEW: Phil Parkinson
http://youtu.be/pTcpd4svgNM

Goals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjxJjqPMOiw

Live Blog
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10900292.FT__City_0_Rotherham_1/

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

Final whistle - match report

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10900550.Evans_is_the_Grinch_who_stole_Christmas_at_Bradford_City/

Evans is the Grinch who stole Christmas at Bradford City

6:40am Friday 27th December 2013

By Simon Parker

City 0, Rotherham 1

In this season of goodwill to all men, Valley Parade will always make one notable exception.

Steve Evans will forever be the Grinch in City's eyes. And he stole Christmas with three more points in West Yorkshire yesterday – Rotherham's sixth successive win over the Bantams.

Now the fear is that this latest setback may also have stolen their season. Defeat leaves them eight points adrift of the play-offs and continuing to lose ground. With only one win from their last 13 league games, the momentum is heading in the wrong direction.

Once again, City can point to an exceptional goal as their undoing. Nobody seems to score tap-ins against them these days. But there was never any serious evidence of a fightback in front of the biggest home crowd of the season.

There was little cutting edge with the possession and Rotherham's lead, established a quarter of the way into the game, always looked comfortable. No wonder Evans rarely appeared from the sanctuary of his dugout. He didn't need to.

Phil Parkinson's team selection took everyone by surprise. With no James Hanson or Andy Gray, who failed to recover from his weekend dead leg, Parkinson threw Oliver McBurnie in the deep end for his first start.

The 17-year-old Leeds lad, a 21-goal sensation for the youth team, made his debut against the Millers as a late substitute in the FA Cup defeat but this was another level.

McBurnie was not the only unexpected addition as Carl McHugh got the nod to fill the defensive void left by Rory McArdle's one-match ban.

The Irish youngster's only two appearances this season had been in cup ties but perhaps his inclusion ahead of Matt Taylor and Luke Oliver was a vote for heart over height from the City boss.

And the bench included Ricky Ravenhill, suddenly recalled a week early from his Northampton loan after Aidy Boothroyd's sacking. The midfielder had not kicked a ball for City since September.

McBurnie got a traditional welcome to the big stage inside two minutes, Claude Davis stepping in his way to level the youngster.

The start was predictably fast and furious, with nobody given too long to settle in possession. James Meredith was tripped by Mark Bradley level with the Rotherham box but Gary Jones' inswinging free-kick into the goalmouth eluded the claret and amber heads.

Nahki Wells had keeper Adam Collin scrambling with a shot on the turn that passed the post, before Bradley picked up the first booking for a late challenge on Nathan Doyle.

Davis, one of the central figures of that infamous brawl with Crawley, did not last long as he was subbed for Rob Milsom.

But the wind was knocked out of City's sails after 20 minutes. Lee Frecklington rode a couple of tackles on the edge of the box, Kieron Agard helped the ball on to Haris Vuckic and the Slovenian produced a fine lob which left Jon McLaughlin rooted to the spot.

City had chances to whack the ball away during the build-up but it was a quality strike which the keeper could not stop.

The irony that it was Vuckic, a player that City had considered bringing in on loan, just added to the sense of frustration around the ground.

"That man Steve Evans, he's laughing at you," taunted the sold-out away end as the rest of Valley Parade fell silent.

It was depressingly familiar territory for the Bantams; losing to the Millers once again – and conceding first for the fourth successive home game.

For a short spell, Rotherham were in the ascendancy as City struggled to clear their heads.

Garry Thompson had a shot blocked and McBurnie a soft header comfortably caught before the pair combined for City's best attack of the game. The youngster shielded the ball well to find Thompson, whose well-struck cross-shot was palmed behind by Collin.

That stirred up the atmosphere – but not as much as Vuckic's clumsy lunge on halfway which left Kyel Reid in a heap. Out came the referee's book for a second time.

Rotherham wanted similar retribution when Ben Pringle was fouled by Stephen Darby and Evans appeared on the edge of the pitch to gesticulate furiously. As the jeers got louder, referee Darren Bond ignored the visiting pleas and kept his card holstered.

There was nothing between the teams, although City had finished the first half in better fashion. But there was a lot of work ahead to claw their way back from a potentially damaging defeat.

With the booking hanging over him, Vuckic did not appear after the break. But Rotherham quickly threatened a second goal through their other Newcastle loanee.

Bradford-born James Tavernier whipped a fierce free-kick over the wall but McLaughlin threw himself to the left to turn it behind. From the corner, Kari Arnason nodded against the post but he had already been penalised for a push.

Parkinson made his first change just after the hour mark with Mark Yeates, back on sub duty after a flat display at Peterborough, getting another opportunity in Thompson's place.

Tavernier, pushed forward in the reshuffle after Vuckic went off, had another chance to bury his home-town club but blazed loosely over the bar into the travelling support.

Then he had a third try after slack play from Matthew Bates with a low shot which McLaughlin pushed round the post.

Rotherham carried all the threat as Frecklington's low cross-shot flew across the goalmouth and Agard's dangerous burst was cut out in the nick of time by Bates.

Joe Skarz took the Millers' bookings to four but their grip on proceedings remained unruffled.

Reid was a shadow of the second-half menace at Peterborough, with Wells another passenger. McBurnie looks a prospect but this was a difficult test for him and he made way for Alan Connell late on.

Parkinson even resorted to the Peter Taylor tactic of throwing on Luke Oliver as an emergency centre forward for the final stages.

Five minutes of stoppage time offered hope of another dramatic climax to rival Coventry and Leyton Orient but, like the previous 90, Rotherham negotiated the extra minutes without a hint of trouble.

Attendance: 18,218

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

When the dust settled - match report

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10900572.print/

Parkinson fumes at 'unrecognisable' Bradford City display

8:30am Friday 27th December 2013

By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson refused to use City's lack of numbers as an excuse for their latest loss to Rotherham and admitted: "We were poor."

The Millers won 1-0 at Valley Parade yesterday to make it six on the bounce against their Yorkshire rivals.

It was the fifth successive meeting when City have failed to score and the defeat dropped them to 11th in League One.

Parkinson pitched in teenager Oliver McBurnie up front because he was missing James Hanson and Andy Gray, who was sidelined with the dead leg he suffered before netting against Peterborough.

Haris Vuckic, the Newcastle striker who nearly joined City in August, scored the only goal.

Parkinson was fuming with his side's "unrecognisable" performance in the second half in front of the largest home crowd of the season.

He said: "Maybe we looked like a team who conceded before half-time again. It was a 'here we go again' scenario.

