Coca-Cola League Two
Bradford C (1) Edwards og 21
Accrington (0) 1 Symes 56
Att: 11,176
Stats: Bradford C - Accrington
Possession: 48 - 52%
Shots on target: 5 - 8
Shots off target: 8 - 1
Fouls: 14 - 7
Corners: 9 - 4
Ref: Steven Cook (Surrey).
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Rehman 23 min, Bullock 57, O'Brien 71, Flynn 77.
Accrington: Procter 45, McConville 70, Grant 89.
Bradford C: 1. Simon Eastwood, 2. Simon Ramsden, 12. Steve Williams, 5. Zesh
Rehman, 3. Luke O'Brien, 4. Michael Flynn, 8. Lee Bullock, 17. James Hanson,
26. Scott Neilson (63), 11. Chris Brandon (68), 9. Gareth Evans.
SUBS: 13. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 6. Matthew Clarke, 14. Michael Boulding (68),
16. Jonathan Bateson, 18. Rory Boulding, 19. James O'Brien, 27. Simon Whaley
(63).
Accrington: 25. Ian Dunbavin, 26. Tom Lees, 5. Darran Kempson, 12. Phil
Edwards (90), 15. Dean Winnard, 17. Sean McConville, 14. James Ryan, 6.
Andrew Procter, 7. John Miles, 19. Michael Symes, 11. Robert Grant.
SUBS: 27. Josh Molloy (GK), 8. Luke Joyce, 9. Billy Kee (90), 18. John
Mullin, 20. Peter Murphy, 23. Chris King, 24. Gary King.
Next match: (A) Grimsby, Tuesday Nov. 24, 2009. K.O. 7:45PM.
Video
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8373326.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8374862.stm
===========================
EVANS PENALTY MISS COSTS BANTAMS VICTORY
By Mike Crowther (T&A)
Gareth Evans missed a penalty in the dying stages as City could only manage
a point at home to Accrington.
The spot-kick came in a frantic final five minutes which saw Michael
Boulding hit the post, Evans have a goal disallowed for handball and Simon
Eastwood make a vital save at the other end.
An own goal from Phil Edwards following Michael Flynn's cross had put the
Bantams in front after 20 minutes.
But City old boy Michael Symes equalised ten minutes after the break with a
smart left-foot finish from the edge of the box.
===========================
The Odsal debate
http://www.twohundredpercent.net/?p=2852
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/4753536.Stanley_survive_spot_of_bother_to_milk_City/
?ref=rss
Accrington becoming a bogey side for Bantams
6:30am Monday 23rd November 2009
By Mike Crowther
City 1, Accrington Stanley 1
No one at Valley Parade is likely to be quoting the "Accrington Stanley! Who are they?" line from that 1980s milk
advert that once belittled the Lancashire club.
It's more than 54 years since the Bantams last beat Saturday's opponents on their own patch. They may not have
played them many times during that period but this point made it two draws and a win for Stanley in the last three
seasons at the division's biggest ground.
The visitors may have been in the UniBond League when City were in the Premier League but they are a firmly
established League Two outfit now, as illustrated by a run of only one defeat in seven games and a place in the
Johnstone's Paint Trophy semi-finals.
But City need to be beating such sides at home if they are to be promotion contenders – and it looked like they
were going to when, with the score at 1-1, the assistant referee spotted a handball from Bobby Grant at a corner
with just two minutes to go.
However, having twice enjoyed penalty shoot-out success in the JP Trophy this season, this time there was penalty
pain.
Gareth Evans – who was not involved in either of those cup ties – struck his effort hard but just wide of the
right-hand post.
That's twice now that City have missed from the spot in open play this campaign, Michael Flynn having also failed
against Lincoln, and both times it has cost them points.
There was enough drama in a frantic final five minutes to satisfy the neutral for the whole game but that will mean
nothing to City fans, who were left to contemplate their fifth draw in eight league games.
After Evans had missed, Stanley broke on the counter-attack as Grant found himself clean through with the chance to
go from villain to hero but Simon Eastwood blocked his shot when he looked favourite to score.
It was the second vital save the on-loan youngster had made, having pushed a John Miles shot round the post earlier
in the half.
Play swung back to the other end as substitute Michael Boulding lashed a shot against the post and James Hanson
headed the rebound agonisingly wide.
There was more excitement to come as Evans thought he had redeemed himself when he blasted home from just inside
the box but the official blew for a handball from Boulding, a verdict the player admitted was a fair call.
It was one of the few occasions the City players, management and fans were in agreement with referee Steve Cook in
the second half, his decision-making having been mystifying to say the least.
City seemed to be on the wrong end of much of it, not least when Zesh Rehman appeared to be fouled by Grant before
he laid the ball off to Michael Symes for the equaliser after 55 minutes.
But take nothing away from the former City striker, whose clinical left-foot finish from the edge of the box capped
an impressive display.
On the balance of play, it was probably a deserved equaliser for a Stanley side who had started the better after
the interval, even though James Hanson0 had forced a point-blank save from Ian Dunbavin a minute earlier after good
work from Evans and Lee Bullock.
With the pitch – which had held up well following the purchase of special drainage equipment in midweek – starting
to cut up as the rain intensified, McCall brought on fresh legs as Simon Whaley replaced Scott Neilson for the
first game of his six-week loan spell from Norwich.
Along with the introduction of the razor-sharp Michael Boulding – who, based on this cameo, has finally seen off
the virus which has plagued him – the pair gave City fresh impetus.
Whaley almost made a dream start when he flashed a shot just wide of the far post and Simon Ramsden put Boulding
through, only for Dunbavin to save well again.
Then came that frenetic finale which no one would have predicted after a largely uneventful first half.
Neither goal had been threatened in a major way when City took the lead after 20 minutes. Ramsden played an
inviting ball down the right wing for Flynn, whose teasing cross into the box was missed by Hanson but defender
Phil Edwards inadvertently knocked it in.
The Bantams almost made it two five minutes before the break when a header from Evans was cleared off the line
following Luke O'Brien's dangerous corner.
City boss Stuart McCall reflected: "It's disappointing. We know we need to turn these draws into three points,
especially when you go a goal up at half-time.
"I am frustrated but after the penalty miss they went up the other end and had a one-on-one, so you could look at
it both ways. We could be sat here with no points or we could be sat here with three.
"I thought second half they came at us a bit more but I would honestly say a lot of that was down to some strange
refereeing decisions that were giving them free-kicks in certain areas which were putting us under pressure and on
the back foot. But we can't blame the referee for missing the penalty.
"The ref is a young lad and it's a tough job but I know they (Accrington) weren't happy with him coming in at
half-time. I'm sure they've given him a 'bit' and who's to know how that's affected him. But I just thought second
half, some of the decisions were incredible."
Attendance: 11,176
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4754673.Conlon_has_no_regrets_from_time_at_City/?ref=rss
Striker loved spell at Bradford but is ready to sink former club
4:20pm Monday 23rd November 2009
By Simon Parker
Barry Conlon insists he "absolutely loved" his two years in a City shirt.
The well-travelled Irishman is set to line up against his old club tomorrow night for the first time since he left
Valley Parade in March.
Conlon's Bantams career ended under a cloud when he was axed from a game alongside Matt Clarke for disciplinary
reasons. He was then loaned to Grimsby before making the move permanent in the summer.
But he still looks back fondly on his spell in West Yorkshire and feels no bitterness about the way it finished.
Conlon said: "I've seen Stuart McCall at a couple of our games since leaving Bradford and there's never been a
problem at all.
"I wasn't playing as much as I liked and was in and out of the team but I absolutely loved it there. I got on well
with the lads and I still get on fine with Stuart.
"There were no hard feelings when I left and it worked out well. I was playing week in week out again for Grimsby
and I was notching goals most weeks, which helped them stay up.
"They were really struggling when I first came in so to survive in the end was a big achievement."
Grimsby face a similar fight this season after being stuck with Darlington in the bottom two. Conlon has also
suffered his own frustration with two red cards, which have seen him suspended for SEVEN games already.
"It's been difficult to get any rhythm going, especially when I got sent off again in only my second game back," he
admitted.
"I've been on the bench recently while I get a couple of reserve games under my belt and hopefully I can get back
to having a regular run again."
Grimsby have picked up slightly in recent games with three successive draws but have not won since September 19.
Conlon said: "You know what it's like when you're stuck on a bad run. Nothing seems to go for you.
"The confidence in the changing room has been good but we've never really been able to pick from a full squad.
"We've had a lot of injuries and had a few suspensions and there are still lads out now. We are having to chop and
change all the time, which is never a good thing.
"But we played some decent football at Lincoln on Saturday, although we couldn't nick a goal. It was a bit of a
scrap but that's what you expect when you're down the bottom of the table.
"I came on for the last 20 minutes and I'm really hoping to be involved in some way against Bradford.
"With the manager situation sorted, everyone knows where they stand now for the rest of the season and we're
looking to kick on."
===========================
Simon Whaley will go straight into the City squad – with a score to
settle.
The 24-year-old Norwich winger was signing on loan today until January 2.
He has just finished a similar two-month spell with Rochdale, which
included a 2-1 home loss against tomorrow's opponents Accrington.
Whaley scored twice in nine appearances at Spot-land and Dale were keen
to extend his stay but claimed they could not afford to.
So City jumped in, with Stuart McCall
seeing Whaley as a useful weapon on either flank.
McCall said: "I'd put him in the Omar Daley and
Steve Jones category. He's right-footed but most of his success at
Preston in the past was on the left.
"He has got a good pedigree from playing a lot in the Championship and
at one stage there was talk of him going higher.
"Simon did really well at Rochdale and scored a terrific goal the other
week in their win at Bournemouth. He's comfortable on both sides and
hopefully he will be ideal for us."
Whaley left Preston for Norwich in the summer but found himself out of
favour with new boss Paul Lambert after the first six games.
His loan will take in the new-year home clash with Cheltenham but he is
cup-tied for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
Whaley's arrival increases City's options but McCall has a slight doubt
over Michael Flynn, who has been troubled by a tight thigh.
And jinxed Michael Boulding broke his nose on his return to training yesterday in a collision with
Steve Williams
McCall said: "All the blood tests have come back clear and hopefully the
virus is on the way out. But five minutes in he clashed with big Willo
head to nose.
"But at least you can just get on with it with a broken nose. It's not
like a cheekbone or jaw."
Accrington have won nine of their last 15 games despite huge off-field
problems.
They avoided a winding-up order last week by clearing a £308,000 unpaid
tax bill.
McCall said: "They've got a close-knit spirit which has been forged by
the trouble surrounding the club. They've had this threat hanging over
them and I think that has strengthened their resolve."
===========================
From the Official BCFC Website...
CARLISLE UNITED JPT DETAILS
Posted on: Thu 19 Nov 2009
Bradford City's Johnstone's Paint Trophy Area Semi-Final at Carlisle United
is now confirmed to take place on Tuesday 15 December 2009.
The tie at Brunton Park will kick off at 7.30pm.
Ticket prices have been set at the following amounts.
Adults: £12.00
Senior Citizens: £8.00
Students: (with relevant ID) £8.00
Juniors: (under 18) £6.00
Under 11's: Free of charge*
* when accompanied by a paying adult.
Details on when the match tickets shall go on sale will be announced in due
course.
===========================
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=46810838356
or search for
"City Forward! Mailing List"
***
Texas Bantams Blog
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
L2 v AFC Bournemouth (h) D1-1 Nov 14th 2009
Football League Two - KO 15:00
Bradford 1 (1) - 1(1) Bournemouth
Evans 42
Pitman 33
At Valley Parade on 14-11-2009
Bradford: Eastwood ,Rehman ,Clarke ,Luke O'Brien ,Bateson ,Williams ,Flynn ,Bullock ,Brandon ,Neilson ,Evans (Rory Boulding ,85)
Subs not used: Ramsden,Sharry,McLaughlan,Carson,James O'Brien,
Bournemouth: Jalal ,Garry ,Pearce ,Bartley ,Cummings ,Robinson ,Hollands ,Feeney ,Connell (Fletcher ,56 ) ,Bradbury ,Pitman
Subs not used Goulding,Partington,Thomas,
Bookings: Pearce (Bournemouth)
Attendance: 11732
Referee: A Haines (Tyne & Wear)
Game Statistics
Bantams / Cherries
10 Goal Attempts 11
4 On Target 5
9 Corners 3
12 Fouls 11
0 Yellow Cards 1
0 Red Cards 0
===========================
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4740643.City_make_a_decent_point_against_leaders/?ref=rss
City make a decent point against leaders
7:30am Monday 16th November 2009
By Simon Parker
City 1 Bournemouth 1
Stuart McCall's pre-match prediction was bang on.
The City boss had warned the fans not to expect a classic – and he got it right there.
"The only thing that didn't come was the force ten gales," he smiled. "We knew it was always going to be a battle.
"The pitch was heavy and Bournemouth are a very strong side physically. I said it was not one for the purists and it certainly turned out that way."
But while the match itself is unlikely to make any end-of-season highlight reels, the draw that toppled Bournemouth from the top after a two-month reign was a result to be applauded.
Given the circumstances, this latest stalemate was definitely in the point gained category.
Up against the meanest travelling defence in the division, McCall was forced to mix and match. James Hanson's midweek knock had thrown another spanner in the works as he joined a casualty list top heavy on forwards.
It left Gareth Evans – not 100 per cent himself after his foot injury – as the sole senior striker, with McCall forced to throw Michael Flynn up front as company.
It was not a completely alien role for Flynn, who had done a good job there in the second half of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. His former boss Paul Jewell, watching from the press box, had used him sparingly in that role for Wigan.
But it was still a big gamble on McCall's part, with the manager again using Zesh Rehman in that holding midfield role which is hardly his comfort zone.
The reshuffle also meant that Matt Clarke stayed put in the heart of defence for his first league outing since that best-forgotten August afternoon in Nottingham.
So given the reworked spine of the team, a draw with such high-flying opponents should not be sniffed at. McCall certainly thought so.
"There have been games this season when we've dropped points and been disappointed to only draw but that's not the case this time.
"When you take everything into account – going a goal behind, our endeavours from Tuesday night and the injury list – it was a deserved point and I'm reasonably pleased."
Clarke claimed there was little between the two teams.
The big defender felt understandably a bit heavy-legged at the end of his second game in four days but his efforts were justified.
Clarke said: "We defended well and got players round when we needed it. I thought we did well in the first half and at the start of the second before we got a bit tired.
"They'd not played in midweek and I think that showed in the last 20 minutes. Their keeper has a brilliant long kick which they used to their advantage but we managed to keep it tight.
"It would have been nice to win but it's good just to be playing a league game again.
"You don't want to get forgotten about. As the games go on, you want to get your face back in there and prove yourself."
