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, January 29, 2013

Wembley Build Up - Tickets : All the info

Wembley tickets are on sale to Season Ticket and Flex Card holders from Wednesday January 30th 9am until 13 February 2013 at 5.00pm.

Contact info in brief as ticket sales are mostly online and by phone

Online ticket sales
http://www.bcfc.talent-sport.co.uk/PagesPublic/Home/home.aspx

Ticket number available from 9am January 30th
0871 978 8000

Email address
wembley@the-bantams.co.uk

Full Q&A by David Baldwin
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/capital_one_cup_semi/10190263.Your_Wembley_ticket_questions_answered/

City prices announced
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/wembley-ticket-prices-616156.aspx

PDF showing seat prices
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/documents/capital-one-cup-final-pricing-2013256-625380.pdf

General info (other pages may be available)
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/wembley-ticket-sales-almost-upon-us-620913.aspx

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

City opt for hoops
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/10190583.Bradford_City_opt_for_hoops_at_Wembley/?ref=rss

Good News Anyone
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10190193.Good_news_for_Curtis_over_his_Bradford_City_Wembley_plea/

The man from the co-op
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/capital_one_cup_semi/10188274.Bradford_City_cup_star_eager_to_keep_a_grip_on_reality/

Listen to Parky here
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21220841

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

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city/9827850/Bradford-Citys-Capital-One-Cup-run-has-rekindled-the-romance-of-football.html
http://www.wsc.co.uk/wsc-daily/1156-january-2013/9330-bradford-city-s-cup-run-could-kickstart-the-club
===========================

The day out

Travel deals
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/wembley-travel-620892.aspx

From sofa to seat
http://www.wembleystadium.com/TheStadium/WS-Sofa-To-Seat.aspx

Wembley rules and regulations, which seems to be "can I take my camera" and "can I take in my starbucks and big mac?"
http://www.wembleystadium.com/~/link.aspx?_id=49CE7E76384C435BAB763D0ACA8C794E
Quick

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

Almost forgot, the team
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/tenerife-training-images-620906.aspx

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

The souvenirs
Have to get that foam hand
http://www.bantams-clubshop.co.uk/product/foam-hand-12907

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

Monday, January 28, 2013

LC-SF2 W 4-3 (agg) L1-2 (A) Aston Villa Tuesday January 22, 2013. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc #wembleyherewecome

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

CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN

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

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Injuries
Andrew Davies, knee, Out 4 months (from Nov 1st)
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season

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

Match Media & Stats

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

Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)

"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html

BBC highlights (uk only)
Audio - Full commentary and post match interviews (hanson, lawn)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01q1gx6

Private Video and audio links available by request

Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=358614&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

Aston Villa: Given; Lowton, Clark, Vlaar, Bennett; Delph, Bannan, Ireland; N'Zogbia, Agbonalhor; Benteke. Unused substitutes: Guzan, Bent, Holman, Weimann, Stevens, Lichaj, Carruthers.

Bradford City: Duke; Darby, McHugh, McArdle, Good; Hines, G Jones, Doyle, Atkinson; Wells, Hanson. Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Ravenhill, Reid, Thompson, Connell, Nelson, Turgott.

Referee: P Dowd (Staffordshire).

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

Match Preview

Before the match
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21022502

Stuart McCall
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10173262.Inexperienced_Aston_Villa_defence_holds_key_to_Bantams_victory__says_McCall/

Stallard
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10173283.Wembley_hero_Stallard_has_fingers_crossed_Bantams_can_emulate_the_class_of__96/

Kamara
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10172710.Kamara__Bradford_City_cup_run_just_unbelievable/

Billy Bantam
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10173300.Billy_the_Bantam_shows_he___s_not_a_chicken_/

Back room staff
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10173286.Semi_final__chaos__for_Bradford_City_staff/

Game #41
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10173717.print/

Duke on his team mates
http://m.guardian.co.uk/football/2013/jan/21/bradford-city-matt-duke

Best loan move in football
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10160079.Probably_the_best_loan_move_in_the_world__Bradford_City_winger_Turgott_having_a_ball/

Attack...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21130656

Snow stopping us
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/s-no-stopping-us-612431.aspx

Lambert waffling on about nothing
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/aston-villa/9816314/Aston-Villa-v-Bradford-City-Paul-Lambert-accuses-Capital-One-Cup-rivals-of-disrespect-over-Wembley-taunt.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21128034

Benteke
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/christian-benteke-interview-aston-villas-1548436

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

Final whistle

As it happened
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21148092
(great quotes and reaction)

In Summary

    Bradford reach League Cup final
    Result: Aston Villa 2-1 Bradford
    Aggregate score: Villa 3-4 Bradford
    Benteke puts Villa ahead on the night
    Hanson equalises for Bradford
    Weimann scores late for Villa

Spanish TV commentary of Hanson's goal
http://youtu.be/QckZ91PrmYQ

bein have the goals online (no commentary so you might want to mute the music)
http://www.beinsport.tv/capitalonecup/article/ydg4ueiqai2z199h4v9y6qu76/title/another-scalp

Look north program Wednesday evening
http://youtu.be/of9DCGZJ8sc
intro
1:24 highlights (still without the shot that hit the crossbar)
3:30 interviews
4:20 mark lawn james hanson
7:20 history
8:05 more fans
8:30 bus trip
9:50 commentary
11:00 oh now the council shows up
11:45 studio, news
21:15 back to Harry @ VP
25:00 weather

fans videos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7aBTmKW8OWY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLBriC_ZId4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN4C3ERbmkg

AV fans throwing snowballs at city fans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=XU-GKZJtUy4

Minnows Bradford reach Wembley
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21022502
(summary,stats and online commentary)

Team picture
http://mobile.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/aston-villa-vs-bradford-city-612437.aspx?pd=634944798170000000

Bradford City's historic win 'worth £1m'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-21156787

Giant killers on £7,500
http://m.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2013/jan/23/bradford-city-capital-one-giantkillers

The tender moment of triumph
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2266983/Bradford-City-reach-Capital-One-Cup-Final-Bantams-captain-seeks-brave-kid-seal-stunning-Villa-win-kiss.html

European talk already!
http://m.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2013/jan/23/from-the-vault-bradford-intertoto-cup

YP
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-city/bantams-dump-out-villa-to-seal-wembley-final-date-1-5342071
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-city/hanson-s-bullet-header-takes-brilliant-bradford-to-wembley-1-5342760

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

When the dust settled - match report

Hero Hanson is Bradford City's head-line grabber!