"In the past we've always found something in our reserve but we just didn't have enough quality out there.

"I thought we played well in the first half. The goal set us back but we came back strong towards the end.

"But the second half was really poor. We were unrecognisable from what we're all about as a team.

"I don't think it was lack of effort. Our decision-making on the ball and basic passing was really poor.

"That's taking into consideration we were up against a really good side and went into the game really weakened.

"We had a lot of strong characters out of our team. But I still felt we could have done a lot better in the second half.

"We were poor, we can't hide away from that. We made too many basic errors and didn't play with enough calmness in possession."

Seventeen-year-old McBurnie lasted 73 minutes and Parkinson felt he coped well with the occasion.

The City boss said: "It was always a big ask of Olly but I felt he was excellent for the first 45 minutes.

"Obviously he tired towards the end but he's going to be a good player. I thought he did everything possible in his powers to give the team a lift.

"It was a big call to put him in but I thought it was the right one in the context of the players we had out.

"We had three target men injured – Hanson, Gray and (Caleb) Folan. Gray was really struggling, which was a shame because he'd played really well at Peterborough."

Rotherham chief Steve Evans felt his side should have won more emphatically – but he also backed the Bantams to emerge from their current slump. They have now won only once in the league since October 5.

Evans said: "We were dominant. There was an electric atmosphere but I think the crowd will feel they were beaten by the better side.

"The game was about character and we had that. The lads are disappointed we didn't win three or four nil.

"But I have great respect for Bradford and they will bounce back.

"Bradford have some great players. I love (Gary) Jones, he plays like a 22-year-old.

"I love (Nahki) Wells, (Kyel) Reid and the keeper is useful. This is a good Bradford side and I think they will come back."

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

From the T&A:

Folan has a dig at Parky

Caleb Folan has left Bradford City with a parting shot at Phil Parkinson.

The striker's departure had been predicted after making only six substitute appearances during his short-term stay.

Folan has not been involved since the 0-0 draw at Crewe on November 2 and has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.

He announced tonight: "It saddens me to say that my time here has now expired and I will be moving on.

"The most important thing for me right now is playing football and I'm sure you will understand that I need to pursue that.

"It saddens me that I have had no contact from the manager over the last month regarding my departure or anything else of that matter, not even a hand shake as a man, so that bothers me. But I will say I appreciate the club allowing me to come on board and assist in bringing my fitness back to a good place. It's a great club and I've been honoured to represent Bradford City."

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

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

L1 L1-2 (a) Peterborough Saturday December 21, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Injuries

Hanson ...?

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

General Links

Current table
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/league-table/
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/league-one/table
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/standings?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN&wjb=

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/scoreboard?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN

The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/

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

T&A Reports & Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/

Bantams Player (subscription required)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/commercial/Bantams-player/

BBC headlines and highlights (video may be uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city

Pulse audio (last match highlights, post match interviews)
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/

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

2013 suite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYVaty8hdHg

2013 DVD trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvZKFeCPt8&feature=share

Fairplay standings
http://espnfc.com/stats/fairplay/_/league/eng.3/english-league-one?cc=5901

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

Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25376522

Game links
http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/25376522

Goals
http://youtu.be/1qFyH0-XXDg

Phil Parkinson after Peterborough United away fixture:
http://youtu.be/cBjYCHPCZpI

Live Blog
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10893759.FT__Peterborough_2_City_1/

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

Final whistle - match report

It's Gray's day but Bradford City can't end Posh hoodoo

6:30am Monday 23rd December 2013

By Simon Parker

Peterborough 2, City 1

Strange things do indeed happen at this time of the year.

In the same week that Westfield confirm they will finally start work on Bradford's hole in the ground, Andy Gray pops up with the first goal of his second coming for City.

But the Bantams winning at Peterborough proved once again to be a Christmas wish too far.

The club's 14th trip to London Road proved as miserable as all the rest. Away fans who had shelled out an extortionate £28 for the privilege saw Posh maintain a record of never having lost at home to their West Yorkshire visitors.

If they did not witness history, there was at least a sight that few could have anticipated when they set off down the A1.

And who would have possibly guessed that their afternoon repertoire of songs would include a chant of "Andy Gray, he scores when he wants..."

When Phil Parkinson spoke the other day about players from the fringes getting their opportunity, I did not imagine he had someone in mind who had not kicked a ball in anger this season.

The 36-year-old forward had not netted since September 2012, when he bagged the solitary effort of his unsuccessful short stay at Leeds.

It was Gray's first City goal for nine years 11 months – the last being a penalty in an FA Cup defeat to Luton on the eve of the second administration.

He had barely made the squad at all since playing in the "dead rubber" at Cheltenham in April and was only included this time because strikers had been falling like flies during the week.

The veteran had recovered from a chest infection to swell the numbers. Parkinson was glad he did.

The half-time arrival of Gray and Kyel Reid breathed some life into a side that had not been at the races up to that point.

Parkinson had pulled a rabbit out of the hat with his team selection, opting for a new system with three centre halves and wing backs.

He had watched DVDs on previous Posh matches and noted that it was an effective way of shutting down the fluid midfield play of the hosts.

Reid was the surprise fall guy as Parkinson bolstered the ranks with Matt Taylor's first start in claret and amber.

The defender had not started a game since October 19 – the final weekend of his loan spell with Colchester.

Ironically, that was also the day when Mark Yeates last began a City game – and he too was back in with the instructions to try and make something happen behind a front two missing calf victim James Hanson.

And how City missed him. Unfortunately all the intricate planning and tactical shape – they had worked on it in training all week – came up short because of the absence of the big man.

Anyone who still doubts the impact that Hanson's presence has on everything City do should have been here for the first 45 minutes.

Garry Thompson, filling in alongside Nahki Wells, tried hard enough but he is not the same type of player. It did not work.

Whether the system also let City down in the first half is debatable. The ball just kept coming back with Posh propelled by the strong, swirling wind.

In Lee Tomlin, they have one of the best players in League One. By all accounts, he was one of the more impressive in the Championship.

Nathan Doyle's job was to man mark him out of the action but it proved a futile exercise. Tomlin's speed of thought and movement opened up pockets of space to supply those around him.

Not that City could have done anything to prevent the goal that blew open this contest.

Tomlin's corner was cleared out, first by Gary Jones and then Doyle, before landing at the feet of left back Kgosi Ntlhe 35 yards out.

The South African let rip with a shot that seemed to grow wings as it soared beyond a stunned Jon McLaughlin, picking up pace with the gusts behind it.