Clarke, so often the scapegoat, looked strong and solid in the air and muscled up against the battering frame of Steve Fletcher in the final half hour. One mistake could have been costly when he failed to cut out the centre forward's knockdown but Simon Eastwood came to his rescue by blocking Brett Pitman's snap-shot.
Clarke was not alone in an error-strewn contest, with both teams guilty of giving the ball away too often. But the surface did nobody any favours, particularly the strip running parallel with the main stand where the ball fell flat as a pancake.
The opening goal came from a City hesitation in midfield as Rehman was taken completely out of the play by Alan Connell's clever reverse pass.
That left Anton Robinson clear to exploit a wide-open central defence, drawing Eastwood from his goal before supplying Pitman with a tap-in.
Despite a few protestations, Pitman was onside when he got the pass. But while he got that right, he was out of order to milk the moment, arms outstretched in front of the home fans.
Referee Andy Haines should have taken action but didn't. It was certainly not the only time the official infuriated City by doing nothing.
Haines could not be accused of favouring the home side at all. On one rare occasion when he did give something their way, McCall's ironic applause above his head said it all.
The City boss will have been frustrated with the number of wasteful high balls pumped forwards. It obviously took a while for the penny to drop that Hanson was not up there.
Flynn battled manfully but there was always going to be more joy when they kept it on the ground.
After a couple of tight – but correct – offside calls against Evans, the striker seized on a blunder from Ryan Garry to burst clear but he chose to shoot with his left foot rather than right and scuffed it miles wide.
Given Bournemouth's defensive miserliness, that looked a big miss.
The Cherries hardly looked a table-topping outfit but there was an understandable confidence about their approach.
Eastwood saved a Connell curler before Pitman broke the deadlock just after the half hour.
City, to their credit, responded within nine minutes. Lee Bullock, such a welcome sight back in the engine room, threaded a pass into the path of Evans and this time the composure was there to round Shwan Jalal and walk the ball into the net.
They almost had another in stoppage time. Too many set-pieces had gone straight into Jalal's arms but Rehman kept a corner alive and when Clarke turned it into the danger zone, Bullock was close to converting.
It was all to play for after the break. While the scratchy quality did not improve, there was enough incident to keep both teams on their toes.
Jalal blocked Flynn's shot on the turn before Bournemouth threatened to capitalise on a few City slips.
First it was Flynn giving the ball away and Robinson should have done much better when Liam Feeney's miscued drive fell right at his feet ten yards out.
Then Clarke let Pitman in and Rehman allowed Feeney to whisk another shot tantalisingly across the goalmouth.
Lee Bradbury also showed that he had clearly forgotten everything from his striker days as the reinvented right back sliced wastefully off target.
City were tiring but McCall had little back-up to call upon. The crowd, sensing the game was slipping away, upped the momentum to keep them going.
It nearly came off as the hosts rallied again in the final minutes to win a corner.
Bullock's wait for a first goal of the season looked over as his header threatened to sneak inside the near post but Jalal's impressive afternoon was capped by a reaction lunge to claw the ball away.
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4746306.Weather_rains_on_Omar_s_parade/
Knock-on effect of youth team wash-out is bad news for Daley and Thorne
7:00am Thursday 19th November 2009
By Simon Parker
Omar Daley's much-anticipated comeback has been put on hold – because of City's youth team.
The Jamaican was ready to put nine months of injury hell behind him at Valley Parade next week with an outing in the reserves.
But the late wash-out of the club's FA Youth Cup tie on Tuesday night has thrown a spanner in the works.
The second-round clash against Crewe has now been rescheduled for next Wednesday to fit in with the competition deadline.
And with City also facing a midweek League Two trip to Grimsby, the second-string game at home to Rotherham has had to make way.
It is an unexpected head-ache for Stuart McCall, who had also planned to give Peter Thorne some much-needed action following his hamstring trouble.
Daley will be more frustrated as he waits to play again for the first time since shattering knee ligaments in a challenge with Darlington defender Neil Austin in February.
The winger, who was named in the PFA divisional team of the season, has been back in full training for nearly three weeks.
McCall said: "It's been a long road for Omar but he's kept his chin up and worked hard. He's also stayed mentally strong.
"He obviously will still need lots of football to get rid of the rustiness but he's fully confident in his knee, which is important.
"When you're first back after such a serious injury, it's natural to start running with a limp because you think the pain is still there but he's gradually losing that with each day.
"You can see he's really excited to be training again. The only problem is that pitches are getting heavier with the winter weather.
"It's hard for wingers to create things on boggy and heavy parks but Omar's done all his strength work and everything is going to plan."
Reserve games permitting, Daley should be on call for the Christmas rush. And McCall is confident he will return as quick as ever.
The City boss added: "We certainly hope so.
"Sometimes you don't regain your top speed with an Achilles or ankle injury but a knee won't be a problem.
"I remember Omar telling me the day after his injury that he would come back to us faster and stronger. If that's the case, we'll be putting him in for the next Olympics!"
===========================
Mark Paston was one of the hero's in New Zealand's progression to the
World Cup finals by keeping a clean score-sheet and saving a penalty
against Bahrain tonight. The Wellington stadium was sold-out and the
crowd sounded about 10 times as loud as a rugby crowd which is the usual
number one entertainment here. BCFC had a part in that via the
experience Mark gained there so Cheers!
Jon Gould is NZ's and Wellington Phoenix's goalkeeping coach so we
helped out even more!
===========================
From the Official BCFC Website...
MATCH TICKET UPGRADES REMINDER
Posted on: Tue 17 Nov 2009
The club would like to take this opportunity to remind supporters that the
Ticket Office at the Coral Windows Stadium will NOT entertain requests for
match tickets to be upgraded or moved after 1.30pm on a Saturday home
matchday and 7.00pm on an evening fixture.
This move has come about after several complains from supporters who have
been frustrated in their attempts to purchase tickets on a matchday in time
to see the kick off of the game itself.
All seat movements or exchanges can still be done during Ticket Office
opening hours throughout the working week (Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
except Wednesdays) and also on matchdays up until the 1.30pm curfew point.
The club would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and
hope that supporters understand the need for them to heed fans requests to
be able to successfully purchase match tickets near kick off time.
===========================
From the Official BCFC Website...
BOXING DAY BURY (AWAY) DETAILS
Posted on: Tue 17 Nov 2009
Match tickets are now on general sale from the Ticket Office at the Coral
Windows Stadium for the Bantams Boxing Day bonanza with Bury.
Stuart McCall's men travel to Gigg Lane for the festive fixture on 26
December 2009 (kick off: 12noon).
The Bantams have been initially allocated the whole of the South Stand at
the home of the Shakers, though space in their West Stand has been reserved
if required.
City's visit to Bury will be their last away journey of the calendar year of
2009.
This match is NOT ALL TICKET for City supporters at this present moment,
though it is strongly suggested that any fans interested in attending the
fixture please purchase tickets beforehand if possible.
Admission Prices:
Adults: £20.00
Young Adults (aged 16-21): £15.00
Senior Citizen: £13.00
Unemployed/Disabled (must produce supporting documents): £13.00
Juniors (under 16's): £13.00
Match tickets for the Bantams forthcoming away days at Grimsby Town and
Darlington are also available from the Ticket Office. Supporters are
reminded that City's fixture with Grimsby is ALL TICKET for away fans.
Travel tickets for the trip to Gigg Lane are also available from the Ticket
Office, priced at £13.00 for all age groups.
The official supporters coach shall depart from Valley Parade at 10:00am on
the day of the fixture.
===========================
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=46810838356
or search for
"City Forward! Mailing List"
***
Texas Bantams Blog
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
Bradford 1 (1) - 1(1) Bournemouth
Evans 42
Pitman 33
At Valley Parade on 14-11-2009
Bradford: Eastwood ,Rehman ,Clarke ,Luke O'Brien ,Bateson ,Williams ,Flynn ,Bullock ,Brandon ,Neilson ,Evans (Rory Boulding ,85)
Subs not used: Ramsden,Sharry,McLaughlan,Carson,James O'Brien,
Bournemouth: Jalal ,Garry ,Pearce ,Bartley ,Cummings ,Robinson ,Hollands ,Feeney ,Connell (Fletcher ,56 ) ,Bradbury ,Pitman
Subs not used Goulding,Partington,Thomas,
Bookings: Pearce (Bournemouth)
Attendance: 11732
Referee: A Haines (Tyne & Wear)
Game Statistics
Bantams / Cherries
10 Goal Attempts 11
4 On Target 5
9 Corners 3
12 Fouls 11
0 Yellow Cards 1
0 Red Cards 0
===========================
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4740643.City_make_a_decent_point_against_leaders/?ref=rss
City make a decent point against leaders
7:30am Monday 16th November 2009
By Simon Parker
City 1 Bournemouth 1
Stuart McCall's pre-match prediction was bang on.
The City boss had warned the fans not to expect a classic – and he got it right there.
"The only thing that didn't come was the force ten gales," he smiled. "We knew it was always going to be a battle.
"The pitch was heavy and Bournemouth are a very strong side physically. I said it was not one for the purists and it certainly turned out that way."
But while the match itself is unlikely to make any end-of-season highlight reels, the draw that toppled Bournemouth from the top after a two-month reign was a result to be applauded.
Given the circumstances, this latest stalemate was definitely in the point gained category.
Up against the meanest travelling defence in the division, McCall was forced to mix and match. James Hanson's midweek knock had thrown another spanner in the works as he joined a casualty list top heavy on forwards.
It left Gareth Evans – not 100 per cent himself after his foot injury – as the sole senior striker, with McCall forced to throw Michael Flynn up front as company.
It was not a completely alien role for Flynn, who had done a good job there in the second half of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. His former boss Paul Jewell, watching from the press box, had used him sparingly in that role for Wigan.
But it was still a big gamble on McCall's part, with the manager again using Zesh Rehman in that holding midfield role which is hardly his comfort zone.
The reshuffle also meant that Matt Clarke stayed put in the heart of defence for his first league outing since that best-forgotten August afternoon in Nottingham.
So given the reworked spine of the team, a draw with such high-flying opponents should not be sniffed at. McCall certainly thought so.
"There have been games this season when we've dropped points and been disappointed to only draw but that's not the case this time.
"When you take everything into account – going a goal behind, our endeavours from Tuesday night and the injury list – it was a deserved point and I'm reasonably pleased."
Clarke claimed there was little between the two teams.
The big defender felt understandably a bit heavy-legged at the end of his second game in four days but his efforts were justified.
Clarke said: "We defended well and got players round when we needed it. I thought we did well in the first half and at the start of the second before we got a bit tired.
"They'd not played in midweek and I think that showed in the last 20 minutes. Their keeper has a brilliant long kick which they used to their advantage but we managed to keep it tight.
"It would have been nice to win but it's good just to be playing a league game again.
"You don't want to get forgotten about. As the games go on, you want to get your face back in there and prove yourself."
Clarke, so often the scapegoat, looked strong and solid in the air and muscled up against the battering frame of Steve Fletcher in the final half hour. One mistake could have been costly when he failed to cut out the centre forward's knockdown but Simon Eastwood came to his rescue by blocking Brett Pitman's snap-shot.
Clarke was not alone in an error-strewn contest, with both teams guilty of giving the ball away too often. But the surface did nobody any favours, particularly the strip running parallel with the main stand where the ball fell flat as a pancake.
The opening goal came from a City hesitation in midfield as Rehman was taken completely out of the play by Alan Connell's clever reverse pass.
That left Anton Robinson clear to exploit a wide-open central defence, drawing Eastwood from his goal before supplying Pitman with a tap-in.
Despite a few protestations, Pitman was onside when he got the pass. But while he got that right, he was out of order to milk the moment, arms outstretched in front of the home fans.
Referee Andy Haines should have taken action but didn't. It was certainly not the only time the official infuriated City by doing nothing.
Haines could not be accused of favouring the home side at all. On one rare occasion when he did give something their way, McCall's ironic applause above his head said it all.
The City boss will have been frustrated with the number of wasteful high balls pumped forwards. It obviously took a while for the penny to drop that Hanson was not up there.
Flynn battled manfully but there was always going to be more joy when they kept it on the ground.
After a couple of tight – but correct – offside calls against Evans, the striker seized on a blunder from Ryan Garry to burst clear but he chose to shoot with his left foot rather than right and scuffed it miles wide.
Given Bournemouth's defensive miserliness, that looked a big miss.
The Cherries hardly looked a table-topping outfit but there was an understandable confidence about their approach.
Eastwood saved a Connell curler before Pitman broke the deadlock just after the half hour.
City, to their credit, responded within nine minutes. Lee Bullock, such a welcome sight back in the engine room, threaded a pass into the path of Evans and this time the composure was there to round Shwan Jalal and walk the ball into the net.
They almost had another in stoppage time. Too many set-pieces had gone straight into Jalal's arms but Rehman kept a corner alive and when Clarke turned it into the danger zone, Bullock was close to converting.
It was all to play for after the break. While the scratchy quality did not improve, there was enough incident to keep both teams on their toes.
Jalal blocked Flynn's shot on the turn before Bournemouth threatened to capitalise on a few City slips.
First it was Flynn giving the ball away and Robinson should have done much better when Liam Feeney's miscued drive fell right at his feet ten yards out.
Then Clarke let Pitman in and Rehman allowed Feeney to whisk another shot tantalisingly across the goalmouth.
Lee Bradbury also showed that he had clearly forgotten everything from his striker days as the reinvented right back sliced wastefully off target.
City were tiring but McCall had little back-up to call upon. The crowd, sensing the game was slipping away, upped the momentum to keep them going.
It nearly came off as the hosts rallied again in the final minutes to win a corner.
Bullock's wait for a first goal of the season looked over as his header threatened to sneak inside the near post but Jalal's impressive afternoon was capped by a reaction lunge to claw the ball away.
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4746306.Weather_rains_on_Omar_s_parade/
Knock-on effect of youth team wash-out is bad news for Daley and Thorne
7:00am Thursday 19th November 2009
By Simon Parker
Omar Daley's much-anticipated comeback has been put on hold – because of City's youth team.
The Jamaican was ready to put nine months of injury hell behind him at Valley Parade next week with an outing in the reserves.
But the late wash-out of the club's FA Youth Cup tie on Tuesday night has thrown a spanner in the works.
The second-round clash against Crewe has now been rescheduled for next Wednesday to fit in with the competition deadline.
And with City also facing a midweek League Two trip to Grimsby, the second-string game at home to Rotherham has had to make way.
It is an unexpected head-ache for Stuart McCall, who had also planned to give Peter Thorne some much-needed action following his hamstring trouble.
Daley will be more frustrated as he waits to play again for the first time since shattering knee ligaments in a challenge with Darlington defender Neil Austin in February.
The winger, who was named in the PFA divisional team of the season, has been back in full training for nearly three weeks.