8:00am Wednesday 23rd January 2013

By Simon Parker

Aston Villa 2 Bradford City 1

City win 4-3 on aggregate

Don't just look for them, start booking those hotels for London. Bradford City are off to Wembley.

"This is the best trip we've ever been on." For years, the put-upon Bantam fans have sung it at such unlikely outposts as Accrington, Torquay and Dagenham.

Sung out of irony, sarcasm and more than a little defiance at the thought that some day, one day things had to get better. They would get that dream game that the unwavering support has earned.

Well buckle up boys and girls, that trip is booked now – the Capital One Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, February 24.

For the first time in history, a team from the bottom level of English football will step out at the national stadium for a major final.

And they got there with a headed goal from the striker who, as another favourite ditty goes, used to work in the Co-op.

James Hanson, so often unfairly the butt of any criticism, will now be lauded for ever more.

But that's what happens when you try taking on a higher power.

Villa boss Paul Lambert had used the build-up to criticise Reverend Paul Deo, the City announcer, for his over-zealous celebrations after game one. He accused him of disrespect with his references about searching for hotels in the capital.

Now it's Lambert who might need some divine intervention to hang on to his job. The gods are smiling on everything claret and banter.

After 102 years of waiting, City are off to a cup final. The likes of Hanson, Gary Jones and Matt Duke have the opportunity to equal the distant achievements of Jimmy Speirs and Co.

The modern-day supporters have their new heroes.

Parkinson had stuck with the same 11 that did City so proud a fortnight earlier at Valley Parade.

So Curtis Good got the nod at left back again with Carl McHugh keeping out latest arrival Michael Nelson in the middle of defence. Hanson was also back after resting his cracked little toe for the previous two games.

The noise level had been deafening as the teams emerged for battle, City's 6,500 travelling army holding their own against the home fans waving their free flags.

But for the first 45 minutes, there was no such balance on the pitch as the visitors spent the bulk of the opening half under the cosh.

Christian Benteke had the opening chances in the first game and he was in the thick of it once more as Villa hunted an early goal to puncture the underdogs' belief. One header dropped wide, another was flicked over the bar by right back Matt Lowton.

Rory McArdle twice came to City's rescue, first with a goal-saving interception from Benteke then another lunge to block Gabriel Agbonlahor. Fabian Delph drove over the bar, then Duke saved low from Agbonlahor.

Apart from one misdirected header from Hanson, it was wall-to-wall Villa.

They had failed to score in four of the previoushome games but Lambert's wish for an early breakthrough was granted at the midway point of the half. Joe Bennett, who'd had such a miserable night in West Yorkshire, floated a pass from the left which Benteke dispatched past Duke with a smart volley.

"We've done it before and we'll do it again!" crowed the Villa fans, rekindling memories of their successful fightback from the same first-leg deficit against Tranmere 19 years earlier.

Stephen Ireland immediately thought he had doubled the lead but the offside flag was already up. But still City could not get out of their own half.

Duke, the hero first time out, had to be on his toes to deal with Charles N'Zogbia's screamer. Then he stretched again to tip over from Ireland.

City could not hold on to the ball and Benteke rose above two defenders to nod just wide, much to the Belgian's frustration.

Nahki Wells responded with a curler that didn't curl enough but City finished the half glad to get off for a breather. Villa's 72 per cent domination of possession had said it all.

The second period began in identical fashion, with Villa pouring forward and City's front two left to feed off scraps.

But every game, however seemingly one-sided, tends to throw up one decent chance. And how the Bantams grabbed it after 54 minutes.

Finally winning their first corner, they immediately got another and Gary Jones put the ball on Hanson's head for a bullet finish as emphatic as the two scored in the first leg.

Villa's Achilles heel, defending corners, had been exposed again as the fans above that end descended into bedlam. What a time for Hanson to net his first goal for ten games.

The confidence surged through the visitors as Wells swung and missed at Stephen Darby's cross and Zavon Hines forced a save from Shay Given.

And Hanson should have had another from a pinpoint cross by Hines but failed to get enough on his header.

Lambert threw on Darren Bent and Andreas Weimann, two more strikers, but the whole feel of the night had changed on one moment.

Now it was City playing with swagger and verve, rediscovering that "in your face" refusal to kow-tow to supposedly superior opposition. Wigan and Arsenal had been brushed aside; now it was Villa's turn.

Garry Thompson, twice a scorer in City's cup odyssey, replaced the tiring Hines – and met Darby's cross with a first-time effort that rattled Given's bar.

Weimann made it interesting, unnecessarily so, with a Villa second a minute from the end of the 90. But City negotiated the excruciating agony of the four added minutes without too much alarm.

The team that were 1,500-1 no hopers at the start of this competition had become the first name in the final. The best trip is yet to come ...

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

BANTAMS SET TO REAP REWARDS OF STUNNING LEAGUE CUP RUN

Bradford City's historic appearance in the League Cup final on February 24
will earn the fourth-tier side around £1 million in gate receipts and
television cash.

Each finalist will receive 45 per cent of the gate receipts from Wembley
Stadium, the Football League have confirmed, though only the winner can
claim a place in the Europa League.

City's players will split around £250,000 of the gate receipts in bonuses
but the rest will go toward helping the Bantams in their efforts to regain
their former heights.

Joint chairman Mark Lawn said: "The money means that if we don't get
promotion this year then hopefully we can keep this side together.

"Of course we are hoping to get promotion as well and maybe getting to the
final will instill some more belief into the players."

The income will also allow Bradford to go on a winter training break to
Tenerife, taking the players away from their usual training ground at
Apperley Bridge, which is currently under two inches of snow.

Lawn added: "It is such a great achievement to get to Wembley."