All the pre-match build-up centred on the showdown between Wells and Britt Assombalonga; the striker Peterborough wanted in the summer and the one they then bought.

Nobody imagined such an unlikely source for the first goal – or how it would arrive.

Posh, who had won only once in eight games, were flying now and Assombalonga soon boosted his own tally to 17.

Shaun Jeffers was the provider as he slipped a neat ball into the feet of his striker on the edge of the City box.

Assombalonga still had Taylor and Matthew Bates for company but some lovely tight control on the turn shook them both off as he drilled a low shot beyond the unsighted keeper.

He should have had another when Tomlin slipped him through and the Posh play-maker almost had one himself with a shot against the post.

But in between City wasted a potential lifeline when Jones fired straight at Bobby Olejnik after good work from Wells. A yard either side of the keeper and it would have been 2-1.

The skipper had a similar opportunity soon after the break but dallied on it, which allowed Ntlhe to make a sliding block.

By that point, Parkinson had thrown caution to the powerful wind with the half-time changes.

Reid's presence on the wing right in front of the City supporters instantly galvanised those on and off the pitch. The away section came to life as they sensed their team having a real go at last.

The ball also started to stick up front as Gray made his mark – and the substitutes combined to deadly effect with 15 minutes left, Gray cleverly diverting Reid's low cross in at the near post.

The rejuvenated Bantams went hunting an equaliser. From the next attack, Gray had another effort bundled behind; Jones, then Doyle, had unsuccessful pops from 20 yards.

But that was as close as it got. The best chance at the end fell to Assombalonga, who scuffed a left-footer wide of an open goal after McLaughlin blocked his first jab.

So a familiar result in these parts but there was at least one City player who could look back on Saturday and smile.

The goal may not change Gray's long-term prospects – City have made it clear they are open to any interest in him – but for now, it's a timely shot in the arm.

With Hanson still struggling for the Rotherham game, Gray could have a key role in City's Christmas tale.

Attendance: 6,579

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

Holiday period match info

Turnstile details for Rotherham match:
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/rotherham-turnstile-details-1254218.aspx

Wristbands to be issued for Banqueting areas
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/banqueting-wristbands-1254277.aspx

Notts County vs CITY Ticket Update: We have sold our initial allocation of tickets for the game at Notts County though fans can pay on the day, there will be plenty of room. However we still have places left on the official coach which will leave outside the 1911 club at midday, cost is £16 contact the ticket office for more details.

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

Carlisle United fixture rearranged
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/carlisle-game-rearranged-1244715.aspx

Anybody who hasn't seen City lose enough recently can watch the Youth team v Millwall
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2TfIXgjCd4&feature=youtu.be

Outcast Andy Gray in from cold
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10894175.Outcast_Gray_in_from_cold_for_Bradford_City/

We may have been ignored by SPOTY but we do have one of Five Lives top ten goal commentaries :>} Guess which it is?
(available until Jan 22nd 2014, UK only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01nwn4g

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

Ex-Bradford City player Lewis Emanuel jailed for armed robbery
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-25497287
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10896899.Former_Bradford_City_player_Lewis_Emanuel_jailed_over_robbery___full_report_from_court/
===========================

Thursday, December 19, 2013

L1 D1-1 (h) Leyton Orient Saturday December 14, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Northampton Town extend the loan stay of Bradford City midfielder Ricky Ravenhill until 4 January
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25338947

Injuries
City defensive lynchpin Andrew Davies back in five weeks (see below)

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

General Links

Current table
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/league-table/
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/league-one/table
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/standings?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN&wjb=

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/scoreboard?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN

The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/

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

T&A Reports & Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/

Bantams Player (subscription required)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/commercial/Bantams-player/

BBC headlines and highlights (video may be uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city

Pulse audio (last match highlights, post match interviews)
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/

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

2013 suite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYVaty8hdHg

2013 DVD trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvZKFeCPt8&feature=share

Fairplay standings
http://espnfc.com/stats/fairplay/_/league/eng.3/english-league-one?cc=5901

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

Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25275239

Game links
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368287&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

Goals
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_EE6p9DoYE
Parkinson video interview after Leyton Orient draw: http://youtu.be/ir17IGhqXPc

Nahki's free kick
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WmYnNv6UqZ4&feature=youtu.be
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWEXB0ctiBU

Live Blog
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10878174.FT__City_1_Leyton_Orient_1/

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

Final whistle - match report

Back to the drawing board for never-say-die Bantams

8:00am Monday 16th December 2013

By Simon Parker

Bradford City 1 Leyton Orient 1

Some Leyton Orient players were taking photos as they took a pre-match stroll on the Valley Parade pitch.

It seems that even the leaders are not averse to a spot of sightseeing.

Russell Slade's well-drilled unit remain the focus of League One. This draw, however ultimately frustrating in their eyes, still gave them a point's breathing space on second-placed Wolves, who surprisingly slipped up on home turf.

But the question remains whether City can stay in the play-off picture over the coming games. This was another snap-shot of their recent form.

Jon McLaughlin had warned beforehand about too many draws proving costly. A six-match unbeaten run sounds impressive; one featuring five stalemates much less so.

But the players could still disappear for the Newcastle nightlife on their Saturday night Christmas party relatively content with a third successive point from Valley Parade.

While the winless run on home soil stretches back to the end of September, the suspicion will linger that City have – in Mark Lawn's words – been "sussed" by the opposition.

Leyton Orient's central defenders certainly shut down James Hanson as well as anyone this season.

But the spirit and determination within the team remains undimmed. That old cliché about never knowing when you're beaten was emphasised by another equaliser well into added time.

For the third home game running, City came from behind to grab something. That refusal to quit will keep them in the frame if nothing else.

Saturday should have been a good time to play the O's. With top scorer David Mooney suspended and his partner-in-crime Kevin Lisbie being nursed back from injury, they were shy of an attack already worth 28 goals.

But Orient's success has not just been built on such a potent pair up front. They are pretty mean at the other end, where only Wolves have conceded less.

The sight of free-flowing overlapping full backs is not for them. Like Colin Todd used to do with City, Slade tells his defenders to stick to their day job – they rarely cross over halfway.

It has provided the solid platform for the likes of Mooney and Lisbie or, in Saturday's case, midfielder Lloyd James to pick off the goals that maintain their astonishing form.

"They are probably the worst team in the league to play against when they've got a lead," said Parkinson later. "The full backs don't venture forward and they keep it very tight."