McCall said: "It's been a long road for Omar but he's kept his chin up and worked hard. He's also stayed mentally strong.
"He obviously will still need lots of football to get rid of the rustiness but he's fully confident in his knee, which is important.
"When you're first back after such a serious injury, it's natural to start running with a limp because you think the pain is still there but he's gradually losing that with each day.
"You can see he's really excited to be training again. The only problem is that pitches are getting heavier with the winter weather.
"It's hard for wingers to create things on boggy and heavy parks but Omar's done all his strength work and everything is going to plan."
Reserve games permitting, Daley should be on call for the Christmas rush. And McCall is confident he will return as quick as ever.
The City boss added: "We certainly hope so.
"Sometimes you don't regain your top speed with an Achilles or ankle injury but a knee won't be a problem.
"I remember Omar telling me the day after his injury that he would come back to us faster and stronger. If that's the case, we'll be putting him in for the next Olympics!"
===========================
Mark Paston was one of the hero's in New Zealand's progression to the
World Cup finals by keeping a clean score-sheet and saving a penalty
against Bahrain tonight. The Wellington stadium was sold-out and the
crowd sounded about 10 times as loud as a rugby crowd which is the usual
number one entertainment here. BCFC had a part in that via the
experience Mark gained there so Cheers!
Jon Gould is NZ's and Wellington Phoenix's goalkeeping coach so we
helped out even more!
===========================
From the Official BCFC Website...
MATCH TICKET UPGRADES REMINDER
Posted on: Tue 17 Nov 2009
The club would like to take this opportunity to remind supporters that the
Ticket Office at the Coral Windows Stadium will NOT entertain requests for
match tickets to be upgraded or moved after 1.30pm on a Saturday home
matchday and 7.00pm on an evening fixture.
This move has come about after several complains from supporters who have
been frustrated in their attempts to purchase tickets on a matchday in time
to see the kick off of the game itself.
All seat movements or exchanges can still be done during Ticket Office
opening hours throughout the working week (Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
except Wednesdays) and also on matchdays up until the 1.30pm curfew point.
The club would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and
hope that supporters understand the need for them to heed fans requests to
be able to successfully purchase match tickets near kick off time.
===========================
From the Official BCFC Website...
BOXING DAY BURY (AWAY) DETAILS
Posted on: Tue 17 Nov 2009
Match tickets are now on general sale from the Ticket Office at the Coral
Windows Stadium for the Bantams Boxing Day bonanza with Bury.
Stuart McCall's men travel to Gigg Lane for the festive fixture on 26
December 2009 (kick off: 12noon).
The Bantams have been initially allocated the whole of the South Stand at
the home of the Shakers, though space in their West Stand has been reserved
if required.
City's visit to Bury will be their last away journey of the calendar year of
2009.
This match is NOT ALL TICKET for City supporters at this present moment,
though it is strongly suggested that any fans interested in attending the
fixture please purchase tickets beforehand if possible.
Admission Prices:
Adults: £20.00
Young Adults (aged 16-21): £15.00
Senior Citizen: £13.00
Unemployed/Disabled (must produce supporting documents): £13.00
Juniors (under 16's): £13.00
Match tickets for the Bantams forthcoming away days at Grimsby Town and
Darlington are also available from the Ticket Office. Supporters are
reminded that City's fixture with Grimsby is ALL TICKET for away fans.
Travel tickets for the trip to Gigg Lane are also available from the Ticket
Office, priced at £13.00 for all age groups.
The official supporters coach shall depart from Valley Parade at 10:00am on
the day of the fixture.
===========================
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http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=46810838356
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http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
Thursday, November 12, 2009
JPTN QF v Port Vale (h) FT2-2 (5-4 on penalties) Nov 10th 2009
Football League Trophy - Northern Section Quarter - KO 19:45
Bradford 2 (0) - 2(1) Port Vale
McCombe 27
Flynn 49
Hanson 70
Robert Taylor 75
At Valley Parade on 10-11-2009
Bradford City: Eastwood, Bateson, Williams, Clarke, L O'Brien; Rehman, Flynn, Sharry (Brandon 46); Neilson, Hanson, M Boulding (J O'Brien 46). Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, R Boulding, Osborne.
Port Vale: Martin, McCombe, Collins, Owen (Richards 31), K Taylor; Yates, Fraser, Jarrett (Griffith 66), R Taylor; Guy (Haldane 66), Dodds. Unused substitutes: Anyon, Loft.
Referee: G Salisbury (Preston).
===========================
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/bradford/Bradford-City-2-Port-Vale.5813281.jp
Bradford City 2 Port Vale 2(City win 5-4 on penalties): Eastwood in the right place to see City through
Bradford City goalkeeper Simon Eastwood proved he was the penalty king saving three spot-kicks to earn his side a place in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy semi-finals.
The Bantams looked to have blown their chance after James O'Brien and Chris Brandon missed their penalties.
But Luke O'Brien and captain Zesh Rehman held their nerve to make it 4-4 from the spot and after Eastwood bagged his hat-trick of stops Bantams' centre-half Steve Williams fired home to spark relieved celebrations.
Injuries and suspension forced Bantams' manager Stuart McCall to shuffle his midfield and a new-look pairing of Rehman and teenager Luke Sharry failed to gel as in-form Vale bossed the early exchanges.
Louis Dodds twice fired wide for the visitors in the opening 15 minutes and Vale striker Jamie Guy almost opened the scoring with a diving header and it was no real surprise when Vale went ahead after 27 minutes.
After clearing a corner the Bantams' backline was caught flat-footed as Vale's Tommy Fraser picked out the unmarked John McCombe with a cross from the right and the defender confidently fired home.
Just three minutes after the break substitute James O'Brien floated over a near-post corner which allowed Michael Flynn to nod home the equaliser from four yards.
Flynn was denied a second by Chris Martin's save soon after, but when James Hanson headed City in front from Luke O'Brien's 69th minute free-kick the game looked to have swung their way.
Vale continued to press and when Louis Dodds was allowed to run across the City box he set up Robert Taylor to drill a 75th-minute equaliser beyond Eastwood.
===========================
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/football/Port-Vale-Adams-upbeat-despite-defeat/article-1502837-detail/article.html
Port Vale: Adams upbeat despite defeat
VALE boss Micky Adams insists he was proud of his side last night as they suffered Johnstone's Paint Trophy penalties heartbreak at Bradford City.
The Bantams progressed to the northern area semi-final with a 5-4 shoot-out success after the sides shared a 2-2 draw in normal time.
As Vale turn their attention to Saturday's league home clash against high-flying Rotherham, Adams, pictured below, said: "I said to the boys that we're talking about a couple of moments in the game that I'm really disappointed about.
"But it was a performance to be proud of.
"We went there and played some decent football and for long periods we took the game to Bradford.
"My job now is to dust them down and get them ready for a difficult game on Saturday.
"We've got some fantastic games to look forward to."
Vale took a first-half lead through John McCombe. However, the defender's strike was cancelled out by second-half headers from Michael Flynn and James Hanson, who took advantage of Vale's lacklustre defending at two set-pieces.
Attacker Rob Taylor forced the shoot-out when he drilled home an excellent 75th-minute equaliser.
"We're very disappointed to lose on penalties, but we got punished for a couple of players switching off at set-pieces," added Adams. "You can't do that, and we know they are a big side.
"They are a big powerful unit that attacks the ball in your box, but we still gave away silly free-kicks in dangerous areas.
"I've said it many times that corners and free kicks are a very important part of the game at this level and you've got to have a minimum of five six-footers in your team.
"If you don't, it's a problem for you."
Vale's defence was weakened just after the half-hour mark when influential centre-half Gareth Owen was forced to retreat with a cheek injury.
Adams admitted: "We lost Gareth Owen and didn't have enough to combat their aerial strength.
"We will get Gareth checked out this morning.
"He looked like he may have a fractured cheek bone, but it is too early to say.
"Gareth is one of our main markers, so if you lose him it's a problem."
===========================
From the Official BCFC website...
JOHNSTONE'S PAINT TROPHY DRAW
Posted on: Tue 10 Nov 2009
The Bantams will learn their next Johnstone's Paint Trophy opponents on
Saturday 14 November 2009.
The draw for the Area Semi-Finals will take place on Sky Sports "Soccer AM"
show, which starts at 9:00am on Sky Sports 1.
City earned their place in the draw thanks a titanic penalty shootout
victory over Port Vale on Tuesday night.
Stuart McCall's side will be pitted against either Accrington Stanley, Leeds
United or Carlisle United at the Semi-Final stage.
The Johnstone's Paint (Northern Section) Semi-Finals are scheduled to take
place on either Tuesday 15 or Wednesday 16 December.
===========================
Osborne injury woe for City
9:33am Thursday 12th November 2009
By Simon Parker
Leon Osborne faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging ankle ligaments.
The young midfielder suffered the injury from a crunching tackle during yesterday's reserve game at Grimsby. And City boss Stuart McCall fears he will be a long-term absentee.
McCall said: "There are no bones broken but ligament damage can take just as long to heal.
"We'll get a better idea when the swelling has gone down but unfortunately it looks a bad one."
===========================
Excitement mounting after second penalty shoot-out win
7:40am Wednesday 11th November 2009
By Simon Parker
Stuart McCall says City can smell Wembley as he crossed his fingers for another Valley Parade draw in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
The Bantams thrillingly sneaked through on penalties for the second round running last night. Simon Eastwood saved three Port Vale spot-kicks before Steve Williams hammered home the decisive effort after the game had finished 2-2.
City must wait until Saturday morning to see who they will face in the Northern Area semi-finals. Leeds, Carlisle and Accrington are the possible opponents.
McCall is not bothered who they get as long as it's a third successive home tie.
The City chief said: "A home draw would be fantastic. People might say you don't want Leeds but we went there last year and put in a really good show.
"I remember getting to the cup quarter-finals playing for Bradford and losing at Luton. That was probably the nearest chance we've had.
"But we're in the last eight now and Wembley is in sniffing distance. It's exciting for everyone."
Michael Flynn and James Hanson notched second-half goals after City trailed at the interval.
McCall, who brought on Chris Brandon and James O'Brien, said: "Sometimes we expect too much from this team but we know they are much better than the first half showed.
"I did tell them that getting to Wembley couldn't mean that much if that's how they perform.
"But they came out in the second half and upped their game and put in a really energetic display."
City's resources had been stretched and McCall employed Zesh Rehman in a defensive midfield role to cover Lee Bullock's absence through suspension.
"We were really struggling in that area with no Stephen O'Leary, Simon Ramsden or Bully," said McCall. "I needed a defensive enforcer in there who would track runners and I didn't want to ask Flynny (Michael Flynn) to do that because it negates his game.
"Zesh won lots of tackles for us, he was strong and covered lots of ground."
City had practised penalties in training but substitutes O'Brien, who had nailed the spot-kick winner against Notts County, and Brandon both missed.
Williams was the seventh penalty taker when he stepped up to seal a 5-4 success.
===========================
Penalty Takers
Port Vale
0-1 M. Richards (M) scored
(Right Low)
Bradford City
1-1 M. Flynn (M) scored
(Left Low)
Port Vale
1-1 L. Dodds (ST) missed (saved)
(Left Low)
Bradford City
1-1 J. O'Brien (ST) missed (saved)
(Right Low)
Port Vale
1-1 K. Taylor (M) missed (saved)
(Right Low)
Bradford City
1-1 C. Brandon (M) missed
(Over the bar)
Port Vale
1-2 L. Haldane (ST) scored
(Right Low)
Bradford City
2-2 J. Hanson (ST) scored
(Right Low)
Port Vale
2-3 T. Fraser (M) scored
(Right Low)
Bradford City
3-3 L. O'Brien (D) scored
(Right High)
Port Vale
3-4 R. Taylor (M) scored
(Left Low)
Bradford City
4-4 Z. Rehman (D) scored
(Right Low)
Port Vale
4-4 A. Yates (D) missed (saved)
(Left Low)
Bradford City
5-4 S. Williams (D) scored
(Centre High)
===========================
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***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
Bradford 2 (0) - 2(1) Port Vale
McCombe 27
Flynn 49
Hanson 70
Robert Taylor 75
At Valley Parade on 10-11-2009
Bradford City: Eastwood, Bateson, Williams, Clarke, L O'Brien; Rehman, Flynn, Sharry (Brandon 46); Neilson, Hanson, M Boulding (J O'Brien 46). Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, R Boulding, Osborne.
Port Vale: Martin, McCombe, Collins, Owen (Richards 31), K Taylor; Yates, Fraser, Jarrett (Griffith 66), R Taylor; Guy (Haldane 66), Dodds. Unused substitutes: Anyon, Loft.
Referee: G Salisbury (Preston).
===========================
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/bradford/Bradford-City-2-Port-Vale.5813281.jp
Bradford City 2 Port Vale 2(City win 5-4 on penalties): Eastwood in the right place to see City through
Bradford City goalkeeper Simon Eastwood proved he was the penalty king saving three spot-kicks to earn his side a place in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy semi-finals.
The Bantams looked to have blown their chance after James O'Brien and Chris Brandon missed their penalties.
But Luke O'Brien and captain Zesh Rehman held their nerve to make it 4-4 from the spot and after Eastwood bagged his hat-trick of stops Bantams' centre-half Steve Williams fired home to spark relieved celebrations.
Injuries and suspension forced Bantams' manager Stuart McCall to shuffle his midfield and a new-look pairing of Rehman and teenager Luke Sharry failed to gel as in-form Vale bossed the early exchanges.
Louis Dodds twice fired wide for the visitors in the opening 15 minutes and Vale striker Jamie Guy almost opened the scoring with a diving header and it was no real surprise when Vale went ahead after 27 minutes.
After clearing a corner the Bantams' backline was caught flat-footed as Vale's Tommy Fraser picked out the unmarked John McCombe with a cross from the right and the defender confidently fired home.
Just three minutes after the break substitute James O'Brien floated over a near-post corner which allowed Michael Flynn to nod home the equaliser from four yards.
Flynn was denied a second by Chris Martin's save soon after, but when James Hanson headed City in front from Luke O'Brien's 69th minute free-kick the game looked to have swung their way.
Vale continued to press and when Louis Dodds was allowed to run across the City box he set up Robert Taylor to drill a 75th-minute equaliser beyond Eastwood.
===========================
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/football/Port-Vale-Adams-upbeat-despite-defeat/article-1502837-detail/article.html
Port Vale: Adams upbeat despite defeat
VALE boss Micky Adams insists he was proud of his side last night as they suffered Johnstone's Paint Trophy penalties heartbreak at Bradford City.
The Bantams progressed to the northern area semi-final with a 5-4 shoot-out success after the sides shared a 2-2 draw in normal time.