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

Monday, January 21, 2013

JPT-N-SF L1-4 (A) Crewe Alexandra Tuesday January 15, 2013. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

L2 L1-2 (H) Oxford Saturday January 12, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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

CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN

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

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Injuries
Andrew Davies, knee, Out 4 months (from Nov 1st)
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
James Meredith, glandular fever, being monitored

Signings
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/article/dickson-joins-on-loan-590637.aspx

Phil Parkinson turns down chance to talk to Blackpool (Sky Sports Friday)

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

Match Media & Stats

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

Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)

"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html

BBC highlights (uk only)

Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=345301&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

Bradford City: Duke, Darby, McArdle, McHugh, Dickson, Hines (Turgott 63), G Jones, Doyle, Atkinson (Reid 63), Gray, Wells (Connell 79). Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Ravenhill, R Jones, Good.

Oxford United: Brown, Raynes, Duberry, Wright, Potter, Batt, Davis, Montrose, Rigg, Richards, Leven. Unused substitutes: Crocombe, Heslop, Capaldi, Worley, O'Brien, Parker, Craddock.

Referee: J Simpson (Lancashire).

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

Final whistle - match report

Bradford City: Cup heroes' league form takes worrying nosedive

7:50am Monday 14th January 2013

By Simon Parker

Bradford City 1 Oxford United 2

Jekyll and Hyde January goes on for the Bantams.

The first month of 2013 could go down in folklore with the club on the brink of their first cup final appearance in over a century.

It could also be looked back on as the hole in the road where the promotion bandwagon came a cropper.

The ultimate near-miss campaign or one that will be fondly talked about with the grand kids? City's season – as exciting and exhilarating as it has been at times – could still tip either way.

City are not the only member of the pacesetting bunch to suffer an attack of the collywobbles. Southend and Fleetwood, who share 40 points with them, have also come off the tracks in the last couple of weeks.

So while the focus remains on catching those in front, all of a sudden there are a stampede of mid-table clubs snapping at the heels.

Oxford's win was their fourth straight – hauling in an 11-point deficit on the Bantams during that time. They have a game in hand to ease past, as do Northampton.

City may still be only goal difference outside of the play-offs but most of the division, right down to 16th-placed Torquay who have played two games less, have realistic designs on closing that gap.

And where do the Bantams – who have slipped to their lowest league position since early September – go next? Ah yes, leaders Port Vale on Saturday.

Before then there is the obligatory midweeker with the JPT northern area semi-final at Crewe. Another route, possibly more realistic, to Wembley beckons, with only Coventry standing between the winners and the national stadium.

But given the wintry conditions kicking in, it would not be a bad thing if the Gresty Road clash was iced off. A chance to clear heads still clouded by Aston Villa and rest limbs wearied by the punishing programme.

Phil Parkinson, whose own future is now top of the agenda after the Blackpool interest was confirmed, gave James Hanson a much-needed breather on Saturday. The big man has been playing through a toe injury because there was simply nobody to take his place.

Andy Gray's arrival remedied that and he was thrown straight in for his second coming as a Bantam. Unfortunately, nobody told his team-mates, who proceeded to deliver the usual aerial diet of passes that Hanson feeds off.

Gray is a different type of targetman and while he demonstrated some neat hold-up play on occasions, he could not replicate Hanson's power at dominating centre halves. The hopeful punts upfield proved meat and drink for Michael Duberry and one-time Bingley Grammar School pupil Jake Wright.

City's other new face, left back Ryan Dickson, had another uncomfortable debut. The Southampton man seemed to be trying a bit too hard to impress but , just like Gray, will clearly make an impact as he settles in.

In fact, it was an afternoon which few will look back on with any fondness. After the Lord Mayor's show of Tuesday night, Saturday's performance left the crowd as cold as the bitter easterly wind.

The notable exceptions were at the back, not surprising considering that Oxford out-shot their hosts ten to two with efforts on target.

Carl McHugh has had a remarkable time since his first appearance as a raw trialist in his native Ireland last summer. The maturity and composure in his play is incredible for a lad who has only just passed double figure in first-team starts.

He has not been fazed by any Premier League opponent – and there was no hint of any comedown from the frenzy of scoring the third goal against Villa. He delivered another rock-solid display at the heart of the defence, topping it all off with an acrobatic clearance off the line to thwart Alfie Potter's header.

But once again the star performer in the City ranks was keeper Matt Duke. Having defied pretty much everything that Villa threw at him, Duke was just as commanding and confident against League Two's form team.

It was only thanks to Duke that City got within touching distance of grinding out a point. He pulled off important saves from Sean Rigg and Lewis Montrose and an absolute belter just before half-time at his near post to deny a disbelieving Potter.

As City disputed the victory-clinching penalty, Oxford could point to those chances, the one off the line and a point-blank Rigg header that came down off the underside of the bar.

Nobody would dispute Chris Wilder's claim that the visitors had dominated the second half, even if it took until the 89th minute to make the breakthrough.

The bobbly pitch did not make for the free-flowing football that had carved open Villa but City also never got to grips with Oxford's 3-4-3 set-up.

The widemen constantly found themselves pushed back by the blue-shirted wingbacks Damien Batt and Liam Davis.

Zavon Hines had to make more tackles in an hour than he'd probably expect all season. He stuck at it doggedly but you don't want to see a potential match-winner having to track back into his own half all the time, especially at home.

There was no more joy for Will Atkinson or the second-half replacements Kyel Reid and Blair Turgott. Not once did any of them manage to isolate a defender one-on-one around the Oxford penalty area.

Yet City had still struck the first blow after a comical miscommunication between Duberry and Oxford keeper Wayne Brown.

Duberry thought he was heading the ball back to Brown; instead he nodded it firmly past him and Nahki Wells turned on the turbo to divert it into the gaping net from an acute angle.

His 17th goal of the season did come at a cost as he clattered into an advertising board and cut open his knee – which could well spare him Johnstone's Paint duties.

But Oxford were level within a few minutes thanks to a stunning strike from Rigg. Potter's cross was half-cleared by Dickson and the former Port Vale man met it with a sweet left foot from the edge of the box.

The winner came in contentious circumstances with City sure that Stephen Darby had got a toe on the ball before Potter went tumbling.