And for much of Saturday it seemed his side's ambitions would founder against the red and white wall.

City had the chances to have established a lead before Leyton Orient struck out of the blue.

Hanson should have got more on a header that flashed past the far post; Garry Thompson could have capped a lively first half with a proper connection from a similar position.

And Kyel Reid, a real thorn in Orient's side during the opening 45 minutes, smacked a tremendous drive goalwards – but straight at a relieved Jamie Jones, who tipped over the bar.

There was the customary shout for a home penalty – if only League One introduced cricket's referral system – but referee Mark Heywood was not swayed by Romain Vincelot's push on Nahki Wells.

Then almost inevitably the deadlock was broken at the other end.

Leyton Orient had won their fare share of corners but City had coped comfortably. But as the game moved into stoppage time, they fatally held off James in the corner of the penalty area.

He had space to manoeuvre a perfectly-placed shot which carried on the wind beyond McLaughlin. It was a great way to break his league duck for the O's; for City, it felt like a sucker blow to the solar plexus.

One shot on target, 1-0 up – "That's why we're top of the league" chimed the 374 travelling fans behind the other goal.

Parkinson's half-time team talk had suddenly changed. Within a couple of minutes, he was presented with a row of glum faces in the dressing room.

Another major test of character beckoned.

The gusty conditions did not help, with the swirly wind making passing awkward at the best of times. Both sides were tempted to take the long route.

Parkinson made a point of praising McLaughlin's distribution, which can be a weak point in his game. The keeper's kicking in this instance was faultless – and highlighted by the struggles Jones had when he was trying to do the same into the wind in the second half.

But Jones and his back four continued to hold out as City threw more balls into the box. For all the possession after the break, there were precious few genuine sights of goal.

It was just the same for the visitors. City's defence looked equally disciplined and – barring one half chance for Shaun Batt – never let their guard down.

Leyton Orient's failure to record another shot directly at goal made it all the more galling as the clocked ticked down and City could still find no way through.

Nathan Doyle had an attempted chip batted down by the alert Jones and there was the odd scramble but no inkling of an equaliser.

The arrival of the subs changed the dynamic as City went to three at the back and Alan Connell picked up his customary role behind the front two. Mark Yeates, still pushing those claims for a recall, warmed Jones's hands from a set-piece.

The fourth official's board showed five minutes – it was time for a Coventry-style finale. And true to form Wells once again delivered.

Mathieu Baudry, an impassable object in the heart of the Orient back four up to that point, was caught the wrong side by the Bermudian's nifty shuffle. He knocked him to the ground and City had a free-kick within the D.

Six men filled the wall; the target looked even smaller. But anyone who has watched City train will have seen Wells do these for fun at the end of sessions.

Up and over it soared and into the top right-hand corner of the net beyond a flailing Jones. The draw specialists and the goal specialist had struck again.

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

City pay price for cup exits as club explore options to cover shortfall in budget
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10861472.Bradford_City_pay_price_for_cup_exits/

City players donate FA Cup cash to charity
(note audio clip)
https://audioboo.fm/boos/1780626-bradford-city-players-donate-fa-cup-cash-to-charity

Dom and Tom's latest -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_8tphyUhcY

City miss out on BBC team prize
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10878953.Bantams_miss_out_on_BBC_team_prize_as_Murray_wins_main_award/

City defensive lynchpin Andrew Davies back in five weeks
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10882872.Bradford_City_defensive_lynchpin_Davies_back_in_five_weeks/

Young Lions dash Bradford City hopes in FA Youth Cup
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10883630.Young_Lions_dash_Bradford_City_hopes_in_FA_Youth_Cup/

Football League chief Shaun Harvey at centre of damning Ofcom ruling
http://www.theguardian.com/football/2013/dec/18/leeds-shaun-harvey-yorkshire-radio
=======================

Thursday, December 05, 2013

L1 D1-1 (a) Oldham Saturday December 1, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Injuries

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

General Links

Current table
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/league-table/
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/league-one/table
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/standings?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN&wjb=

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/scoreboard?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN

The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/

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

T&A Reports & Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/

Bantams Player (subscription required)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/commercial/Bantams-player/

BBC headlines and highlights (video may be uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city

Pulse audio (last match highlights, post match interviews)
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/

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

2013 suite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYVaty8hdHg

2013 DVD trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvZKFeCPt8&feature=share

Fairplay standings
http://espnfc.com/stats/fairplay/_/league/eng.3/english-league-one?cc=5901

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

Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25074351
http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/293184/preview
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10842501.Oldham_manager_shows_Bantams_some_respect_ahead_of_showdown/

Game links
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=371130&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

Goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wawGV-b-SMY

Live Blog
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10847622.Live_blog__Oldham_v_Bantams/

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

Final whistle - match report

Bradford City defensive grit the highlight of dogged draw

6:10am Monday 2nd December 2013

By Simon Parker

Oldham 1, City 1

Phil Parkinson did not get the wish he really wanted on his 46th birthday as City slogged it out for another draw.

The Bantams chief had targeted a win at Boundary Park yesterday to maintain a League One play-off spot as his team head into a near-fortnight break from action.

Instead they will spend their free weekend on the outside fringes looking in, although the dogged point against the Latics did lift them up a place to eighth.

City had struck first as Nahki Wells stretched his impressive goal-per-start tally to 14. But Oldham, who had won their previous four in a row, were level almost straight away.

The second half was a more cagey affair but Parkinson will be pleased with the sturdy defensive efforts to ensure the game finished in a fair stalemate.

Yet it was the sixth time this season that City had been unable to turn a half-time draw into a full-time win. The last time that was achieved was nine months ago at York.

Nathan Doyle's spell on the sidelines proved to be a short one as he won a quick recall at the expense of Jason Kennedy. Mark Yeates, who fired the equaliser against Notts County, again had to settle for a bench spot as Garry Thompson retained his right-wing role.

This was the closest City will get in terms of a local derby this season, with just over 30 miles separating the clubs. The fans had travelled in force, with 2,742 offering a raucous backing on the other side of the Pennines.

City had failed to win any of the last seven meetings between the teams, most recently a JP Trophy northern area semi-final in Parkinson's first term in charge when a similar away turn-out saw the Latics stroll it 2-0.

The Bantams were straight on the front foot as Wells crossed back to Thompson in the corner of the box. He had room to manoeuvre a shot but dragged his effort wide of the far post.

It was a good chance so early in the game and ensured the action started at a fast tempo, James Dayton responding with a drive straight at Jon McLaughlin.