As Vale turn their attention to Saturday's league home clash against high-flying Rotherham, Adams, pictured below, said: "I said to the boys that we're talking about a couple of moments in the game that I'm really disappointed about.
"But it was a performance to be proud of.
"We went there and played some decent football and for long periods we took the game to Bradford.
"My job now is to dust them down and get them ready for a difficult game on Saturday.
"We've got some fantastic games to look forward to."
Vale took a first-half lead through John McCombe. However, the defender's strike was cancelled out by second-half headers from Michael Flynn and James Hanson, who took advantage of Vale's lacklustre defending at two set-pieces.
Attacker Rob Taylor forced the shoot-out when he drilled home an excellent 75th-minute equaliser.
"We're very disappointed to lose on penalties, but we got punished for a couple of players switching off at set-pieces," added Adams. "You can't do that, and we know they are a big side.
"They are a big powerful unit that attacks the ball in your box, but we still gave away silly free-kicks in dangerous areas.
"I've said it many times that corners and free kicks are a very important part of the game at this level and you've got to have a minimum of five six-footers in your team.
"If you don't, it's a problem for you."
Vale's defence was weakened just after the half-hour mark when influential centre-half Gareth Owen was forced to retreat with a cheek injury.
Adams admitted: "We lost Gareth Owen and didn't have enough to combat their aerial strength.
"We will get Gareth checked out this morning.
"He looked like he may have a fractured cheek bone, but it is too early to say.
"Gareth is one of our main markers, so if you lose him it's a problem."
===========================
From the Official BCFC website...
JOHNSTONE'S PAINT TROPHY DRAW
Posted on: Tue 10 Nov 2009
The Bantams will learn their next Johnstone's Paint Trophy opponents on
Saturday 14 November 2009.
The draw for the Area Semi-Finals will take place on Sky Sports "Soccer AM"
show, which starts at 9:00am on Sky Sports 1.
City earned their place in the draw thanks a titanic penalty shootout
victory over Port Vale on Tuesday night.
Stuart McCall's side will be pitted against either Accrington Stanley, Leeds
United or Carlisle United at the Semi-Final stage.
The Johnstone's Paint (Northern Section) Semi-Finals are scheduled to take
place on either Tuesday 15 or Wednesday 16 December.
===========================
Osborne injury woe for City
9:33am Thursday 12th November 2009
By Simon Parker
Leon Osborne faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after damaging ankle ligaments.
The young midfielder suffered the injury from a crunching tackle during yesterday's reserve game at Grimsby. And City boss Stuart McCall fears he will be a long-term absentee.
McCall said: "There are no bones broken but ligament damage can take just as long to heal.
"We'll get a better idea when the swelling has gone down but unfortunately it looks a bad one."
===========================
Excitement mounting after second penalty shoot-out win
7:40am Wednesday 11th November 2009
By Simon Parker
Stuart McCall says City can smell Wembley as he crossed his fingers for another Valley Parade draw in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
The Bantams thrillingly sneaked through on penalties for the second round running last night. Simon Eastwood saved three Port Vale spot-kicks before Steve Williams hammered home the decisive effort after the game had finished 2-2.
City must wait until Saturday morning to see who they will face in the Northern Area semi-finals. Leeds, Carlisle and Accrington are the possible opponents.
McCall is not bothered who they get as long as it's a third successive home tie.
The City chief said: "A home draw would be fantastic. People might say you don't want Leeds but we went there last year and put in a really good show.
"I remember getting to the cup quarter-finals playing for Bradford and losing at Luton. That was probably the nearest chance we've had.
"But we're in the last eight now and Wembley is in sniffing distance. It's exciting for everyone."
Michael Flynn and James Hanson notched second-half goals after City trailed at the interval.
McCall, who brought on Chris Brandon and James O'Brien, said: "Sometimes we expect too much from this team but we know they are much better than the first half showed.
"I did tell them that getting to Wembley couldn't mean that much if that's how they perform.
"But they came out in the second half and upped their game and put in a really energetic display."
City's resources had been stretched and McCall employed Zesh Rehman in a defensive midfield role to cover Lee Bullock's absence through suspension.
"We were really struggling in that area with no Stephen O'Leary, Simon Ramsden or Bully," said McCall. "I needed a defensive enforcer in there who would track runners and I didn't want to ask Flynny (Michael Flynn) to do that because it negates his game.
"Zesh won lots of tackles for us, he was strong and covered lots of ground."
City had practised penalties in training but substitutes O'Brien, who had nailed the spot-kick winner against Notts County, and Brandon both missed.
Williams was the seventh penalty taker when he stepped up to seal a 5-4 success.
===========================
Penalty Takers
Port Vale
0-1 M. Richards (M) scored
(Right Low)
Bradford City
1-1 M. Flynn (M) scored
(Left Low)
Port Vale
1-1 L. Dodds (ST) missed (saved)
(Left Low)
Bradford City
1-1 J. O'Brien (ST) missed (saved)
(Right Low)
Port Vale
1-1 K. Taylor (M) missed (saved)
(Right Low)
Bradford City
1-1 C. Brandon (M) missed
(Over the bar)
Port Vale
1-2 L. Haldane (ST) scored
(Right Low)
Bradford City
2-2 J. Hanson (ST) scored
(Right Low)
Port Vale
2-3 T. Fraser (M) scored
(Right Low)
Bradford City
3-3 L. O'Brien (D) scored
(Right High)
Port Vale
3-4 R. Taylor (M) scored
(Left Low)
Bradford City
4-4 Z. Rehman (D) scored
(Right Low)
Port Vale
4-4 A. Yates (D) missed (saved)
(Left Low)
Bradford City
5-4 S. Williams (D) scored
(Centre High)
===========================
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=46810838356
or search for
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***
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
FAC1 v Notts County (a) L1-2 Nov 6th 2009
English FA Cup - Round 1 - KO 19:45
Notts Co 2 (1) - 1(0) Bradford
Hawley 45
Jackson 46
Michael Boulding 81
At Meadow Lane on 06-11-2009
Notts Co: Hoult ,Clapham ,Hunt ,Edwards ,Bishop ,Ravenhill ,Davies ,Ritchie (Westcarr ,78 ) ,Jackson ,Hawley (Facey ,89 ) ,Akinbiyi (Rodgers ,80)
Subs not used: Thompson,Pilkington,Daniel Jones,Hamshaw,
Bradford: Eastwood ,Rehman ,Luke O'Brien ,Bateson ,Williams ,Flynn ,Bullock ,James O'Brien (Michael Boulding ,54 ) ,Neilson ,Evans (Osborne ,46 ) ,Hanson
Subs not used Rory Boulding,Sharry,McLaughlan,Horne,Carson,
Bookings: Bishop ,Davies ,Edwards (Notts Co) Bullock ,James O'Brien ,Luke O'Brien (Bradford)
Attendance: 4213
Referee: Eddie Ilderton (Tyne & Wear)
===========================
NOTTS COUNTY 2 CITY 1
By Simon Parker »
Two Notts County goals either side of half-time saw City stumble at the FA Cup first hurdle tonight.
After the humiliation in the league on opening day, the Bantams returned to Meadow Lane determined to provide far tougher resistance.
And for the first 44 minutes, they did just that to keep County at bay.
Simon Eastwood made a couple of excellent saves which were matched at the other end by Russell Hoult, who denied Gareth Evans and Scott Neilson.
But City's resistance was broken in first-half stoppage time when Karl Hawley netted after Eastwood had denied Ricky Ravenhill.
It got worse for the Bantams in the opening minute of the second half as Johnnie Jackson slammed in the second.
Substitute Michael Boulding pulled one back near the end. But City's first goal in three trips to Nottingham this season and a much-improved performance on previous showings was not enough to prevent a third defeat.
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sport_bantams_video/
===========================
Clutching at straws ....
"Notts County believe they are the bigger club !"
Attendances for this season so far - source -
http://www.emfootball.co.uk/attend.html
1st Bradford City = 11,426 ave - highest = 11,757
2nd Notts County = 8,062 ave - highest = 9,396
Even their highest crowd is significantly less than our average.
In the words of Jim Royle ... "Bigger club, My Arse!"
===========================
===========================
'Ginger Pele' dies at just 57
By Simon Parker »
Billy Ingham, a member of City's promotion-winning squad in 1982, has died after a long illness aged 57.
Ingham played 87 games for the Bantams, scoring five times, after George Mulhall snapped him up from Burnley for £30,000 in 1980.
A tigerish central midfielder with distinctive ginger hair, team-mates from that time likened him to Billy Bremner.
Mark Ellis recalled: "He was a little battler who would tackle anything. He probably never passed the ball more than five or ten yards but he worked really hard for the team.
"He was a Bremner type of player, especially with his hair colour, and was very popular in the dressing room."
Barry Gallagher remembers someone who was always full of life.
He said: "Billy was such a bubbly lad. He was one of the real characters in the team and would always have a smile on his face.
"I was one of the youngsters coming through and he was great with giving you advice. He'd pull you to one side and suggest you do this or that – it was a great help to all the younger lads.
"Billy wasn't a big fella but he loved to get stuck in. He didn't care how big the opponent was."
City were promoted from Division Four in Ingham's second year but injury forced him to miss the final two months.
It effectively finished his professional career at the age of 29 and he was released to join Accrington before becoming a bus driver.
Before joining City, Ingham was very popular at Burnley and earned the nickname 'Ginger Pele' for a memorable goal against Chelsea at Turf Moor.
During last season's push towards the Premier League, one Burnley bakery were selling 'Ginger Pele' gingerbread men in claret and blue kits.
===========================
Stallard Hangs Up His Boots
Mon Nov 9, 2009 9:20 am (PST)
http://www.boyfrombrazil.co.uk/2009/11/stallard-hangs-up-his-boots/
STALLARD HANGS UP HIS BOOTS
The rise of Mark Stallard – who retired from football aged 35 today – at
Bradford City came with almost no decline.
Stallard notched up 450 appearances in his career but it is a May day in
1996 in which he swept in Ian Ormondroyd's flick down in the six yard box at
Wembley for which he enters Bradford City's history. Stallard's goal –
City's second in a 2-0 win over Notts County – completed the Bantams
turnaround from mid-table side to promotion under Chris Kamara.
Stallard joined City January 1996 from Derby County for £110,000 and scored
10 in 42 games falling between the cracks of Kamara's 42 players in one
season which saw the likes of Rob Steiner and Erik Regtop arrive at the
club. A little portly and very English in his play Stallard must have seemed
somewhat old hat. Certainly there was no long decline. He left City to join
Preston on loan and then left for Wycombe Wanderers and a career doing good
work in the lower leagues.
===========================
EASTWOOD EYES BRADFORD STAY
Bradford City's on-loan goalkeeper Simon Eastwood wants to extend his stay
at Valley Parade until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old, who arrived from Huddersfield in the summer, is scheduled
to return to the Galpharm Stadium in January but is enjoying regular
first-team football under Bantams manager Stuart McCall.
Eastwood told the club's official website: "A lot can change in football and
I've still got 10 or 12 games left before the loan finishes, but I want to
stay and I want the fans to know that.
"I'm glad to be playing week in, week out. It's a real bonus for me and I'm
definitely the man for the job.
"I know I'm from Huddersfield, which a lot of supporters don't like, but I'm
here to play well for Bradford and that's what I want to do."
===========================
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=46810838356
or search for
"City Forward! Mailing List"
***
Texas Bantams Blog
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
L2 v Macclesfield (a) D2-2 Oct 31 2009
Coca-Cola League Two
Macclesfield (2) 2 Daniel 4, Bencherif 41
Bradford City (0) 2 Hanson 58, Williams 66
Stats: Macclesfield - Bradford C
Possession: 50 - 50%
Shots on target: 5 - 9
Shots off target: 5 - 9
Fouls: 9 - 11
Corners: 7 - 14
Ref: Rob Shoebridge (Derbyshire). <==== SEE FOOTNOTE ABOUT REF.
Yellow cards:
Macclesfield: Tremarco (90+2)
Bradford C: Flynn (55).
Macclesfield: 1. Jon Brain, 16. Shaun Brisley, 20. Hamza Bencherif, 6. Paul
Morgan, 3. Carl Tremarco, 14. John Rooney, 7. Lee Bell, 8. Ross Draper, 17.
Colin Daniel, 11. Ben Wright, 9. Emile Sinclair.
SUBS: 13. Jose Veiga (GK), 12. Kyle Wilson, 26. Adam Roberts, 24. Vinny
Mukendi, 10. Stephen Reed, 18. Kristian Dennis, 19. Matthew Lowe.
Bradford C: 1. Simon Eastwood, 16. Jonathan Bateson, 5. Zesh Rehman, 12.
Steve Williams, 3. Luke O'Brien, 19. James O'Brien, 4. Michael Flynn, 11.
Chris Brandon (46), 26. Scott Neilson, 17. James Hanson, 9. Gareth Evans.
SUBS: 13. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 6. Matthew Clarke, 14. Michael Boulding (46),
18. Rory Boulding, 20. Leon Osborne, 21. Luke Sharry, 24. Louis Horne.
Next matches:
FA Cup1: (A) Notts County, Friday Nov 6, 2009, K.O. 7:45PM.
JPT (QF North): (H) Port Vale, Tuesday Nov 10, 2009. K.O. 7:45PM.
===========================
Coca-Cola League Two
Macclesfield (2) 2 Daniel 4, Bencherif 41
Bradford City (0) 2 Hanson 58, Williams 66
Att: 1,578
By Simon Parker
Bradford City fought back from two down to grab a point in a breathless
encounter at Macclesfield.
But they left Moss Rose feeling that it should have been more.
Their afternoon began in the worst possible fashion when Colin Daniel headed
in the softest of goals after four minutes.
City hit back strongly but could not make the pressure count. And they found
themselves 2-0 down when Hamza Bencherif scored just before half-time.
Macclesfield had blown a two-goal lead last week against Dagenham. And their
nerves were clear as City poured forward in the second half.
James Hanson rose highest to nod home from a James O'Brien corner and City
were level midway through the half when Steve Williams netted after keeper
Jon Brain spilled Michael Flynn's shot.
Macclesfield could have regained their lead when Ben Wright headed against
the post and Ross Draper drove into the side-netting when through.
But City kept roaring forward and twice could have clinched the fightback in
stoppage time.
First Zesh Rehman was denied on the line by Shaun Brisley and then Gareth
Evans smashed the bar against his old club.
===========================
Video + photo
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8316984.stm
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10266,00.html
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4714005.McCall_justifies_aerial_bombardment_tactics/
McCall justifies aerial bombardment tactics
By Simon Parker »
Macclesfield 2 City 2
It was a bit like Jordan complaining about publicity-seekers obsessed about being in the papers.
Macc boss Keith Alexander had a pop after the game and claimed that only one side had tried to play football.