It was hard to tell from the TV angle but looked more of a penalty than the blatant dive which earned the one that beat Villa at the weekend.

Referee Jeremy Simpson, chalk and cheese compared with Howard Webb, was sure. Given his poor performance in the previous 89 minutes, nobody in claret and amber was remotely convinced.

Peter Leven, a one-time City trialist and Peter Jackson target, left no doubt about the spot-kick. Deep down there was no doubt that the right team had won either.

"It's getting tight but when you don't win for four games you expect to be dropping out of it," admitted Parkinson. "We've got to pick ourselves up and we will do.

"Dukey made some tremendous saves again and it wasn't a day when we had loads of chances."

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

PARKY PLAYS DOWN CONTRACT TALKS

Bradford City boss Phil Parkinson insisted he was determined to stay at
Valley Parade following his side's 2-1 home loss to Oxford.

Parkinson, whose two-year contract at Valley Parade is up at the end of the
season, is in talks with the club's board about a new deal and turned down
the chance of becoming Blackpool's manager on Thursday night following the
departure from Bloomfield Road of Michael Appleton.

The 45-year-old said: "I'm happy here. Bradford is a really good club with a
lot of potential to keep improving and that's it."

Parkinson added: "I didn't want to detract from the contract talks and what
we are trying to do here. That is in the background and will take care of
itself."

The Bradford boss was speaking after his side were brought back down to
earth by Oxford with a last-minute penalty four days after beating Aston
Villa at home in the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg.

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

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2013/jan/09/bradford-city-giantkillers

Where do Bradford City rate in the history of football's giantkillers?

Bradford City of League Two have now beaten more Premier League teams this season than QPR – but they are a rarity as a David-slaying-Goliath story these days

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

Bradford City fears for Meredith

1:10pm Monday 14th January 2013

By Simon Parker

James Meredith is suffering from glandular fever, Phil Parkinson revealed this afternoon.

And the City boss fears the left back, one of the best performers of the campaign, could possibly miss the rest of the season.

Meredith spent the weekend in hospital and Parkinson admitted: "We don't know how severe a strain it is, whether he is out for the season or just a few weeks.

"We're waiting to hear from the doctor but he's been in hospital because he is very ill."

Ryan Dickson arrived last week on loan from Southampton as cover.

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

Bradford City chief Baldwin on American recruitment drive

9:00am Tuesday 15th January 2013

By Simon Parker

Nahki Wells continues to fill the rumours section of every national newspaper but the search goes on for another just like him.

David Baldwin flew out to Florida yesterday for the annual NCAA football conference, rubbing shoulders with 10,000 US coaches to discuss the potential future talent from America and the Caribbean.

City's director of operations is there in his role in charge of the RIASA university programme – but very much with the Bantams in mind. The club get first pick of any players that come through their system.

Baldwin said: "It's the main source of networking and recruitment for the RIASA programme.

"The connections we are making now are for September and next year. I have various meetings set up with academies that have got 16 to 18-year-olds in. We are a potential outlet for them as an education centre in the UK and also a shop window for Bradford City.

"We've already got 57 players in the programme now, of which three have dual nationality. Two of them are showing really promising signs to be introduced to the club. They are probably about 18 months behind what Nahki was when he first arrived in the UK under the RIASA programme.

"But the likes of John Hendrie and Mark Ellis are deconstructing some of their bad habits first and then working with them because you want to present them at the right time for the club."

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

Friday, January 11, 2013

CC SF1 W3-1 (H) Aston Villa Tuesday January 8, 2013. K.O. 7:45PM. #bcafc

League Cup Semi Final (1st Leg)
Bradford C (1) 3 Wells 18, McArdle 77, McHugh 88.
Aston Villa (0) 1 Weimann 82.
Att: 22,245

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

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN

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

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Injuries
Andrew Davies, knee, Out 4 months (from Nov 1st)
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season

Signed
Andy Gray has signed an 18 month contract subject to the football league ratifying the cancellation of his contract with L***s
Ryan Dickson, defender, Southampton, on loan until the end of the season. (Not cup tied)

Gone
Ross Hannah, Grimsby Town, undisclosed fee.

Fact
Bid for Swindons Aden Flint rejected

Rumours
From the T&A comments section that City have also signed Jamie Vardy from Leicester.
Daily Mail: Blackpool want Parkinson
Fee for Hannah was £55,000

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

Match Media & Stats

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

Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)

"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html

BBC highlights (uk only)

Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=358612&lang=EN&wjb=

Stats:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20880586
Possession: 47 - 53%
Shots on target: 20 - 18
Shots off target: 12 - 13
Fouls: 7 - 10
Corners: 8 - 9

Bradford City: Duke; Darby, McArdle, McHugh, Good; Hines (Turgott 66), G Jones, Doyle, Atkinson; Hanson, Wells. Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Ravenhill, Reid, R Jones, Hannah, Connell.

Aston Villa: Given; Lowton, Baker, Clark, Bennett; Delph, Bannan, N'Zogbia; Agbonlahor (Bent 57 (Burke 85) ); Benteke, Weimann. Unused substitutes: Guzan, Ireland, Stevens, Lichaj, Carruthers.

Referee: H Webb (Rotherham).Yellow cards:
Bradford C: McHugh (88 min.)
Aston Villa: N'Zogbia (60'), Delph (77').