Slack control from James Meredith gave the Oldham winger another chance to run into the box. City's left back recovered enough to make a challenge and referee David Webb was unmoved by home appeals when Dayton went to ground.

A dangerous surge from midfielder James Tarkowski set up Danny Philliskirk for an angled shot but Matthew Bates slid across to block the threat.

The lively entertainment continued as City came within a coat of paint of leading. Thompson's long throw was flicked towards goal by James Hanson and Wells turned it against the Oldham bar.

The ball bounced down and out but the danger was not done for the Latics as Gary Jones fired the ball back in, the shot taking a wicked deflection before Mark Oxley turned it over the bar.

McLaughlin saved from Oldham skipper Korey Smith and then produced a vital block to keep the scores level after a Doyle mistake. Debutant Ellis Plummer fed Jonson Clarke-Harris in on goal but the City number one stuck out a leg to deny him.

From nearly 1-0 down, City immediately went 1-0 up as Thompson drilled a low cross towards the near post where Wells nipped in front of Jonathan Grounds to convert into the roof of the net.

But City's joy proved short-lived as, within two minutes, James Wesolowski ran purposefully at their back four before offloading to his left for Clarke-Harris, who hammered the ball past McLaughlin at the near post.

That sparked the home crowd into life and they were baying for blood when Hanson caught right back Matteo Lanzoni competing for a high ball. The fans wanted a red card but City's target man received a yellow.

Play continued to bounce from one end to the other. Oldham forced back-to-back corners before Kyel Reid went tumbling from Tarkowski's tackle in the penalty area – referee Webb was equally unimpressed by the appeals for a penalty or for a dive.

But Oldham had taken more control since drawing level, with their effective passing game keeping the visitors on their toes. Smith, in particular, was creating problems with his runs from midfield.

Rory McArdle moved within one booking of a ban after a soft caution for a shoulder-barge. There was nothing so gentle about Tarkowski's connection from Dayton's corner but his bullet header flew wide of City's near post.

City then picked up a contentious third booking when Reid wriggled his way into space in the area before getting a nudge from behind by Sidney Schmeltz. Webb immediately blew for an infringement – but infuriated the visitors by awarding the free-kick Oldham's way.

Reid, who recently protested his innocence that he was no diver, received another caution for 'simulation' – following one a few weeks ago against Wolves – as Parkinson made his angry point to the fourth official on the touchline.

Oldham boss Lee Johnson used all his substitutes and Adam Rooney, one of the new arrivals, drove a cross against the arm of Bates. But Webb once again waved off penalty pleas.

Loose play from Doyle gave Schmeltz time and space to attack the Bantams backline but the Dutchman scuffed his ambitious shot from 25 yards. Doyle looked to atone at the other end but his shot was easily charged down.

McLaughlin dived at Philliskirk's feet and McArdle blocked a Smith shot as Oldham looked to pick up the tempo.

Parkinson made his first change with 12 minutes left as Mark Yeates made his customary appearance in place of Thompson.

City were still having to defend manfully and another McArdle block defused potential danger from Wesolowski before Clarke-Harris thrashed the rebound into the crowd.

Meredith was having problems with substitute Michael Petrasso and the young Canadian ran at him again before unleashing a cross-shot just over the City bar.

Then City's bench were once more up in arms as Wells went to ground in the corner of the box. Again the official gave nothing, with Parkinson later claiming it was the strongest call of the lot.

Attendance: 7,180

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

When the dust settled - match report

Refs on spot again as Bradford City penalty claims waved away

8:10am Monday 2nd December 2013

By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson aired his frustration at three penalty snubs which cost City their grip on the top six.

Yesterday's 1-1 draw at Oldham made it five games unbeaten for the Bantams – but four of those have ended in stalemate.

Top-scorer Nahki Wells had given them a perfect start in front of Boundary Park's largest crowd of the season. But the home side hit back straight away as City missed the win that would have kept them in the League One play-off zone.

Parkinson was happy with his team's performance – but unimpressed with the officials for refusing to award a spot-kick.

City, who have had only one penalty all term, felt they had three strong cases. Two came from challenges on Kyel Reid – who was booked for 'simulation' for the second time this season by referee David Webb – and another late one with Wells was similarly ignored.

"To have three clear-cut, in our eyes, shouts for penalties and not get one of them is disappointing," said Parkinson.

"Reidy said both on him were pens in his eyes. He doesn't dive. The one when he got booked against Wolves was absolutely ridiculous and I thought one of those yesterday had to be given.

"And the Nahki Wells one was a definite penalty. We had the best view of it and I'll never know how the linesman didn't give that."

Parkinson added: "It was a tough game. We started well and got in front but I just felt we switched off after the goal.

"It was a shame because Thommo (Garry Thompson) was giving the left back all kinds of problems, the front two looked bright and I felt we would go on and score more.

"That equaliser gave a team in form some confidence and the crowd were really lifted. It was their biggest crowd of the season and their players obviously went up a level.

"But I felt the shape of our team was great second half. The back four put themselves on the line at times. The desire to stop crosses from our two full backs was great and there was some really good defending."

With no FA Cup tie next weekend, City have 12 days until their next game against leaders Leyton Orient at Valley Parade. Parkinson will use the break to get running repairs to a few of the squad.

He said: "Thommo is having an injection in his Achilles, which he's needed for a while. He's been playing through it.

"Matthew Bates is having an injection as well and we've got other minor things which can be cleared up while we have the chance.

"We want to get the balance right between putting the right amount of work in the players and giving them a good period of rest as well.

"It's going to be hectic around the Christmas period, so this time is a chance to recharge the batteries. We've got to use the benefits of not being in the cup to our advantage."