This was not Arsene Wenger bemoaning the lack of quality but Alexander, whose Silkmen are hardly the purveyors of the silky game.
True, Macclesfield are not quite as agricultural these days but to criticise City for a long-ball approach was slightly rich.
McCall, though, took Alexander's barb on the chin and even agreed to an extent.
It was not a match rich in quality and the rock-hard surface did not help. The exaggerated bounce felt like a throwback to the plastic pitches of 20 years ago.
It was not easy to get the ball down and pass. And once City discovered that James Hanson had the beating of Macc's defence to every aerial assault, the visitors realised they didn't need to.
McCall said: "We were direct for the simple reason that James dominated their centre half. Every time the ball went in the box, he created problems.
"There are times when you can play pretty passy, passy football and if you dominate the midfield that's great. But our danger came from putting balls in the box.
"You play to your strengths and it would have been folly not to keep getting the ball up to James because he was dominating."
Four Macc players, including City old boy Paul Bolland, had been ruled out the night before after a bout of vomiting.
But McCall was the one feeling pig-sick after watching his side gift them a shocking opening goal. Steve Williams didn't deal with a long punt downfield from keeper Jonny Brain and Colin Daniel caught Simon Eastwood off his line to nudge home almost apologetically.
It was an awful piece of defending and right under the eyes of the stunned away support, who were once again pointing fingers at a soft centre.
City spent the rest of the half thrashing away at the Macclesfield box but the ball wouldn't go in.
Hanson twice nodded wide and other shots from Gareth Evans and Chris Brandon were blocked.
Macc's nervy backline even got in on the act, with Paul Morgan a slither away from back-passing into his own net.
Scott Neilson looked on his game from the start.
It has been an up and down spell for the winger as he gets to grips with the pro game.
Neilson got little change out of Dagenham's Scott Griffiths in City's last away outing but he gave left back Carl Tremarco the run-around on Saturday.
Every possession threatened something and he was at the centre of the best moment of football of the afternoon.
Taking the ball just inside the home half, Neilson surged forward before swapping passes with Michael Flynn. He received the return inside the penalty area with only Brain to beat but the keeper made the one good save of his otherwise unconvincing afternoon.
City were in control but their defence still creaked at times and Luke O'Brien had to clear off the line from Ross Draper.
Macc then added salt to the wounds with a second just before half-time.
It was a well-worked move from a throw-in with one-time City trainee Emile Sinclair's driven cross converted by Algerian Hamza Bencherif. But that did not make it easier to stomach as City contemplated a two-goal deficit at the break.
The message in the dressing room remained upbeat. McCall kicked backsides because he knew the result was far from settled. Dagenham had recovered the same deficit at Moss Rose the previous week and sooner or later City's chances had to go in.
Brandon, troubled by illness, had run himself into the ground. Having not trained on Friday, he was running on empty and Michael Boulding came on in a switch to 4-4-2.
Immediately City were back on it, with Brain spilling a Hanson header. Eastwood also denied Sinclair at the other end – a save that was to prove critical in the long run.
Within a minute, City had a foothold back in the game. Hanson eased above Shaun Brisley and nodded home James O'Brien's corner to spark jubilation on the terrace behind the goal.
The fans' volume hit maximum as City poured forward. And eight minutes later they were level.
Again Flynn could claim an assist as his shot proved too hot to handle for Brain and Williams tapped in the rebound. But Zesh Rehman also deserves a credit for keeping the ball alive on the touchline and creating the space for Flynn to let fly.
Now the scene was set for City to complete an Accrington-style revival. O'Brien, Boulding, Neilson and Hanson were all close to finding that elusive third.
Then Macclesfield nearly shook City with a brief revival of their own as Ben Wright headed against the post and Draper drilled into the side-netting after Jon Bateson did just enough to put him off when clear.
But the game finished in the Macc penalty area with City doing everything but scoring. Even in stoppage time, Rehman's prod was dug out from the line by Brisley and Evans smashed a deflected shot onto the bar.
Hence the down-trodden reaction at the final whistle. The team coach heading back along the M62 seethed with frustration.
McCall said: "I had to give them a kick up the backside at half-time. I genuinely felt we would win the game because I knew we'd have half a dozen chances.
"I told the players to go out and show character. It was about getting heads up, chests out and having a right go and give them credit for doing that.
"Chance-wise, pressure-wise, territorial-wise, everything-wise we deserved to win the game."
===========================
We've got to tighten up at back, concedes McCall
By Simon Parker »
Stuart McCall wants City to take a stand and stop leaking goals.
The Bantams have conceded 18 on the road so far – the most in League Two.
And next up is an FA Cup first-round trip to Notts County, the division's leading scorers.
Having been hit for five there on opening day, City know all too well about County's lethal form at Meadow Lane, where they are unbeaten.
McCall will put his players through some intensive build-up on the training ground but he admits it is down to them to deliver on the pitch.
He said: "We can't keep conceding two goals every game. We are always a threat going forward but we have got to stand up to things better.
"We lost five at Notts County and four at Cheltenham but then we've also had three 2-2 draws. We've got to tighten up.
"It's going to be a tough test on Friday with their goal-scoring record at home. We'll be working through the week on defending as best we can but once you are out there, players have got to make their own decisions.
"It's about every aspect of play. In the first place it's stopping the initial crosses from coming into the box, then it's dealing with the cross or the second phase of possession when the ball is in and around the goalmouth.
"But sometimes you can't legislate for mistakes and wrong decisions, like the first goal on Saturday.
"It was just a kick from the keeper straight down the pitch but we let it bounce and didn't react well enough."
City have kept four clean sheets in 18 outings and only one away from Valley Parade, in the goalless draw at Morecambe.
McCall added: "That's why the Hereford win the other week was so encouraging. We need more 1-0s like that.
"Sometimes you've got to be realistic and give credit to the goal that has been scored.
"Nearly every manager can pick holes and say the defending could have been better but when Calvin Zola beats you with a goal like his one for Crewe, there's not much you can do about it. It's just we've got to do more to make it difficult for teams to score against us."
City's back four have come under fire from fans, especially keeper Simon Eastwood (pictured) and his centre halves. But McCall insisted the whole team have to take responsibility.
The City chief added: "It works both ways. Just as we need to concede less, we also have to make more of our scoring chances to take the pressure off when we're defending.
"It's a group thing. I'm not point the finger at any individual. We are a team and we defend and attack as a team."
===========================
From the Official BCFC Website...
GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH FA CUP
Posted on: Tue 27 Oct 2009
A shoot out with the FA Cup for Bradford City fans is to take place at
Valley Parade.
The goal is to raise £3,000 for the club's £100,000 Burns Unit Appeal, which
is backed by the Telegraph & Argus.
Up to 150 fans are also being offered the chance to have their photograph
taken with the Bradford-designed trophy, the first winners of which in 1911
were, of course, Bradford City.
David Baldwin, the club's operations director, said: "That's why we're
charging £19.11p per person. They'll have a ten by eight photograph
alongside a life-size model of Jimmy Spiers - scorer of the goal in the 1-0
victory over Newcastle United - and his winner's medal.
"Everybody will also receive a certificate of authenticity signed by Stuart
McCall.
"We are limited to 150 places because the trophy will be at the ground for
three hours , between 3.00pm and 6.00pm, on Wednesday 11 November."
Later, the trophy will take pride of place at Bradford Cathedral at an event
in which nine City players killed in the First World War, including two of
the 1911 team, will be remembered.
The Burns Unit Appeal has now reached more than £10,000 of its £100,000
target to save the unit at Bradford University from possible closure.
It is hoped to reach the target by next May - the 25th anniversary of the
Bradford City fire disaster which cost 56 lives and led to nearly 200 others
suffering serious injuries. City supporter and ardent railway historian Mark
Neale will be donating a sum from the sales of his 2010 calendar, called
Yorkshire Steam, to further boost the appeal.
He said: "Baildon, Idle, Ilkley and Snaygill near Skipton show how steam
locomotion used to be in the area.
"I have a mix of photographs from 1948 in the calendar. I have also used
locations on the Worth Valley, the Embsay Line, the York National Railway
Museum and the North Yorkshire Moors railway for more up to date scenes.
"The fire disaster should never be forgotten. One of the positives that came
out of it was the Burns Research Unit; all City fans have a strong reason to
support it."
The calendar is on sale at Saltaire Bookshop, where Mr. Neale is presenting
an evening of railway stories and poetry on November 26, starting at 7.30pm.
Anyone interested in having their picture taken with the famous cup should
contact the club on (01274) 773355 or e-mail Mr. Baldwin on davidbaldwin
@the-bantams.co.uk
===========================
From the Official BCFC Website...
JAMES O'BRIEN EARNS EXTENDED CONTRACT
Posted on: Thu 29 Oct 2009
James O'Brien has signed a new 18-month deal with Bradford City.
The young midfielder's originally signed a three month contract with the
Bantams in August, which was due to expire on Saturday.
But Stuart McCall has moved to tie down the services of the energetic
midfielder until the end of next season after being impressed by O'Brien's
effort so far this term.
The news of O'Brien putting pen to paper on a longer deal be a big boost to
the Bantams boss, especially given the fact Lee Bullock and possible
midfield replacement Simon Ramsden are both ruled out of Saturday's trip to
Macclesfield.
The Dublin born livewire made his first senior appearance with City during
the Bantams Carling Cup 1st round tie at Nottingham Forest in August, before
earning his first start of the campaign at Cheltenham Town later on in the
month.
O'Brien instantly made an impact at Cheltenham's Abbey Business Stadium by
scoring the first professional goal of his young career and the Bantams
first of the season with only two minutes on the clock.
He has gone on to feature heavily in the heart of the Bantams midfield so
far this season and with his future at Valley Parade now sorted, will now be
keen to secure a regular slot in McCall's starting lineup.
===========================
16 PORT VALE COACHES TO BRADFORD
Port Vale will be bringing 16 coach loads of supporters to see the
Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash against Bradford City on November 10.
15 coaches were planned by Port Vale but, with a waiting list of 40, an
anonymous supporter agreed to pay for the 16th.
===========================
Paraders Heritage badges
A number of limited edition quality enamel badges have been comissioned,
featuring heritage Bradford City designs. Sales profits will go towards
BCFC's current Burns Unit fundraising effort and you can order by emailing
badges@paraders.co.uk
Download this pdf file to view all badges.
http://www.bcst.co.uk/documents/Paraders_heritage_badges.pdf
A webpage is also planned for the near future http://www.paraders.co.uk/
Fire Commemoration and League Fixture badges
Jeremy White has commissioned two sets of fire commemoration badges, both
of which will be on display at the BCST AGM on Tuesday Nov 3rd.
The first will be a large 38mm antiqued metallic badge based on the fire
sculpture which is affixed to the side of the main stand at Valley Parade.
Only 56 badges will be produced and they will sell for £15, which should
ensure that with each badge sold, not only is the purchaser buying a
collectors item, but also making a significant donation to the Burns Unit.
The second set will again be metallic but smaller (25mm). These will
feature The Bradford City logo and appropriate wording around the edge.
The badges will be produced in silver, antiqued silver, gold and antiqued
gold. The four badges again will be limited to just 56 of each type. The
badges will cost £20 for the set of 4. Again all profits will be donated
to the Burns Unit.
Jeremy has also produced a limited set of fixture badges which can be
viewed at
http://www.bradfordcitybadges.co.uk/#/limited-edition-badges/4527107070
Around 10 sets are still available and profits will be donated to BCFC.
===========================
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=46810838356
or search for
"City Forward! Mailing List"
***
Texas Bantams Blog
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
Macclesfield (2) 2 Daniel 4, Bencherif 41
Bradford City (0) 2 Hanson 58, Williams 66
Stats: Macclesfield - Bradford C
Possession: 50 - 50%
Shots on target: 5 - 9
Shots off target: 5 - 9
Fouls: 9 - 11
Corners: 7 - 14
Ref: Rob Shoebridge (Derbyshire). <==== SEE FOOTNOTE ABOUT REF.
Yellow cards:
Macclesfield: Tremarco (90+2)
Bradford C: Flynn (55).
Macclesfield: 1. Jon Brain, 16. Shaun Brisley, 20. Hamza Bencherif, 6. Paul
Morgan, 3. Carl Tremarco, 14. John Rooney, 7. Lee Bell, 8. Ross Draper, 17.
Colin Daniel, 11. Ben Wright, 9. Emile Sinclair.
SUBS: 13. Jose Veiga (GK), 12. Kyle Wilson, 26. Adam Roberts, 24. Vinny
Mukendi, 10. Stephen Reed, 18. Kristian Dennis, 19. Matthew Lowe.
Bradford C: 1. Simon Eastwood, 16. Jonathan Bateson, 5. Zesh Rehman, 12.
Steve Williams, 3. Luke O'Brien, 19. James O'Brien, 4. Michael Flynn, 11.
Chris Brandon (46), 26. Scott Neilson, 17. James Hanson, 9. Gareth Evans.
SUBS: 13. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 6. Matthew Clarke, 14. Michael Boulding (46),
18. Rory Boulding, 20. Leon Osborne, 21. Luke Sharry, 24. Louis Horne.
Next matches:
FA Cup1: (A) Notts County, Friday Nov 6, 2009, K.O. 7:45PM.
JPT (QF North): (H) Port Vale, Tuesday Nov 10, 2009. K.O. 7:45PM.
===========================
Coca-Cola League Two
Macclesfield (2) 2 Daniel 4, Bencherif 41
Bradford City (0) 2 Hanson 58, Williams 66
Att: 1,578
By Simon Parker
Bradford City fought back from two down to grab a point in a breathless
encounter at Macclesfield.
But they left Moss Rose feeling that it should have been more.
Their afternoon began in the worst possible fashion when Colin Daniel headed
in the softest of goals after four minutes.
City hit back strongly but could not make the pressure count. And they found
themselves 2-0 down when Hamza Bencherif scored just before half-time.
Macclesfield had blown a two-goal lead last week against Dagenham. And their
nerves were clear as City poured forward in the second half.
James Hanson rose highest to nod home from a James O'Brien corner and City
were level midway through the half when Steve Williams netted after keeper
Jon Brain spilled Michael Flynn's shot.
Macclesfield could have regained their lead when Ben Wright headed against
the post and Ross Draper drove into the side-netting when through.
But City kept roaring forward and twice could have clinched the fightback in
stoppage time.
First Zesh Rehman was denied on the line by Shaun Brisley and then Gareth
Evans smashed the bar against his old club.
===========================
Video + photo
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8316984.stm
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/MatchReport/0,,10266,00.html
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4714005.McCall_justifies_aerial_bombardment_tactics/
McCall justifies aerial bombardment tactics
By Simon Parker »
Macclesfield 2 City 2
It was a bit like Jordan complaining about publicity-seekers obsessed about being in the papers.