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

Game Preview Articles

Shay Given remembers the start of his career at Bradford City
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/aston-villa-keeper-shay-given-419934

Benito Carbone reveals the incredible financial sacrifice he made
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2258624/Benito-Carbone-interview-Former-Bradford-Aston-Villa-striker-looks-eventful-career-England.html

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

Final whistle - match reports from around the web

The goals
1-0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83UYO7aRiGw
2-0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yq9lIM_XrPM
3-1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGmgqU77r38

Phil on t'telly
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/match-reaction/280791/parkinson-win-was-best-yet
from
http://www1.skysports.com/football/gallery/12738/8386557/bradford-v-aston-villa
(Includes 12 picture match gallery)

Pick of the best
http://www.twohundredpercent.net/?p=21577
http://www.astonvilla.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchrep.asp?a=7514269

The rest
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20880586
http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-city/capital-one-cup-bradford-city-3-aston-villa-1-1-5292610
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-city/picture-gallery-bradford-fill-the-city-with-pride-and-put-wembley-tantalisingly-in-sight-1-5293403
(UEFA site is likely to change)
http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/news/newsid=1910732.html
http://www.soccerway.com/news/2013/January/08/league-cup-bradford-city-3-aston-villa-1/
http://www.thesportreview.com/tsr/2013/01/bradford-3-aston-villa-1-paul-lambert/
http://www.royalgazette.com/article/20130109/SPORT01/701099961

http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/bradford-3-aston-villa-1-460334
http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/story/2013/01/08/sp-soccer-epl-league-cup-bradford-aston-villa.html?cmp=rss

Same AP & PA article reproduced on various sites
http://www.tsn.ca/soccer/story/?id=413082
http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=1982232.html
http://www.sportal.com.au/football-news-display/brilliant-bradford-stun-villa-216824
http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/50093070/ns/sports-soccer/

Report by Ross Heppenstall (T&A)

Matt Duke's heroics and goals from Nahki Wells, Rory McArdle and Carl McHugh
gave City an amazing victory in tonight's Capital One Cup semi-final first
leg.

Bantams goalkeeper Duke was outstanding throughout and made numerous fine
saves to keep Paul Lambert's men at bay at a raucous Valley Parade.

Wells' clinical finish from close range had put City in front in the 18th
minute and McArdle headed a second with 13 minutes remaining.

Villa fashioned several chances throughout but Duke enjoyed a brilliant
match to keep them at bay until Andreas Weimann pulled a goal back in the
83rd minute.

That came moments after James Hanson headed against the crossbar but City
had the final say when McHugh's planted a firm header past Shay Given for a
potentially process third.

It means City have a huge chance of seeing off Villa in the second leg in a
fortnight's time as they bid to reach the final at Wembley on February 24,
where they would face Swansea or Chelsea.

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

When the dust settled - match report

The trip so far
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/bradford-city/9790396/Bradford-Citys-Capital-One-Cup-success-against-Aston-Villa-stirs-the-emotions-and-brings-community-together.html

The Stuff That Dreams are made of
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10148082.This_is_the_stuff_that_dreams_are_made_of_for_Bradford_City/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10148084.Wells_on_the_mark_as_Bradford_City_defy_odds_again/
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10148086.Bradford_City_keeper_Duke_becomes_a_king_as_he_rules_supreme/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/9793689/Football-grounds-arent-full-of-old-white-men-after-all-....html
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/bradford-city/villa-victory-better-than-arsenal-win-1-5298226
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/bradford-league-cup-hero-matt-1526581

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10148085.Result_will_send_shockwaves_right_round_the_world__says_stunned_Bradford_City_chairman/

Result will send shockwaves right round the world, says stunned Bradford City chairman

7:50am Wednesday 9th January 2013

By Simon Parker

City basked in the glory of another incredible night of Capital One Cup giant-killing but were then warned: We're not at Wembley yet.

Aston Villa went the way of Wigan and Arsenal as Phil Parkinson's warriors claimed a third Premier League scalp at a euphoric Valley Parade.

The 3-1 win gives them a real shout of seeing the job through at Villa Park on January 22 – and becoming the first fourth-tier team in the competition's 53-year history to reach a Wembley final.

Elated joint-chairman Mark Lawn said: "In my wildest dreams, I would have taken a 1-1 draw just to stay in it. I'm just stunned.

"That result is going to send shockwaves right round the world.

"It's an incredible effort from the team and the backroom staff who have kept them fit. That's a big well done to fitness coach Nick Allamby.

"We've played 38 games now – more than anyone – and you've got old man Jonesy (Gary Jones) running round like a spring chicken.

"But we've got to remember that Villa are a Premier League side and they can easily score three goals at home. We're going to have to work our socks off – but there's no saying we can't."

Nahki Wells fired City in front in the first half and Rory McArdle doubled the lead. Andreas Weimann's late strike seemed to put Villa back in control of the tie before Carl McHugh sealed an unforgettable night with a third home goal.

Parkinson insisted the Bantams are still underdogs heading into the away leg.

He said: "Villa are going to be favourites and massively fancied to turn us over. But equally we can go there and make sure that if they are going to get to Wembley, they'll really have to earn it.

"When we saw the Villa team sheet it was almost a statement that they wanted to win the tie straight off. They really went for it.

"But when we got the ball, some of our football was absolutely outstanding. Everyone will mention the set-play delivery but some of the passing was great.

"There was a calmness in the way we played and I thought Gary Jones was back to his best."

Matt Duke was in superb form with a string of saves to keep out Christian Benteke and Gabriel Agbonlahor. And Parkinson hailed the efforts of rookie defenders McHugh and Curtis Good.

"We had two 19-year-olds at the back and Curtis was playing out of position (at left back). That will almost go unnoticed but for two such young players, my goodness me, they were tremendous.

"We couldn't quite believe it when Carl got that third goal. It makes it a great night in two weeks' time.

"The media spotlight will be on us even more now because we've given ourselves a chance. We've got to relish that."

Parkinson is closing in on City's first signing of the transfer window, thought to be a striker. And he felt last night's victory was a great advert for the club.

"We're working on something and getting closer," he said. "Potential signings watching us and seeing performances like that with the big crowd and the atmosphere will want to be a part of it."

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

In short

City's allocation of Villa SF2 tickets are sold out!

Will Villa fans show up?
http://www.myoldmansaid.com/villa-park-heading-low-semifinal-attendance/

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

City win award for Villa victory

The Bantams have been awarded the F&C Investments Performance of the Week Award for their stunning victory over Aston Villa in their Capital One Cup Semi-Final First Leg.

The League Managers Association five-man Performance of the Week panel, comprising LMA Chairman Howard Wilkinson, Sir Alex Ferguson, Joe Royle, Dave Bassett and Barry Fry, were in agreement that this week, the award should go to Phil Parkinson's men following their excellent 3-1 home win against Villa this Tuesday.

Parkinson will receive a specially engraved crystal football in a presentation to commemorate the award.

The award is the Bantams' first F&C Investments Performance of the Week Award of the season, with a remarkable display to establish a noticeable advantage going into the second leg at Villa Park.