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

Nahki Wells takes League One honours
http://www.sport.co.uk/football/nahki-wells-and-james-constable-take-league-one-and-two-hono/4513121/

Kyel Reid is no serial diver.
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10849704.Reid_not_guilty__Bantams_boss_prepares_case_for_winger___s_defence_after_seeing_red_over_yellow_card_decisions/

Bradford City fans' film gets a special show
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10850332.Bradford_City_fans__film_gets_a_special_show/

Chances of signing striker Nahki Wells on new long-term deal unlikely
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10852569.Chances_of_signing_Bradford_City_striker_Wells_on_new_long_term_deal_unlikely__admits_Rhodes/

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

Sunday, December 01, 2013

L1 D1-1 (h) Notts County Tuesday November 26, 2013. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Hanson signs new contract
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25157996

Injuries

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

General Links

Current table
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/league-table/
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/league-one/table
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/standings?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN&wjb=

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/scoreboard?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN

The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/

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

T&A Reports & Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/

Bantams Player (subscription required)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/commercial/Bantams-player/

BBC headlines and highlights (video may be uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city

Pulse audio (last match highlights, post match interviews)
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/

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

2013 suite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYVaty8hdHg

2013 DVD trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvZKFeCPt8&feature=share

Fairplay standings
http://espnfc.com/stats/fairplay/_/league/eng.3/english-league-one?cc=5901

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

Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24996455

Game links

Goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRR3SHvOC5Q

Live Blog
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10836178.FT__Bradford_City_1_Notts_County_1

/

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

Final whistle - match report

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10836459.Yeates_makes_Mark_off_bench_to_res

cue_point_for_Bradford_City/

Yeates makes Mark off bench to rescue point for Bradford City

6:10am Wednesday 27th November 2013

By Simon Parker

City 1, Notts County 1

Mark Yeates won't like to be classed as a fringe player but for the second game running it was

someone from outside the regular group who came up trumps for City.

The Irishman reinforced his claims for a recall to the starting ranks by emerging from the bench

with a well-placed equaliser.

It saved City from a mugging against the division's bottom side, who still pocketed a first point

on their travels since August.

County's recently-installed boss Shaun Derry, who played right back in the side beaten by City at

Wembley in the 1996 play-offs, had called for the same fighting spirit shown at the weekend by

Nottingham's boxing world champion Carl Froch.

His team certainly floored the Bantams with a sucker punch just before the break to steal a lead

that nobody saw coming.

At least the fans were spared another Tranmere as City found an extra edge to their game after

the break to salvage a point. It was the least they deserved – but will still feel that a win had

gone begging.

It wasn't only the celebrities in the jungle troubled by bugs. City's build-up had been affected

by a stomach sickness doing the rounds – and that was certainly a factor.

At least the three players sent home from training on Monday as a precaution had all recovered in

time, allowing Phil Parkinson to name the same starting line-up that had got City back to winning

ways at MK Dons.

Defender Matt Taylor was not so fortunate and left the ground before kick-off feeling under the

weather. Luke Oliver took his spot on the bench.

It was three-and-a-half years since Notts County's last visit to Valley Parade – a goalless draw

on the way to the League Two title.

Amazingly, Derry was their sixth manager since then and he arrived in West Yorkshire still

looking for his first positive result in charge at the fifth attempt.

Nahki Wells, one of those in the City camp to be affected, showed that sickness had not dimmed

his reactions. Seeing James Hanson flick on Rory McArdle's long pass, the Bermudian got in front

of defender Manny Smith but his poked shot just beat the far post.

Kyel Reid, another to have shaken off the lurgy, lofted an angled shot over the bar before County

responded with their first attack of note. Matthew Bates half-cleared from the penalty area and

Jamal Campbell-Ryce fired wide from 20 yards.

Wells had the ball in County's net after 25 minutes but the flag was already up for offside.

It was far from a classic but City continued to do most of the pressing and Reid was inches away

from a 26th birthday goal.

Jason Kennedy had the room to have a go himself but instead opted to slide in the winger. Reid's

cross-shot beat Bartosz Bialkowski but flew inches past the far post.

Not for the first time, Reid looked the most likely avenue of attack for the Bantams. One

dangerous cross was nodded away from under his own bar by County skipper Dean Leacock and another

needed a flying two-fisted punch from Bialkowski.

Wells had an opening after Hanson charged down Smith's clearance but took the shot first time and

hit it tamely straight at the keeper.

It was not happening for the Bantams and they were stunned just before the break when the

visitors snatched an unexpected lead.

The goal stemmed from a miscommunication between Reid and James Meredith deep in County

territory.

Notts seized the opportunity to break into the spaces left by City pushing forward, Jack Grealish

working the ball to Marcus Haber whose low cross from the right wing was swept home by Gary

Liddle.

County milked the moment – not surprisingly given their wretched form – and then proceeded to

time-waste at every opportunity. Goalkeeper Bialkowski paid the price for dawdling over taking a

free-kick and picked up the night's first yellow card.

But the half-time whistle brought a smattering of boos, highlighting the frustration being felt

around the place.

City did not deserve to go in behind but they had seemed to be playing in second gear, almost

expecting to beat a team who had seemingly forgotten how to win.

Saturday's hero Kennedy found himself surplus to requirements for the second half as Nathan Doyle

earned a recall to the ranks.

That pleased the crowd, who were soon on their feet as City came within a whisker of an

equaliser, Greg Tempest doing very well not to turn Reid's cross into his own net under pressure.

There was a far better tempo about the home side as they attacked towards the Kop – and twice

Hanson was foiled. Bialkowski kept out his initial header from Gary Jones' corner before Leacock

cleared his follow-up effort off the line in the ensuing scramble.

Sloppy play from Wells gifted possession for Danny Haynes to thrash a wild effort into the TL

Dallas Stand but City were in the ascendancy.

Garry Thompson had made little impression in the first half but suddenly burst into life with a

surging run from halfway. A turn of pace took him through the retreating defenders but Bialkowski

was alive to the danger and came out quickly to make a vital save.

It was much improved fare for the crowd as Notts hung on to their slender advantage. Next it was

Wells' turn to stretch Bialkowski and then send an ambitious pot-shot wide from 30 yards.

Thompson predictably made way for Yeates with 25 minutes left – and the Irishman made an

immediate impact.

Doyle angled a pass at Hanson, Wells laid the ball back and the substitute took a touch past his

marker on the edge of the penalty area before firing a crisp drive into the bottom corner.

That proved to be the final involvement for Wells, the Bermudian clearly still feeling the

after-effects of his weekend sickness as Alan Connell took over.

The equaliser was the least City deserved and gave them just over 20 minutes to force the

victory. For Notts it was a survival mission and Kieron Freeman was booked for dragging down Reid

on the run.

There was still a sporadic threat on the break and Campbell-Ryce produced a clever spin away from

Bates before crossing for substitute Mark Fotheringham to nod over the City bar.

And City had a scare when Yeates conceded a cheap free-kick beside the box, the set-piece hitting

Jones and dropping for Smith, whose hooked shot from close range was straight at McLaughlin.

But the visitors were reduced to ten men as full-time approached, with Faber shown a straight red

for elbowing the busy Jones.

The striker was soon joined in the dressing room by Greg Abbott as the former City stalwart – and

new Notts number two – was given his marching orders for arguing too strongly at the home side's

reaction to a Liddle challenge on Meredith.