Macc boss Keith Alexander had a pop after the game and claimed that only one side had tried to play football.
This was not Arsene Wenger bemoaning the lack of quality but Alexander, whose Silkmen are hardly the purveyors of the silky game.
True, Macclesfield are not quite as agricultural these days but to criticise City for a long-ball approach was slightly rich.
McCall, though, took Alexander's barb on the chin and even agreed to an extent.
It was not a match rich in quality and the rock-hard surface did not help. The exaggerated bounce felt like a throwback to the plastic pitches of 20 years ago.
It was not easy to get the ball down and pass. And once City discovered that James Hanson had the beating of Macc's defence to every aerial assault, the visitors realised they didn't need to.
McCall said: "We were direct for the simple reason that James dominated their centre half. Every time the ball went in the box, he created problems.
"There are times when you can play pretty passy, passy football and if you dominate the midfield that's great. But our danger came from putting balls in the box.
"You play to your strengths and it would have been folly not to keep getting the ball up to James because he was dominating."
Four Macc players, including City old boy Paul Bolland, had been ruled out the night before after a bout of vomiting.
But McCall was the one feeling pig-sick after watching his side gift them a shocking opening goal. Steve Williams didn't deal with a long punt downfield from keeper Jonny Brain and Colin Daniel caught Simon Eastwood off his line to nudge home almost apologetically.
It was an awful piece of defending and right under the eyes of the stunned away support, who were once again pointing fingers at a soft centre.
City spent the rest of the half thrashing away at the Macclesfield box but the ball wouldn't go in.
Hanson twice nodded wide and other shots from Gareth Evans and Chris Brandon were blocked.
Macc's nervy backline even got in on the act, with Paul Morgan a slither away from back-passing into his own net.
Scott Neilson looked on his game from the start.
It has been an up and down spell for the winger as he gets to grips with the pro game.
Neilson got little change out of Dagenham's Scott Griffiths in City's last away outing but he gave left back Carl Tremarco the run-around on Saturday.
Every possession threatened something and he was at the centre of the best moment of football of the afternoon.
Taking the ball just inside the home half, Neilson surged forward before swapping passes with Michael Flynn. He received the return inside the penalty area with only Brain to beat but the keeper made the one good save of his otherwise unconvincing afternoon.
City were in control but their defence still creaked at times and Luke O'Brien had to clear off the line from Ross Draper.
Macc then added salt to the wounds with a second just before half-time.
It was a well-worked move from a throw-in with one-time City trainee Emile Sinclair's driven cross converted by Algerian Hamza Bencherif. But that did not make it easier to stomach as City contemplated a two-goal deficit at the break.
The message in the dressing room remained upbeat. McCall kicked backsides because he knew the result was far from settled. Dagenham had recovered the same deficit at Moss Rose the previous week and sooner or later City's chances had to go in.
Brandon, troubled by illness, had run himself into the ground. Having not trained on Friday, he was running on empty and Michael Boulding came on in a switch to 4-4-2.
Immediately City were back on it, with Brain spilling a Hanson header. Eastwood also denied Sinclair at the other end – a save that was to prove critical in the long run.
Within a minute, City had a foothold back in the game. Hanson eased above Shaun Brisley and nodded home James O'Brien's corner to spark jubilation on the terrace behind the goal.
The fans' volume hit maximum as City poured forward. And eight minutes later they were level.
Again Flynn could claim an assist as his shot proved too hot to handle for Brain and Williams tapped in the rebound. But Zesh Rehman also deserves a credit for keeping the ball alive on the touchline and creating the space for Flynn to let fly.
Now the scene was set for City to complete an Accrington-style revival. O'Brien, Boulding, Neilson and Hanson were all close to finding that elusive third.
Then Macclesfield nearly shook City with a brief revival of their own as Ben Wright headed against the post and Draper drilled into the side-netting after Jon Bateson did just enough to put him off when clear.
But the game finished in the Macc penalty area with City doing everything but scoring. Even in stoppage time, Rehman's prod was dug out from the line by Brisley and Evans smashed a deflected shot onto the bar.
Hence the down-trodden reaction at the final whistle. The team coach heading back along the M62 seethed with frustration.
McCall said: "I had to give them a kick up the backside at half-time. I genuinely felt we would win the game because I knew we'd have half a dozen chances.
"I told the players to go out and show character. It was about getting heads up, chests out and having a right go and give them credit for doing that.
"Chance-wise, pressure-wise, territorial-wise, everything-wise we deserved to win the game."
===========================
We've got to tighten up at back, concedes McCall
By Simon Parker »
Stuart McCall wants City to take a stand and stop leaking goals.
The Bantams have conceded 18 on the road so far – the most in League Two.
And next up is an FA Cup first-round trip to Notts County, the division's leading scorers.
Having been hit for five there on opening day, City know all too well about County's lethal form at Meadow Lane, where they are unbeaten.
McCall will put his players through some intensive build-up on the training ground but he admits it is down to them to deliver on the pitch.
He said: "We can't keep conceding two goals every game. We are always a threat going forward but we have got to stand up to things better.
"We lost five at Notts County and four at Cheltenham but then we've also had three 2-2 draws. We've got to tighten up.
"It's going to be a tough test on Friday with their goal-scoring record at home. We'll be working through the week on defending as best we can but once you are out there, players have got to make their own decisions.
"It's about every aspect of play. In the first place it's stopping the initial crosses from coming into the box, then it's dealing with the cross or the second phase of possession when the ball is in and around the goalmouth.
"But sometimes you can't legislate for mistakes and wrong decisions, like the first goal on Saturday.
"It was just a kick from the keeper straight down the pitch but we let it bounce and didn't react well enough."
City have kept four clean sheets in 18 outings and only one away from Valley Parade, in the goalless draw at Morecambe.
McCall added: "That's why the Hereford win the other week was so encouraging. We need more 1-0s like that.
"Sometimes you've got to be realistic and give credit to the goal that has been scored.
"Nearly every manager can pick holes and say the defending could have been better but when Calvin Zola beats you with a goal like his one for Crewe, there's not much you can do about it. It's just we've got to do more to make it difficult for teams to score against us."
City's back four have come under fire from fans, especially keeper Simon Eastwood (pictured) and his centre halves. But McCall insisted the whole team have to take responsibility.
The City chief added: "It works both ways. Just as we need to concede less, we also have to make more of our scoring chances to take the pressure off when we're defending.
"It's a group thing. I'm not point the finger at any individual. We are a team and we defend and attack as a team."
===========================
From the Official BCFC Website...
GREAT PHOTO OPPORTUNITY WITH FA CUP
Posted on: Tue 27 Oct 2009
A shoot out with the FA Cup for Bradford City fans is to take place at
Valley Parade.
The goal is to raise £3,000 for the club's £100,000 Burns Unit Appeal, which
is backed by the Telegraph & Argus.
Up to 150 fans are also being offered the chance to have their photograph
taken with the Bradford-designed trophy, the first winners of which in 1911
were, of course, Bradford City.
David Baldwin, the club's operations director, said: "That's why we're
charging £19.11p per person. They'll have a ten by eight photograph
alongside a life-size model of Jimmy Spiers - scorer of the goal in the 1-0
victory over Newcastle United - and his winner's medal.
"Everybody will also receive a certificate of authenticity signed by Stuart
McCall.
"We are limited to 150 places because the trophy will be at the ground for
three hours , between 3.00pm and 6.00pm, on Wednesday 11 November."
Later, the trophy will take pride of place at Bradford Cathedral at an event
in which nine City players killed in the First World War, including two of
the 1911 team, will be remembered.
The Burns Unit Appeal has now reached more than £10,000 of its £100,000
target to save the unit at Bradford University from possible closure.
It is hoped to reach the target by next May - the 25th anniversary of the
Bradford City fire disaster which cost 56 lives and led to nearly 200 others
suffering serious injuries. City supporter and ardent railway historian Mark
Neale will be donating a sum from the sales of his 2010 calendar, called
Yorkshire Steam, to further boost the appeal.
He said: "Baildon, Idle, Ilkley and Snaygill near Skipton show how steam
locomotion used to be in the area.
"I have a mix of photographs from 1948 in the calendar. I have also used
locations on the Worth Valley, the Embsay Line, the York National Railway
Museum and the North Yorkshire Moors railway for more up to date scenes.
"The fire disaster should never be forgotten. One of the positives that came
out of it was the Burns Research Unit; all City fans have a strong reason to
support it."
The calendar is on sale at Saltaire Bookshop, where Mr. Neale is presenting
an evening of railway stories and poetry on November 26, starting at 7.30pm.
Anyone interested in having their picture taken with the famous cup should
contact the club on (01274) 773355 or e-mail Mr. Baldwin on davidbaldwin
@the-bantams.co.uk
===========================
From the Official BCFC Website...
JAMES O'BRIEN EARNS EXTENDED CONTRACT
Posted on: Thu 29 Oct 2009
James O'Brien has signed a new 18-month deal with Bradford City.
The young midfielder's originally signed a three month contract with the
Bantams in August, which was due to expire on Saturday.
But Stuart McCall has moved to tie down the services of the energetic
midfielder until the end of next season after being impressed by O'Brien's
effort so far this term.
The news of O'Brien putting pen to paper on a longer deal be a big boost to
the Bantams boss, especially given the fact Lee Bullock and possible
midfield replacement Simon Ramsden are both ruled out of Saturday's trip to
Macclesfield.
The Dublin born livewire made his first senior appearance with City during
the Bantams Carling Cup 1st round tie at Nottingham Forest in August, before
earning his first start of the campaign at Cheltenham Town later on in the
month.
O'Brien instantly made an impact at Cheltenham's Abbey Business Stadium by
scoring the first professional goal of his young career and the Bantams
first of the season with only two minutes on the clock.
He has gone on to feature heavily in the heart of the Bantams midfield so
far this season and with his future at Valley Parade now sorted, will now be
keen to secure a regular slot in McCall's starting lineup.
===========================
16 PORT VALE COACHES TO BRADFORD
Port Vale will be bringing 16 coach loads of supporters to see the
Johnstone's Paint Trophy clash against Bradford City on November 10.
15 coaches were planned by Port Vale but, with a waiting list of 40, an
anonymous supporter agreed to pay for the 16th.
===========================
Paraders Heritage badges
A number of limited edition quality enamel badges have been comissioned,
featuring heritage Bradford City designs. Sales profits will go towards
BCFC's current Burns Unit fundraising effort and you can order by emailing
badges@paraders.co.uk
Download this pdf file to view all badges.
http://www.bcst.co.uk/documents/Paraders_heritage_badges.pdf
A webpage is also planned for the near future http://www.paraders.co.uk/
Fire Commemoration and League Fixture badges
Jeremy White has commissioned two sets of fire commemoration badges, both
of which will be on display at the BCST AGM on Tuesday Nov 3rd.
The first will be a large 38mm antiqued metallic badge based on the fire
sculpture which is affixed to the side of the main stand at Valley Parade.
Only 56 badges will be produced and they will sell for £15, which should
ensure that with each badge sold, not only is the purchaser buying a
collectors item, but also making a significant donation to the Burns Unit.
The second set will again be metallic but smaller (25mm). These will
feature The Bradford City logo and appropriate wording around the edge.
The badges will be produced in silver, antiqued silver, gold and antiqued
gold. The four badges again will be limited to just 56 of each type. The
badges will cost £20 for the set of 4. Again all profits will be donated
to the Burns Unit.
Jeremy has also produced a limited set of fixture badges which can be
viewed at
http://www.bradfordcitybadges.co.uk/#/limited-edition-badges/4527107070
Around 10 sets are still available and profits will be donated to BCFC.
===========================
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=46810838356
or search for
"City Forward! Mailing List"
***
Texas Bantams Blog
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
L2 v Hereford U. (h) W 1-0 Oct 24th 2009
Coca-Cola League Two
Bradford C (1) 1 Evans 41
Hereford U (0) 0
Att: 11,107
Stats: Bradford C - Hereford
Possession: 51 - 49%
Shots on target: 11 - 1
Shots off target: 8 - 3
Fouls: 6 - 14
Corners: 6 - 2
Ref: Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear).
Red card: Bullock (Bradford C) 82 min. 2nd yellow.
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Bullock (15 min),
Hereford: Valentine (16 min), Gwynne (67), Sonko (90).
Bradford C: 1. Simon Eastwood, 16. Jonathan Bateson, 5. Zesh Rehman, 12.
Steve Williams, 3. Luke O'Brien, 26. Scott Neilson, 4. Michael Flynn, 8. Lee
Bullock, 11. Chris Brandon (70), 9. Gareth Evans, 17. James Hanson.
SUBS: 13. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 6. Matthew Clarke, 18. Rory Boulding, 19.
James O'Brien (70), 20. Leon Osborne, 21. Luke Sharry, 24. Louis Horne.
Hereford: 1. Adam Bartlett, 5. Keith Lowe, 2. Ryan Green, 27. Daniel
Blanchett, 3. Ryan Valentine, 15. Sam Gwynne, 26. Craig King, 6. Kenny Lunt,
28. Mark Marshall, 22. Mathieu Manset (69), 29. James Walker (78).
SUBS: 30. Christopher Adamson (GK), 4. Richard Rose, 9. Lee Morris (78), 10.
Leon Constantine, 12. Edrissa Sonko (69), 16. Jonny Godsmark, 23. Matt Done.
Next match: (A) Macclesfield, Saturday October 31, 2009. K.O. 3:00PM.
===========================
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Bradford City got back to winning ways against Hereford at Valley Parade
this afternoon.
Stuart McCall's side were well worth the win after back-to-back losses. But
the job was made harder when Lee Bullock was harshly dismissed for two
yellow cards, leaving them to negotiate the final ten minutes with a man
down.
City had controlled the first half without really getting a clear sight of
Hereford's goal.
They finally broke the deadlock four minutes before the interval as Michael
Flynn's shot crashed back off a post and fell straight to Gareth Evans to
tap home.
City twice had efforts ruled out in the second half as they pushed for a
killer second.
Evans and Flynn had chances and James Hanson should have scored with a
header from Jon Bateson's cross.
Hereford pushed forward late on but City saw it through to get back on
track.
===========================
Heavy handed Stewards?
http://bullsnews.blogspot.com/2009/10/one-bradford-steward.html
http://www.boyfrombrazil.co.uk/2009/10/an-ugly-victory-as-hereford-united-fans-get-the-wrong-kind-of-bradford-welcome/
===========================
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/football/Bradford-City-1-Hereford-United.5765700.jp
Bradford City 1 Hereford United 0: Evans strikes to get City back on track
BRADFORD CITY survived Lee Bullock's late sending off to get back to winning ways after two successive defeats.
Striker Gareth Evans forced home the winner just before the break to claim his fourth goal of the season, but manager Stuart McCall will have been as impressed with how his side held out.