The Bantam's fantastic run in this season's Capital One Cup continued into the semi-final first-leg beating Barclays Premier League side, Aston Villa who are 60 places above the League Two club.

Goals from Nahki Wells, Rory McArdle and Carl McHugh on the night ensure Bradford have the advantage going into the second-leg at Villa Park.

After the match, Parkinson was delighted with the performance and result, stating this was a superior achievement to the Arsenal triumph in the last round;"Against Arsenal it was a great night for us but it was an all-round performance tonight.

"Villa played a really attacking team and we had to defend really well. Equally, they left a lot of space on the pitch for us to play and it was important our quality players played with calmness on the ball and they certainly did that."

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

Monday, January 07, 2013

L2 L0-2 (A) Barnet Saturday January 5, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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

CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN

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

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Injuries
Andrew Davies, knee, Out 4 months (from Nov 1st)
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season

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

Match Media & Stats

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

Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)

"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html

BBC highlights (uk only)

Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=345288&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=
===========================

Final whistle - match report

Wembley a long way away for Bradford City on current form

6:20am Monday 7th January 2013

By Simon Parker

Barnet 2, City 0

Aston Villa's spy report from Underhill will have carried one straight-forward message: "Don't worry about letting this lot shoot."

For an exercise in lulling the Premier Leaguers into a false sense of security, Saturday was a master class.

Those half-season tickets at Villa Park that have been guaranteeing a ticket at Wembley don't look remotely presumptuous if this was anything to go by.

Only ten miles separate Barnet from the national stadium – and that's as close as the Bantams will be getting if they prove as lackadaisical and negligent in front of goal in the Capital One Cup semi-finals as they did in this one.

It should not have been like this. City had enough of the ball to have put the game out of sight. But they have worryingly left their scoring boots in 2012.

Successive blanks on the road against Morecambe and Barnet are not cause for major meltdown but they have highlighted the need to bring in fresh impetus up front.

No wonder Phil Parkinson is pulling out all the stops to bring someone in as soon as possible.

He was hopeful of introducing a mystery striker for the weekend and thought a deal was done. Unfortunately the player's club decided otherwise and that one remains in the pending tray.

But as the management keep saying, City do need the lift that reinforcements can provide at this time of the season.

They should have beaten Barnet at a canter. No doubt six weeks ago they would have done so. Chance after chance was created – and wasted.

The party line remains that the cup has not distracted their league focus but recent results do not back that up.

City had carried on merrily before the Arsenal game, perhaps because there was such a long gap between the draw and the quarter-final itself.

This time around it's been very different. The short turn-around from last eight to last four has produced just a point a game from the five matches.

Fatigue caught up with them in stoppage time at Southend but subsequent results have been stodgy.

For the first time in three months, City find themselves beneath the play-off line. Nothing more than a mid-term blip hopefully but psychologically not what you want to take into Villa part one.

The cup tie has probably come at the right time, given the stuttering run of late. Another chance to relax, enjoy the spotlight and get it out of the system.

I may sound like a curmudgeon but let's savour the moment and then move on. In the grand scheme of things, Oxford next Saturday should be the priority of the home double header.

It won't, of course, but there is no greater need right now than three points to right the ship once more.

City cannot afford to become so wrapped up in their giant-killing odyssey that the league is downgraded. They have come too far this season to let things drift.

The tone on Saturday had been set by James Hanson inside the first three minutes when he screwed a shot across goal after being picked out by Ritchie Jones. One opportunity gone, 20 more to follow.

Barnet, on the other hand, created nothing – for the first 42 minutes at least – but then they scored.

Jones was hustled off the ball by Elliot Johnson and the left back's cross was tapped home by Taiwo Atieno, the lone striker in the home side's bizarre Christmas tree formation.

City looked visibly sick as they traipsed off at the interval, losing a contest they had controlled.

Parkinson brought on Kyel Reid for Jones for the second half, abandoning the diamond shape that he had kept from New Year's Day.

But any impetus was immediately sucked out of them as Ricky Holmes picked Rory McArdle's pocket to set up John Oster for a quickfire Barnet second.

City's pink-white-pink look could not disguise the ashen faces, nor the realisation that their afternoon was going downhill more dramatically than Underhill's infamous slope.

Yet more chances came; yet more chances went.

James Hanson was adamant there was nothing wrong with his header 15 minutes from time that would have given them a fighting chance of recovering something.

With only one league goal since September, nobody is more in need of seeing their name on the scoresheet. But the offside flag immediately killed any celebrations.

So his personal drought stretches to one goal in 18 games and the Hanson bashers are fed with more ammunition.

It is an easy stick to beat the big man with but others were equally as guilty of shooting without due care and attention.

Nahki Wells was trying too hard in front of goal, as if the transfer window hype was clouding his head. And the fear many had that when the Bermudian dried up, so would the team is proving worryingly accurate.

Gary Jones, again starting in that advance role behind the front two, pulled the trigger at every opportunity. But his scattergun approach forced only one genuinely testing save from Barnet keeper Graham Stack.

Reid threatened the corner flag more than the home net with one particularly wayward swipe, before Alan Connell saved the worst miss until last, snatching a half-volley over the bar from five yards after Hanson appeared to get a clear shove in the back that went unpunished.

"We were too hurried in our shooting and decision-making," admitted a hugely-frustrated Parkinson afterwards. "It was almost like we wanted it too much.

"How many great saves has their keeper had to make? Not many, he's just had comfortable ones.

"We've got into so many great positions and had chances and it's got to be a concern.

"But you have periods in the season when it doesn't go your way. You've just got to keep going, keep doing the right things and, when the chances come, you've got to be calm.

"We've got players who can score goals but it's just not happening at the moment."

Attendance: 2,317

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

From the Official BCFC website:

JPT AWARD FOR CITY

Bradford City's stunning run in knockout football in 2012-13 has earned the
club another award.

The Bantams' 2-0 victory at npower League 2 rivals Port Vale in December
ensured Phil Parkinson's side claimed the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern
Section Team of the Round prize for the Area Quarter-Finals.