But City did not have time to press home their numerical advantage as the game finished in a

deeply unsatisfying stalemate.

Attendance: 12,808

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

When the dust settled - match report
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10836458.Sick_Bradford_City_players_handed_

extra_time_to_recover/

Sick Bradford City players handed extra time to recover

8:20am Wednesday 27th November 2013

By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson has put City into quarantine after their sickness-hit side were held by struggling

Notts County.

The players have been given an extra day off in a bid to clear out the germs – and the Apperley

Bridge training ground is also being flushed clean.

The Bantams bossed last night's Valley Parade clash but were grateful for a second-half equaliser

by substitute Mark Yeates.

The basement side had striker Marcus Haber sent off late on but hung on for a 1-1 draw – their

first point under new boss Shaun Derry.

It is now four home games without a win for City, who had enough chances to have sent the

visitors to their ninth loss in ten.

But Parkinson thought it was a resilient effort considering the stomach bug that has been

affecting the squad since the weekend.

Kyel Reid, Nahki Wells and Alan Connell had all missed training the day before, while James

Hanson and Rory McArdle were starting to feel the effects.

Parkinson said: "Five or six by the end had sickness and diarrhoea but everyone wanted to play –

even Matty Taylor but he was in such a bad state we had to send him home.

"There were key players affected and it was a case of wondering if we should leave a few of them

out. Four or five of them yesterday morning weren't going to play and the doctor had been in to

see a couple.

"But I don't want to make that a big thing because we've had enough chances to have won the game.

You can't fault the lads."

Notts County stunned Valley Parade by taking the lead just before half-time through defender Gary

Liddle. It stemmed from a broken-down City attack when Kyel Reid and James Meredith left the ball

for each other on the edge of the visiting box.

Parkinson said: "It was a breakdown of a communication between them. It was disappointing because

the ball still had to travel a long way before we conceded the goal.

"We weren't quite as positive in the first half as we normally are. We played backwards and

didn't have as much brightness on the ball as we usually do.

"But I felt second half we were great. We started off terrifically well and had them on the rack.

"When you get a team bottom of the league scrapping for everything and they score, you could see

the spirit grow.

"But we did everything we could to win it. If we'd scored early in the half, I think we'd have

gone on to get three or four.

"The way we passed it to get back in the game was great. We had that mixture in our play.

"Jon (McLaughlin) has not really had a save to make and we've had enough chances to come away

with three points."

Yeates scored within four minutes of coming on – and will be hoping he has done enough to earn

another starting chance at Oldham on Sunday.

Parkinson said: "It was a terrific finish by Mark. We know he can score goals.

"He has come off the bench for the last three games now and looked bright. That's good for us

because we know he can produce in that final third.

"You can't do any more than come off the bench and score."

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

Bantams boss Parkinson may make emergency call
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10839245.Bantams_boss_Parkinson_may_make_em

ergency_call/

The only way is up for me at Bantams, says James Hanson
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10845858.The_only_way_is_up_for_me_at_Bantams__says_Hanson/

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

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

L1 W3-2 (a) Milton Keys Dons Saturday November 23, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Injuries

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

General Links

Current table
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/league-table/
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/league-one/table
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/standings?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN&wjb=

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/fixtures-list/
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/scoreboard?leagueTag=ENG.3&lang=EN

The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
http://www.bradfordcity.tv/

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

T&A Reports & Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/

Bantams Player (subscription required)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/commercial/Bantams-player/

BBC headlines and highlights (video may be uk only)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city

Pulse audio (last match highlights, post match interviews)
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/

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

2013 suite
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYVaty8hdHg

2013 DVD trailer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFvZKFeCPt8&feature=share

Fairplay standings
http://espnfc.com/stats/fairplay/_/league/eng.3/english-league-one?cc=5901

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Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24968208

Game links
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368256&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

Goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj845G2mqm4

Live Blog
www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10830682.FT__MK_Dons_2_City_3/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNUwPxIJdvc&feature=youtu.be

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Final whistle - match report

Parkinson: Winning goal summed up Bradford City

6:20pm Saturday 23rd November 2013

By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson was delighted with City's first win in eight games which restored their place in the League One play-off zone.

Jason Kennedy's late goal clinched a 3-2 victory at MK Dons, who had twice hit back from earlier strikes by Nahki Wells and Kyel Reid.

Parkinson said: "We're all on a high because MK Dons don't lose many at this place.

"I've brought a Charlton team here many times and it's a really difficult place to play. They are a very good side and they've got an England under-21 international at the top of the pitch.

"But the way we responded (at 2-2) was outstanding and the winning goal typified what we're all about. It was outstanding play.

"Mark Yeates showed a real moment of quality and James Meredith has driven 60 yards up the outside to cross it. Then Jason Kennedy, who hasn't played for a while, is in the six-yard box to win us the game."

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When the dust settled - match report

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10831256.Attack_of_the__Ginger_Ninja__as_his_killer_strike_sees_Bantams_claim_first_win_in_eight_matches/

Attack of the 'Ginger Ninja' as his killer strike sees Bantams claim first win in eight matches

8:00am Monday 25th November 2013

By Simon Parker

MK Dons 2 Bradford City 3

In a week when the world remembered JFK, it was another Kennedy who presided over this long overdue victory.

The global headlines may have been dominated by the 50th anniversary of John F Kennedy's assassination. But it was JBK that delivered the parting shot to steal the limelight for City.

Jason Brian Kennedy, to give him his full name, or the "Ginger Ninja" according to good pal Gary Jones, emerged from the Valley Parade shadows to breathe fresh life into the play-off campaign.

His surprise selection had been no conspiracy, simply the choice of Phil Parkinson to rattle things around a bit in an engine room that had been looking a little jaded of late.

And there was no grassy knoll from where he delivered his deadly finish in the 84th minute – just an unguarded six-yard box after a lung-busting burst from one half to the other.

For Kennedy, it was a first vindication to his boss that he had been worth persisting with after an original move collapsed in the final hours of the January transfer window.

His minimal contribution since finally arriving in the summer had hardly presented the strongest case. So given the opportunity here – and Nathan Doyle leaves big boots to fill – he eagerly grasped it with both hands.

His alertness to pop up in the danger zone on the off chance was proof of the goal-scoring reputation that accompanied Kennedy across the Pennines. He scored seven for Rochdale last season.

It was also the sort of midfielder's finish which has been missing from City's armoury. Ironically the last player of that ilk in these parts, David Syers, was notching two at the same time from similarly close range for Scunthorpe.