Bullock will feel hard done by after seeing red 10 minutes from time following a harsh second booking, but City held out resolutely to secure a timely win.
City's attacking intent was rewarded after 41 minutes when Hereford failed to clear the danger from a corner.
Bantams midfielder Michael Flynn let fly from the edge of the area and when his shot rebounded off the post, Evans kept his cool to steer the loose ball into the empty net.
City started the second period intent on wrapping up the win, but their ambition was thwarted by the assistant referee's flag.
Winger Scott Neilson was ruled offside when he fired home from eight yards and soon after striker James Hanson had his celebrations cut short after heading in a cross from Luke O'Brien.
Hanson was denied again by a smart save from Adam Bartlett and the visitors' hopes of claiming a point were raised when Bullock was dismissed. But full-back O'Brien made a vital late clearance as substitute Edrissa Sonko looked poised to score.
Bradford City: Eastwood, Bateson, Williams, Rehman, L O'Brien; Flynn, Bullock, Brandon (J O'Brien 69m); Neilson, Evans, Hanson. Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Clarke, R Boulding, Osborne, Sharry, Horne.
Hereford United: Bartlett, Lowe, Green, Blanchett, Valentine; King, Lunt, Gwynne, Marshall; Manset (Sonko 69m), Walker (Morris 78m). Unused substitutes: Rose, Godsmark, Done, Adamson.
Referee: C Webster (Tyne and Wear).
Man of the match: Gareth Evans.
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/4701942.McCall_s_sigh_of_relief_after__big__big_win_/
Ten-man Bantams grind out priceless result that restores self-belief
7:00am Monday 26th October 2009
By Simon Parker
City 1 Hereford 0
It's the oldest argument in the book. Would you prefer to be royally entertained on the edge of the seat every week or be content just watching a winning team?
Ideally, it would be a case of both. But anyone who says the first is a liar.
City have served up some exciting stuff already this season. Witness the belting clash against Crewe a fortnight ago – an absolute treat for any neutral.
But losing teams aren't going to get clapped off so enthusiastically every time by the fans.
All that really matters, as gauged by Stuart McCall's reaction from Saturday's hard-fought victory, is getting the right result.
Back-to-back defeats is hardly the cue for free-fall but given the way last season slid away so unexpectedly from a position of strength in the spring, City fans are understandably twitchy.
Another setback against Hereford, no matter how well City might have played, and a few alarm bells would have begun to clang.
In football terms, Saturday may have been a pale imitation of the previous home game but the final scoreline was priceless for all concerned.
McCall certainly knew it once his side had survived a tricky final ten minutes after Lee Bullock was sent packing. "That was a big, big win for us," said the City boss. "If we'd dropped a couple more points after being 1-0 up, the belief would have started dripping out of the supporters.
"We always aim to go out and try to score lots of goals and be positive but the bottom line was three points to keep us cracking on.
"We created far, far more chances against Crewe and came away with nothing but when you're not winning games the pressure can build each week."
Hereford, let's face it, were strictly average despite a five-match unbeaten run against all the top sides. But City's inability to dig up a second goal, despite their control on proceedings, kept the visitors interested.
And given the worrying tendency to let late leads slip, there were plenty of anxious faces before referee Colin Webster's whistle ensured the agony was over.
That was the only time Webster endeared himself to the Valley Parade faithful. He won few friends – except for Hereford's Kenny Lunt – by giving Bullock his marching orders.
The improving midfielder had enjoyed the freedom of the park for most of the afternoon, with Hereford allowing him space and time to spray the ball around.
But Bullock already had one black mark to his name for an instinctive handball after 15 minutes. He tried to "Maradona" Steve Williams' header past keeper Adam Bartlett and Webster was having none of it.
It seemed a harsh card at the time, though Bullock had no complaints afterwards, but the real bone of contention was the follow-up booking for his challenge on Lunt in the centre circle.
It was a bog-standard foul but nothing more, and nobody thought much about it. That was until Lunt carried on his protests in front of the referee, who then checked back and reached for his pocket.
In terms of punishment for Bullock, the second yellow means nothing. He was already sitting out next week's trip to Macclesfield after his first offence triggered an automatic one-game ban for reaching five bookings for the season.
But it left City with an uncomfortable finale of a game they should have put to bed long before.
A team brighter than Hereford might have made them pay. Instead, despite the odd squeak or two, City saw it through for their first win and clean sheet in October.
Any fears of a hangover from successive losses had been dispelled by their bright approach to the first half.
The pitch wasn't easy after the heavy rain and play was often very narrow, with only Scott Neilson really using the flanks to the full extent. But City moved the ball about briskly, with the recalled Chris Brandon an effective go-between from the midfield to attack.
Hereford, clearly interested in a point, succeeded in keeping City at arm's length. Most of the home shots were limited to outside the box, and while James Hanson was once again dominating every header, the second ball rarely fell to a claret shirt.
Brandon, Gareth Evans and, inevitably, Michael Flynn all had pot-shots but the closest City came to anything was a concerted shout for handball against Ryan Green that was waved away.
They needed something to break in their favour – and it did four minutes before the break.
Brandon's corner, City's fifth of the half, came to Flynn, who smacked it hard and low against Bartlett's right upright. For once, the ball bounced kindly for the Bantams as the rebound fell right into the path of Evans to dig out from under his feet and roll home from six yards.
A scrappy goal but a crucial one and no more than City's control had warranted.
The second period began in the same manner. Brandon forced an early save and then Evans should have done better after Bullock had picked him out in plenty of space.
Simon Eastwood, enjoying a much easier ride than at Dagenham, had only one split-second of discomfort when Bullock sliced an intended clearance towards his own goal. Twice City had the ball in the Hereford net. Twice, to the derision of the crowd, the offside flag went up.
Both calls may have been correct but did the assistant really need to take so long to raise his arm?
Evans, Flynn and substitute James O'Brien had further chances before Hanson missed the best of them from Jon Bateson's inviting cross. His header was well tipped over by Bartlett but a yard either side of the keeper and it was a sure-fire goal.
McCall felt Hereford's heads were ready to drop with a second strike. Instead, as he put it, they were galvanised by City's failure to find that decisive blow.
The visitors threw caution to the wind as John Trewick threw on two fresh strikers to replace the anonymous front pair.
Gambia international Ed Sonko was a particularly lively addition and it needed a well-timed block from Steve Williams to keep one raid in check.
Bullock's departure livened things up, especially when Hereford left back Ryan Valentine – also walking a yellow-card tightrope – escaped similar censor for crashing into Flynn.
Valley Parade held its breath as Mark Marshall's fizzing cross was only partially parried by Eastwood but Luke O'Brien was on to the loose ball before Sonko and three faith-restoring points were secure.
===========================
Bullock will be missed - McCall
Bullock joined Bradford from Hartlepool
Bradford City manager Stuart McCall insists his side can cope without the influential Lee Bullock.
The midfielder will miss Saturday's trip to Macclesfield following his sending off in the weekend win over Hereford United.
"It is not a major disaster in the grand scheme of things because he would have missed next week for five yellows anyway," McCall told BBC Radio Leeds.
"He will of course be a miss, but we can cope for one game without him."
Bullock was sent off nine minutes from the end of City's 1-0 win at Valley Parade for a second bookable offence.
McCall added: "For him to only miss the one game is good, as three matches would have hurt us.
"He has been outstanding for us in the last three or four matches, so we will miss him."
===========================
FINAL HANSON OFFER PUT TO GUISELEY
Bradford City have made a final offer to Guiseley for striker James Hanson,
in a bid to stop the summer signing's fee being decided by a tribunal.
Hanson has scored four goals in 11 starts since signing from City's
non-league neighbours in the summer.
But the two clubs are still to agree a fee for the six foot three
21-year-old.
If a deal cannot be agreed, it is understood that it would be the first time
a league club has been taken to arbitration by a non-league club.
City claim that the Unibond League side want more for Hanson than the
reported four-figure sum they paid for his co-striker Gareth Evans in the
summer.
But now City have moved with a final offer, which would also involve
Guiseley claiming 25 per cent of any future transfer fee and the income from
a pre-season friendly.
"We've gone back to Guiseley and upped the offer," joint chairman Mark Lawn
told the Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
"We don't think we can go any further. It's up to them."
===========================
From the Official BCFC website...
NEW YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Posted on: Fri 23 Oct 2009
Bradford City's Youth Department are pleased to announce new development
sessions specifically for [Note] budding goalkeepers.
The sessions are designed purely for young goalkeepers who are looking to
hone their talent and further their potential in football.
The goalkeeper specific training programme will be taken by professional
goalkeeping coaches, Graeme Kennedy and Kim Farrand. The programme is also
fully endorsed by the club's first team goalkeeping coach, former England
goalkeeper Nigel Martyn.
As per any Bradford City Centre of Excellence development programme, the
sessions could potentially offer a route in the Centre of Excellence itself
for any talented youngsters.
Sessions will be open for children between the ages of 9 - 15 and will be
held at GOALS Soccer Centre, 282 Kings Road, Bradford, BD1 2NR ( the chosen
venue for all Bradford City Centre of Excellence training sessions).
The first session shall commence on Wednesday 11th November at 5:00pm until
6:30pm at GOALS.
Each session shall be subject to a £10.00 administration fee.
Any interested parties should contact either Kim Farrand (07813 081681) or
Graeme Kennedy (07811 822775) to register a place.
===========================
Oh yeah .... City for t'cup ... FA Cup 1st round v Notts County (a) Friday Nov 6th 7.45pm
===========================
===========================
===========================
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=46810838356
or search for
"City Forward! Mailing List"
***
Texas Bantams Blog
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
Bradford C (1) 1 Evans 41
Hereford U (0) 0
Att: 11,107
Stats: Bradford C - Hereford
Possession: 51 - 49%
Shots on target: 11 - 1
Shots off target: 8 - 3
Fouls: 6 - 14
Corners: 6 - 2
Ref: Colin Webster (Tyne & Wear).
Red card: Bullock (Bradford C) 82 min. 2nd yellow.
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Bullock (15 min),
Hereford: Valentine (16 min), Gwynne (67), Sonko (90).
Bradford C: 1. Simon Eastwood, 16. Jonathan Bateson, 5. Zesh Rehman, 12.
Steve Williams, 3. Luke O'Brien, 26. Scott Neilson, 4. Michael Flynn, 8. Lee
Bullock, 11. Chris Brandon (70), 9. Gareth Evans, 17. James Hanson.
SUBS: 13. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 6. Matthew Clarke, 18. Rory Boulding, 19.
James O'Brien (70), 20. Leon Osborne, 21. Luke Sharry, 24. Louis Horne.
Hereford: 1. Adam Bartlett, 5. Keith Lowe, 2. Ryan Green, 27. Daniel
Blanchett, 3. Ryan Valentine, 15. Sam Gwynne, 26. Craig King, 6. Kenny Lunt,
28. Mark Marshall, 22. Mathieu Manset (69), 29. James Walker (78).
SUBS: 30. Christopher Adamson (GK), 4. Richard Rose, 9. Lee Morris (78), 10.
Leon Constantine, 12. Edrissa Sonko (69), 16. Jonny Godsmark, 23. Matt Done.
Next match: (A) Macclesfield, Saturday October 31, 2009. K.O. 3:00PM.
===========================
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Bradford City got back to winning ways against Hereford at Valley Parade
this afternoon.
Stuart McCall's side were well worth the win after back-to-back losses. But
the job was made harder when Lee Bullock was harshly dismissed for two
yellow cards, leaving them to negotiate the final ten minutes with a man
down.
City had controlled the first half without really getting a clear sight of
Hereford's goal.
They finally broke the deadlock four minutes before the interval as Michael
Flynn's shot crashed back off a post and fell straight to Gareth Evans to
tap home.
City twice had efforts ruled out in the second half as they pushed for a
killer second.
Evans and Flynn had chances and James Hanson should have scored with a
header from Jon Bateson's cross.
Hereford pushed forward late on but City saw it through to get back on
track.
===========================
Heavy handed Stewards?
http://bullsnews.blogspot.com/2009/10/one-bradford-steward.html
http://www.boyfrombrazil.co.uk/2009/10/an-ugly-victory-as-hereford-united-fans-get-the-wrong-kind-of-bradford-welcome/
===========================
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/football/Bradford-City-1-Hereford-United.5765700.jp
Bradford City 1 Hereford United 0: Evans strikes to get City back on track
BRADFORD CITY survived Lee Bullock's late sending off to get back to winning ways after two successive defeats.
Striker Gareth Evans forced home the winner just before the break to claim his fourth goal of the season, but manager Stuart McCall will have been as impressed with how his side held out.
Bullock will feel hard done by after seeing red 10 minutes from time following a harsh second booking, but City held out resolutely to secure a timely win.
City's attacking intent was rewarded after 41 minutes when Hereford failed to clear the danger from a corner.
Bantams midfielder Michael Flynn let fly from the edge of the area and when his shot rebounded off the post, Evans kept his cool to steer the loose ball into the empty net.
City started the second period intent on wrapping up the win, but their ambition was thwarted by the assistant referee's flag.
Winger Scott Neilson was ruled offside when he fired home from eight yards and soon after striker James Hanson had his celebrations cut short after heading in a cross from Luke O'Brien.
Hanson was denied again by a smart save from Adam Bartlett and the visitors' hopes of claiming a point were raised when Bullock was dismissed. But full-back O'Brien made a vital late clearance as substitute Edrissa Sonko looked poised to score.
Bradford City: Eastwood, Bateson, Williams, Rehman, L O'Brien; Flynn, Bullock, Brandon (J O'Brien 69m); Neilson, Evans, Hanson. Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Clarke, R Boulding, Osborne, Sharry, Horne.
Hereford United: Bartlett, Lowe, Green, Blanchett, Valentine; King, Lunt, Gwynne, Marshall; Manset (Sonko 69m), Walker (Morris 78m). Unused substitutes: Rose, Godsmark, Done, Adamson.
Referee: C Webster (Tyne and Wear).
Man of the match: Gareth Evans.
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/4701942.McCall_s_sigh_of_relief_after__big__big_win_/
Ten-man Bantams grind out priceless result that restores self-belief
7:00am Monday 26th October 2009
By Simon Parker
City 1 Hereford 0
It's the oldest argument in the book. Would you prefer to be royally entertained on the edge of the seat every week or be content just watching a winning team?
Ideally, it would be a case of both. But anyone who says the first is a liar.
City have served up some exciting stuff already this season. Witness the belting clash against Crewe a fortnight ago – an absolute treat for any neutral.
But losing teams aren't going to get clapped off so enthusiastically every time by the fans.
All that really matters, as gauged by Stuart McCall's reaction from Saturday's hard-fought victory, is getting the right result.