Goals from Ritchie Jones and Craig Forsyth were enough to earn the Yorkshire
club - who have, of course, also embarked on a sensational run to reach the
semi-finals of the Capital One Cup this season - the nomination.

Leyton Orient caught the eye of the adjudication panel to claim the Southern
Section award courtesy of a 3-0 victory at Northampton.

"With the prospect of a Wembley final getting closer all the time, the
stakes are getting higher and there were a lot of good performances from the
teams that progressed," said Ben Wilde, Johnstone's Paint Brand and
Sponsorship Manager.

"But the results of both Bradford and Leyton Orient were eye-catching and
they are worthy recipients of the awards."

Parkinson's side aim to stay on the road to Wembley when they head to Crewe
Alexandra in the Northern Area Semi-Finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy
on Tuesday, January 15.

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

Villa build up

Bradford City vs Aston Villa build up: David Baldwin on the club's planning « The Width of a Post
http://widthofapost.com/2013/01/06/bradford-city-vs-aston-villa-build-up-david-baldwin-on-the-clubs-planning/

Ian Ormondroyd has a foot in both camps
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10141855.Ormondroyd_has_a_foot_in_both_camps_ahead_of_Bradford_City_v_Aston_Villa_clash/

City victory will help to exorcise ghosts of '88, says Hendrie
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10144802.City_victory_will_help_to_exorcise_ghosts_of____88__says_Hendrie/

Bantams chief Mark Lawn takes shot at Bradford Council
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10141891.Bantams_chief_takes_shot_at_Bradford_Council/
===========================

Thursday, January 03, 2013

L2 D0-0 (A) Morecambe Tuesday January 1, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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

CFML Daily News
http://paper.li/f-1315926867

Current table
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/live/tables/cc_league2.html

Fixtures
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/Fixtures/0,,10266,00.html
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/clubhouse?teamId=387&lang=EN

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

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Injuries
Andrew Davies, knee, Out 4 months (from Nov 1st)
Luke Oliver, Achillies, out for the 2012/13 season
Garry Thompson, knee, out 7-10 days

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

Match Media & Stats

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

Pictures
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_pics2012/
(The T&A picture link will dfault to the last match for which pictures are available)

"Last Match" Highlights on Bantams Player
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/player/LastMatch/0,,10266~1612005~36,00.html

BBC highlights (uk only)

Match stats
http://www.soccerbase.com/teams/team.sd?team_id=234#teamTabs=results
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=345278&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

Morecambe: Roche; Parrish, Fenton, McCready, Wright; Drummond (Threlfall 57), MacDonald; Allessandro, Redshaw (Reid 84), Ellison; Burrow (Brodie 67). Unused substitutes: Arestidou, Haining, Parkinson, McGee.

Bradford City: Duke; Darby, McArdle, Doyle, Meredith (Good 46); R Jones, Ravenhill, Atkinson; G Jones (Reid 73); Hines (Wells 46), Hanson. Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Connell, Naylor, Turgott.

Referee: R Lewis (Shropshire).

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

Final whistle - match report

Bradford City coast it but point is scant reward

8:10am Wednesday 2nd January 2013

By Simon Parker

Morecambe 0 Bradford City 0

The journey home from the west coast of Lancashire has often been a frustrating one for City fans.

They turn up at Bradford-by-the-sea in their hordes but the results have rarely matched the hype and expectation.

There have been notable exceptions in the last couple of years but yesterday afternoon's trip to the Globe Arena resorted to type.

An extremely comfortable goalless draw? More like a blown opportunity for an away win to propel them towards the automatic promotion slots.

In a game that took a long time to come to the boil, nobody will feel more frustrated than James Hanson, who missed the biggest and juiciest chance of the lot late on.

It was the sort of header from close range that the big man would fancy scoring with his eyes shut.

The fact that he didn't put it away tempered Phil Parkinson's reaction to a generally solid response to the Rochdale setback.

Parkinson was keen to make sure a bad day at the office did not turn into a bad week. Had Hanson sunk that header, it would have been a very good one – especially with some of the scores elsewhere.

After being exposed in midfield by Rochdale's extra numbers, Parkinson had changed tack against a Morecambe side playing a similar way.

Ricky Ravenhill and Ritchie Jones were restored to fill the middle alongside Will Atkinson, while Gary Jones was pushed further forward to play behind the front two. Nathan Doyle also stayed in but dropped back to centre half in place of Tom Naylor.

The intent to tighten it up was clear after the shock of leaking four before half-time on Saturday.

City saw off three early Morecambe corners and then threatened on the break from the third. Ritchie Jones pulled away on the right before cutting back to namesake Gary but the skipper's shot was blocked on the edge of the box.

It was a bitty opening on another wet and heavy surface and the large City following amused themselves by baiting Kevin Ellison and singing about Wembley.

There was little incident to entertain, with neither side enjoying a clear sight of goal in the first 25 minutes. The game was getting clogged up in midfield and nobody was getting any time to dwell in possession.

Ravenhill and Zavon Hines combined to try to set up Atkinson but his tepid effort went nowhere.

Morecambe finally mustered a first shot of their own in the 36th minute – and that was worse as Stewart Drummond's volley from a half-cleared free-kick flew high over the away stand.

City responded with their second corner and at last a genuine chance as keeper Barry Roche blocked Hanson's downward header from ten yards out with his left knee.

The boggy surface made decent football difficult, with the ball bobbling up unexpectedly in the rutted parts of the pitch.

City were not unduly worried with Doyle slipping effortlessly into his back-four duties. But the Hanson header apart, the visitors had not tested Morecambe's defence much either.

It could not have been a bigger contrast to the first-half goal-fest at the weekend but far less painful viewing for Parkinson.

The City chief made two changes for the second half, with Nahki Wells and Curtis Good, both back from their illnesses, coming on for Hines and James Meredith.

The sight of Wells stoked up the City fans and introduced an immediate edge on the pitch.

Atkinson whipped a cross along the six-yard box, then Ellison hurriedly gave away a corner under pressure. Rory McArdle met it with a well-placed header but Roche pulled off an excellent save to turn behind.

It was much better from City and Wells fired in an inviting cross that was begging for somebody to touch home. No wonder Parkinson aimed a punch at the floor in frustration.