Kennedy's game-winning contribution should have also heartened the rest of the fringe players who have spent the first few months of the campaign on the outside looking in.

Up to Saturday, none of the recruits since promotion have really shoved their credentials in front of the supporters.

"That's only because they haven't had many chances," Parkinson pointed out. "But for someone to come in the team, be the hero and get the goal was so important for the whole squad.

"They are all thinking 'what do I do to get in?' That sort of contribution is what we want.

"Jason is a very good player and doesn't lack confidence. I just wanted his extra energy in there.

"He had a difficult first ten minutes but the speed of the surface caught a few of the boys out. But after that, I felt he grew into the game and was magnificent – he was our best player."

And make no mistake, this was a huge win for the Bantams. It has been a long time since October 5 when they last pocketed three points at Walsall.

The sheen from that glossy start to League One life had started to dull as reality kicked in. The doom and gloomers, so noticeable by their absence since the middle of March, were beginning to crawl back out of their holes.

Defeat on Saturday would have dropped them into mid-table. Hardly a critical scenario but given their lofty bearing among the early pace-setters, a reminder of how unforgiving this division can be.

Instead, they are back on the right side of the play-off line with a home game against struggling Notts County tomorrow offering a further chance to build momentum.

Stadium:mk is one of the best arenas at this level, even if the atmosphere comes across a bit happy-clappy. Everything still feels too new for a club barely over a decade old.

They are never going to win any popularity contests given the controversial nature of their birth. The fans nicked the Millwall anthem "no-one likes us" to acknowledge that.

An enthusiastic chorus of "MK Army" hardly registers on the same spine-shivering scale as the guttural growl when the Den get going but this remains one of League One's most difficult stop-offs.

The Dons had lost only once at home in eight before the weekend. They move the ball quickly and slickly – Steven Pressley would no doubt approve – and possess two of the hottest prospects in the lower leagues.

Technically as a Chelsea player, Patrick Bamford is above all this anyway. The on-loan striker had made his England under-21 debut four days earlier and looks destined for a higher level.

So does 17-year-old midfielder Dele Alli, a precocious talent already being talked of in the £3million bracket.

Neither of those disappointed on Saturday – nor did the visitors. Presented with such a test, they stuck to their task manfully.

For the first 20 minutes, it had the feel of a very long afternoon for the 1,004 fans who had travelled from West Yorkshire.

Play was camped in away territory and when they did get possession, the Bantams struggled to string more than a couple of passes together.

Then Nahki Wells pounced. The Dons, who had already hit the bar through Shaun Williams, were opened up on their left and the Bermudian was alive to good work from Garry Thompson to work the cross beyond Ian McLoughlin.

Thompson then had an unwitting assist in the equaliser. Trying one trick too many on the halfway line, he was robbed by Darren Potter and Bamford needed no encouragement to join Wells on 13 goals for the season.

The hosts pushed forward again – only for City to stun them for a second time. Kyel Reid tore forward purposefully from the halfway line as far as the edge of the penalty area.

James Hanson wanted the cross but Reid got too much on it – and then watched with glee as his chipped effort soared over the keeper and inside the top corner. "Cross!" smiled Parkinson afterwards as he pre-empted the inevitable inquiry.

It was a major bonus for City and they looked to cash in from the resumption with a determined push for a third.

Wells clipped a post from a free-kick and Hanson twice went close from corners. But when the next goal materialised, it was at the other end from a Williams penalty.

The fact that the spot-kick was awarded after much delay on the say-so of the fourth official did not matter. Wells had blatantly tripped Alli and there were no arguments in the City camp.

But far from digging in for a point, they delivered another grandstand finish.

There was no "dark age" twist to this late strike; just top-notch movement, anticipation and fitness.

Sub Mark Yeates, in point-proving mode, cleverly released James Meredith on the overlap. The Aussie, who had covered two-thirds of the pitch, fired across goal and there was Kennedy in the perfect spot.

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http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10831244.There_s_more_where_that_came_from__says_jubilant_Bradford_City_match_winner_Kennedy/

There's more where that came from, says jubilant Bradford City match-winner Kennedy

7:00am Monday 25th November 2013

By Simon Parker

Jason Kennedy has promised City fans his winning goal is only the beginning.

The midfielder put a slow start to his Valley Parade career behind him by converting the late clincher at MK Dons.

Saturday's 3-2 victory – City's first in eight games – lifted them back into the play-off zone.

Kennedy's first goal for the club also backed up Phil Parkinson's call to bring him in for central midfield regular Nathan Doyle.

Kennedy said: "I think that goal's done me the world of good. I've been in and out the squad and when you get the opportunity, you've got to take it.

"Supporters have only seen glimpses of me so far. Hopefully they'll learn what I'm about as a player. I want to kick on from here and get more goals and produce more performances to help Bradford get the points we need."

It was only Kennedy's second start in League One as Parkinson stuck with the Gary Jones and Doyle axis that was behind last season's promotion.

Parkinson said: "We've gone with more or less the same lads through this run and we felt it was time to freshen it up a little bit. We took the decision to give Jason the opportunity over Nathan and he certainly took it."

Kennedy admitted he was under pressure to impress but added: "Doyley was the first person to come over and wish me luck when he knew I was playing.

"It means an awful lot when a fellow midfielder is wishing you well. But there's a great spirit among the lads. Doyley and Jonah are great players and I needed to show what I can do.

"I'd like to have played more games but I still feel a big part of it. I train every day with the lads and they know that I'm involved in the squad.

"The lads were buzzing about the results afterwards and they were really pleased for me."

City had already led twice through Nahki Wells, who pounced for his 13th goal of the season, and then a Kyel Reid cross that drifted into the top corner.

And they found another gear to score again late on, Kennedy converting James Meredith's cross after the left back ran the length of the field.

Kennedy said: "Yeatesy (Mark Yeates) came on and gave us a new lease of life. But we know there's that determination and spirit in the team to keep going to the end.

"I just saw Mezza on the ball and the space in between the defence and the goalkeeper. I thought if I could get in there and anything came in then there'd be a great chance to score and that's exactly what happened.

"The lads were tremendous and everyone put in a shift. It was a big relief to get another win at last.

"That sets us up for the Notts County home game tomorrow. It's a result we can gain confidence from and hopefully be the start of a little run."

Parkinson added: "Goals from midfield are so important but it's more than that. The determination to get in there so late in the game was fantastic.

"MK Dons is a really tough place to go and we'll enjoy this win. It was important and now we can look forward to the next challenge."

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