Robbie Threlfall came on to face his former club after an injury to Drummond. It was almost a year since his last appearance in a City shirt in the FA Cup defeat at Watford.

Still the visitors were trying to ask the questions against the backdrop of a constant din from their army behind the Morecambe goal.

City had to be on the their toes as Ellison's attempted shot fell kindly for Jack Redshaw, who drove wide on the turn. And Jordan Burrow was not far off reaching a dangerous cross by Lewis Alessandra.

There was a scramble in the Morecambe penalty area and Stephen Darby had a shot blocked on the line but the right back was flagged offside.

As Kyel Reid stripped for action on the sidelines, Wells used the wind to force another save from Roche from 25 yards out.

Reid then replaced Gary Jones as City reverted to a more conventional 4-4-2 for a final 15-minute push.

Redshaw's flick header was deflected wide but City looked to break from the Morecambe corner until Wells was levelled by Threlfall, who got a yellow card and a loud jeer from the away end.

Reid's free-kick eluded everybody rushing in at the far post but the winger was soon back on the ball, only to be upended by Andy Parrish.

The free-kick, level with the Morecambe box, should have produced a breakthrough as Reid found Hanson unmarked right in front of goal.

But the striker's header was poor and lacked power, allowing a relieved Roche to save comfortably. It was a gilt-edged chance that should have been buried.

Sub Richard Brodie nodded over for Morecambe as the contest continued to liven up but it was a rare excursion over halfway.

Play was camped in home territory, with Reid the victim of two more fouls by Parrish to maintain the pressure. Another decent free-kick picked out Good's head but the youngster got too much on it from eight yards out.

Andrew Wright got a booking as Morecambe battled to hang on and Doyle joined him for a stoppage-time foul on Brodie.

But the relief among the home supporters that greeted the final whistle told the story. City will be kicking themselves.

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WYCOMBE v BRADFORD C NOW TUESDAY 12 FEBRUARY

Wanderers' npower League 2 fixture with Bradford City at Adams Park has been
rearranged for Tuesday 12th February 2013 (K.O. 7.45pm).

The original game – which was set to take place on Saturday 22nd December –
was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Platinum Members will receive entry to the rearranged fixture and the match
will automatically be uploaded to their cards.

Gold/Silver/Bronze Members who chose to include the Bradford City fixture in
their package should contact the ticket office on 01494 441118.

Paper tickets remain valid for the rearranged game, while those fans who
can't make the new date can exchange their ticket for an alternative home
league match in the 2012/13 season by calling 01494 441118.

Bradford City supporters should contact their club's ticket office.

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Barnet ticket details

09:55 2nd January 2013

City supporters can secure in advance tickets for this Saturday's (5 January 2013) npower League 2 fixture away at Barnet.
Match tickets for the Bantams' game at Underhill Stadium can be bought through Barnet themselves by either ringing their Ticket Office on 0208 4496325 or by going onto the online ticketing section of their official website.
To go through to Barnet's official online ticket section please click HERE
https://www.venuetoolbox.com/barnetfc/ASP/bookTickets.asp

City fans will have a choice of standing or seating sections at Underhill.
Subject to availability, entry into the ground will also be available on match-day.

Prices for the match will be:
North East Terrace (Standing)
Adults: £16.00
Concessions (over 60s, students, juniors 14-19 years old): £13.00
Juniors under 14: £9.00
Concession and junior prices will not be available on match-day.

Family Stand (Seating)
Adults: £17.00
Concessions (over 60s, students, juniors 14-19 years old): £13.00
Juniors under 14: £9.00
Family ticket (two adults, two under 19s): £30.00

This particular offer is not available on match-day.

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Webb to ref Villa first leg

07:10 3rd January 2013

Highly-experienced match official Howard Webb has been chosen to referee City's Capital One Cup Semi-Final First Leg clash with Premiership side Aston Villa next Tuesday.

Webb, who was given an MBE in 2011 for his services to football, is widely regarded as one of the top officials in the game at present and has been seen by many as England's leading referee for many seasons.

In 2010, the 41 year-old former police sergeant became the first referee to officiate in the UEFA Champions League final and FIFA World Cup final in the same year.

Before his appearance in the final, Webb had been refereeing Champions League matches since 2006.

Rotherham-born Webb, who has taken charge of games in the Premier League since 2003, has also acted as a match referee in the F.A Cup final, League Cup final and F.A Community Shield during his career in football.

The FIFA-listed referee has looked over matches at UEFA EURO 2008 and UEFA EURO 2012, plus countless other international fixtures, as well in the past.

Webb will be assisted on the night of City's home leg with Villa by Michael Mullarkey and Sian Massey, with Neil Swarbrick acting as fourth official.

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Bradford City to cash in from Green pro deal

7:40am Thursday 3rd January 2013

By Simon Parker

City will scoop another windfall after teenage prodigy George Green signed his first professional deal with Everton.

The Telegraph & Argus understands the Bantams will receive between £70,000 and £80,000 as part of the structured move which saw Green leave Valley Parade in October 2011.

It is the latest cash injection for the club, who could bank up to £1million from the two legs of the Capital One Cup semi-final against Aston Villa.

Similar to the deal involving Andre Wisdom at Liverpool, City are in line to get further payments when he plays for the first team and there are also clauses for a sell-on fee and any potential international appearances.

Green, who has only just turned 17, has already represented England at that age group and the Dewsbury-born midfielder is earning rave reviews at Goodison Park.

He has been training regularly with the senior squad and it is believed that he recently played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against Huddersfield.

Green has signed pro terms until the end of the 2014-15 season. He said: "As soon as I signed for Everton from Bradford, I was hoping I would get to a stage where I earned a pro contract. I've done that so it feels really good, to be honest.

"It's been much harder at Everton than I thought; a much tougher challenge. I'm playing with better players now and it's been really enjoyable."

Around 20 clubs were thought to be interested in Green, who caught the eye with a hat-trick during a trial match for Tottenham under-18s against Aston Villa.

Spurs were also very keen to sign him but he opted for Everton after meeting boss David Moyes and sampling the atmosphere of the Merseyside derby. The deal was expected to net City around £2million in total.