Back-to-back defeats is hardly the cue for free-fall but given the way last season slid away so unexpectedly from a position of strength in the spring, City fans are understandably twitchy.
Another setback against Hereford, no matter how well City might have played, and a few alarm bells would have begun to clang.
In football terms, Saturday may have been a pale imitation of the previous home game but the final scoreline was priceless for all concerned.
McCall certainly knew it once his side had survived a tricky final ten minutes after Lee Bullock was sent packing. "That was a big, big win for us," said the City boss. "If we'd dropped a couple more points after being 1-0 up, the belief would have started dripping out of the supporters.
"We always aim to go out and try to score lots of goals and be positive but the bottom line was three points to keep us cracking on.
"We created far, far more chances against Crewe and came away with nothing but when you're not winning games the pressure can build each week."
Hereford, let's face it, were strictly average despite a five-match unbeaten run against all the top sides. But City's inability to dig up a second goal, despite their control on proceedings, kept the visitors interested.
And given the worrying tendency to let late leads slip, there were plenty of anxious faces before referee Colin Webster's whistle ensured the agony was over.
That was the only time Webster endeared himself to the Valley Parade faithful. He won few friends – except for Hereford's Kenny Lunt – by giving Bullock his marching orders.
The improving midfielder had enjoyed the freedom of the park for most of the afternoon, with Hereford allowing him space and time to spray the ball around.
But Bullock already had one black mark to his name for an instinctive handball after 15 minutes. He tried to "Maradona" Steve Williams' header past keeper Adam Bartlett and Webster was having none of it.
It seemed a harsh card at the time, though Bullock had no complaints afterwards, but the real bone of contention was the follow-up booking for his challenge on Lunt in the centre circle.
It was a bog-standard foul but nothing more, and nobody thought much about it. That was until Lunt carried on his protests in front of the referee, who then checked back and reached for his pocket.
In terms of punishment for Bullock, the second yellow means nothing. He was already sitting out next week's trip to Macclesfield after his first offence triggered an automatic one-game ban for reaching five bookings for the season.
But it left City with an uncomfortable finale of a game they should have put to bed long before.
A team brighter than Hereford might have made them pay. Instead, despite the odd squeak or two, City saw it through for their first win and clean sheet in October.
Any fears of a hangover from successive losses had been dispelled by their bright approach to the first half.
The pitch wasn't easy after the heavy rain and play was often very narrow, with only Scott Neilson really using the flanks to the full extent. But City moved the ball about briskly, with the recalled Chris Brandon an effective go-between from the midfield to attack.
Hereford, clearly interested in a point, succeeded in keeping City at arm's length. Most of the home shots were limited to outside the box, and while James Hanson was once again dominating every header, the second ball rarely fell to a claret shirt.
Brandon, Gareth Evans and, inevitably, Michael Flynn all had pot-shots but the closest City came to anything was a concerted shout for handball against Ryan Green that was waved away.
They needed something to break in their favour – and it did four minutes before the break.
Brandon's corner, City's fifth of the half, came to Flynn, who smacked it hard and low against Bartlett's right upright. For once, the ball bounced kindly for the Bantams as the rebound fell right into the path of Evans to dig out from under his feet and roll home from six yards.
A scrappy goal but a crucial one and no more than City's control had warranted.
The second period began in the same manner. Brandon forced an early save and then Evans should have done better after Bullock had picked him out in plenty of space.
Simon Eastwood, enjoying a much easier ride than at Dagenham, had only one split-second of discomfort when Bullock sliced an intended clearance towards his own goal. Twice City had the ball in the Hereford net. Twice, to the derision of the crowd, the offside flag went up.
Both calls may have been correct but did the assistant really need to take so long to raise his arm?
Evans, Flynn and substitute James O'Brien had further chances before Hanson missed the best of them from Jon Bateson's inviting cross. His header was well tipped over by Bartlett but a yard either side of the keeper and it was a sure-fire goal.
McCall felt Hereford's heads were ready to drop with a second strike. Instead, as he put it, they were galvanised by City's failure to find that decisive blow.
The visitors threw caution to the wind as John Trewick threw on two fresh strikers to replace the anonymous front pair.
Gambia international Ed Sonko was a particularly lively addition and it needed a well-timed block from Steve Williams to keep one raid in check.
Bullock's departure livened things up, especially when Hereford left back Ryan Valentine – also walking a yellow-card tightrope – escaped similar censor for crashing into Flynn.
Valley Parade held its breath as Mark Marshall's fizzing cross was only partially parried by Eastwood but Luke O'Brien was on to the loose ball before Sonko and three faith-restoring points were secure.
===========================
Bullock will be missed - McCall
Bullock joined Bradford from Hartlepool
Bradford City manager Stuart McCall insists his side can cope without the influential Lee Bullock.
The midfielder will miss Saturday's trip to Macclesfield following his sending off in the weekend win over Hereford United.
"It is not a major disaster in the grand scheme of things because he would have missed next week for five yellows anyway," McCall told BBC Radio Leeds.
"He will of course be a miss, but we can cope for one game without him."
Bullock was sent off nine minutes from the end of City's 1-0 win at Valley Parade for a second bookable offence.
McCall added: "For him to only miss the one game is good, as three matches would have hurt us.
"He has been outstanding for us in the last three or four matches, so we will miss him."
===========================
FINAL HANSON OFFER PUT TO GUISELEY
Bradford City have made a final offer to Guiseley for striker James Hanson,
in a bid to stop the summer signing's fee being decided by a tribunal.
Hanson has scored four goals in 11 starts since signing from City's
non-league neighbours in the summer.
But the two clubs are still to agree a fee for the six foot three
21-year-old.
If a deal cannot be agreed, it is understood that it would be the first time
a league club has been taken to arbitration by a non-league club.
City claim that the Unibond League side want more for Hanson than the
reported four-figure sum they paid for his co-striker Gareth Evans in the
summer.
But now City have moved with a final offer, which would also involve
Guiseley claiming 25 per cent of any future transfer fee and the income from
a pre-season friendly.
"We've gone back to Guiseley and upped the offer," joint chairman Mark Lawn
told the Bradford Telegraph and Argus.
"We don't think we can go any further. It's up to them."
===========================
From the Official BCFC website...
NEW YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Posted on: Fri 23 Oct 2009
Bradford City's Youth Department are pleased to announce new development
sessions specifically for [Note] budding goalkeepers.
The sessions are designed purely for young goalkeepers who are looking to
hone their talent and further their potential in football.
The goalkeeper specific training programme will be taken by professional
goalkeeping coaches, Graeme Kennedy and Kim Farrand. The programme is also
fully endorsed by the club's first team goalkeeping coach, former England
goalkeeper Nigel Martyn.
As per any Bradford City Centre of Excellence development programme, the
sessions could potentially offer a route in the Centre of Excellence itself
for any talented youngsters.
Sessions will be open for children between the ages of 9 - 15 and will be
held at GOALS Soccer Centre, 282 Kings Road, Bradford, BD1 2NR ( the chosen
venue for all Bradford City Centre of Excellence training sessions).
The first session shall commence on Wednesday 11th November at 5:00pm until
6:30pm at GOALS.
Each session shall be subject to a £10.00 administration fee.
Any interested parties should contact either Kim Farrand (07813 081681) or
Graeme Kennedy (07811 822775) to register a place.
===========================
Oh yeah .... City for t'cup ... FA Cup 1st round v Notts County (a) Friday Nov 6th 7.45pm
===========================
===========================
===========================
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=46810838356
or search for
"City Forward! Mailing List"
***
Texas Bantams Blog
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
Friday, October 23, 2009
L2 v Dag & Red (a) L1-2 Oct 17th 2009
===========================
Dagenham & Redbridge: Roberts; Ogogo, Griffiths (Doe 88), Arber, Antwi; Green, Gain, Thurgood, Tejan-Sie; Benson, Nurse (Montgomery 90). Unused substitutes: Lewington, Demetriou, Bingham, Dean.
Bradford City: Eastwood; Ramsden, L O'Brien, Williams (Clarke 87), Rehman; Neilson (Osborne 68), Flynn, Bullock, J O'Brien (Brandon 61); Evans, Hanson. Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Bateson, Sharry.
Referee: M Russell (Hertfordshire).
Man of the match: Abu Ogogo.
===========================
Bantams hit a sour note at fortress Victoria Road
By Simon Parker »
Dagenham 2 City 1
What price a Dagenham double this season?
Stacey Solomon winning the X Factor and the Daggers clinching promotion?
Stacey, who the PA announcer kept telling us lives just 200 yards from the Victoria Road ground, might need a few more votes than just the hardcore 2,000 fans getting on their mobiles.
But John Still's side could take some stopping.
They may play in a way that won't impress the judges but 19 points from a possible 21 at home is a strong case for a top-seven finish for the first time in their history.
Stacey was obviously too tied up to be there on Saturday so instead the main stand had to make do with the constant shrieking of Abu Ogogo's sisters. They were a poor substitute.
The two of them sat directly above the players' tunnel and embarrassed the young right back every time he came within ten yards.
The cacophony of noise from their row when he slotted home the Dagenham winner threatened to rip off the roof.
Structural damage would not have shocked anybody on a day which saw a 20-minute power cut and a fuse box fire behind the goal opposite the City fans.
They were housed in the most luxurious seats; the new covered end which was only seeing its second game.
It was Dagenham's biggest crowd of the season by far. However much we try to play it down, City remain a big scalp as home boss Still kept repeating afterwards.
But it's the second-placed Daggers who are the real catch, particularly on their own cramped manor.
City came close but, like the losers given the boot by Simon Cowell and Co, they headed home with nothing.
It was not a day for off-days and, unfortunately, there were a few in black shirts.
Fingers will be pointed at Simon Eastwood again over both Dagenham goals.
McCall felt the blame for the first on eight minutes was on those who failed to react to the loose ball afer the keeper had failed to claim the game's first corner.
Eastwood has been criticised for his tendency to hug the goalline. On this occasion he chased a ball he didn't need to, couldn't get anything on it, and watched in a helpless heap as Scott Griffiths nudged goalwards for Paul Benson to convert with his knee.
The Huddersfield loanee atoned for the judgement error with a couple of big saves later on, most notably to spare the blushes of Steve Williams by palming away his misguided own goal-bound header at the start of the second half.
But Dagenham's second did him no favours again. The cross should have been stopped but when it wasn't, Eastwood found himself wide of his goal as Jon Nurse teed up Ogogo to give his supporting banshees their chance to really let rip.
Eastwood was not the only fall guy. Zesh Rehman came off distinctly second best against Benson while Scott Neilson hardly scratched the surface on his recall.
And yet City could still have left this raw corner of Essex with something.
Birthday boy Michael Flynn pulled them up by their bootlaces with another top-drawer strike to cancel out the sluggish start.
Tony Roberts punched a corner clear of the penalty area – only to see the ball come flying back with interest courtesy of the Welshman's flying first-time strike.
And when Dagenham blew an instant chance to restore their lead from the penalty spot, it looked like the tide had turned.
Referee Mick Russell later admitted that it shouldn't have been a spot-kick, which is becoming a bugging habit of officials of late.
He gave it anyway for Nurse's theatrical fall under the combined pressure of Rehman and Simon Ramsden. But Benson, maybe out of guilt but more likely as a result of Flynn's "encouragement" as he ran up, delivered the worst penalty you will see for many a year.
While the fire brigade attended to the electrical blaze, City took control for the remainder of the half. Lee Bullock got on the ball and carried on his good work from the previous week and the visitors looked a decent threat.
Gareth Evans had their best chance but the recalled striker, only playing because Michael Boulding had woken up under the weather, snatched at it after Flynn and Neilson had combined to carve Dagenham open.
It looked a costly miss and City soon found themselves back under the cosh as the second half started the same way as the first.
Benson and Danny Green went close – as well as Williams – and Eastwood plunged at the feet of Nurse after a mistake by Flynn.
There were shades of Paul Mullin last season as City had a dangerous counter-attack flagged off for James Hanson's supposed foul on Roberts.
But then Peter Gain's cross was collected by Benson and Nurse and, with Eastwood not at home, right back Ogogo had his first goal in senior football.
City hit back hard late on but, apart from one Luke O'Brien effort, forced little to unnerve Roberts as the resolute Daggers back four showed how it should be done to negotiate several scrambled moments.
That's two losses on the spin but McCall insisted there was no need for the doom merchants to take over.
He said: "We are a young side trying to gel together and have had some good performances this season.
"We were up against one of the best sides in the division and we could have squeezed a point.
"There were spells in the game which gave me enough encouragement to know that we've got a good nucleus of players. We'll give teams problems but now it's about reacting the right way."
===========================
Lawn: Stuart is his own boss
By Simon Parker »
Mark Lawn would never try to talk Stuart McCall out of leaving Valley Parade.
Not that City's joint-chairman wants to see the manager call it quits any time soon.
Despite the disappointment of back-to-back losses, Lawn believes McCall is on the right track this season with his revamped squad.
But he also reckons that McCall's standing at the club always gives the manager the ultimate power to choose the moment he could walk away.
McCall was close to stepping down at the end of last season after the anguish of missing out on the play-offs. Fans and former team-mates rallied round to change his mind.
Having pushed the boat out to build a squad of serious promotion challengers, failure was a bitter blow for Lawn and Julian Rhodes. But there was never any heat put on McCall.
Lawn said: "There has never been a problem between board and manager. The only frustration was between Stuart McCall and himself.
"He wanted to do well and believed that he didn't and wanted to go. But he'd just signed a new two-year contract and I don't know what everyone was panicking about.
"Don't get me wrong, if Stuart wants to walk away I'm not going to hold him back. He's done enough for this club to have that right.
"If Stuart had definitely wanted to go in the summer, I wouldn't have held him to his contract. It wouldn't have been right."
City are proud to have built up an infrastructure of dyed-in-the-wool supporters but, as the McCall episode testified, that emotional attachment comes at a price at times.
Lawn added: "I'm not sure whether it's good or bad that we are all fans as well.
"I've watched the team for over 20 years and stood on the terraces before getting involved at board level.
"We all feel the pain, perhaps even more than the fans because of what we've put into the club.
"I'm not having a go at anyone but there are some times when I can't face my kids. I've put the whole of their inheritance in this club.
"It's difficult when you get into a conversation where my son can't go to the university he wants to because I can't afford it.
"But it's not just me. Everybody in the club has got that sort of commitment, not just with the money but the time that they put in.
"I believe the whole club are slowly starting to move in the right direction. Behind the scenes as well, we've got the right people.
"It's a general thing which has taken some time to turn round.
"In any business, once the wheel starts going one way, it's very difficult to stop it. Then you've got to get your shoulder to it and push it to get things moving the other way. I think it's slowly starting to do that."
Lawn is into his third year at Valley Parade and finds he is still getting to grips with football culture. But he feels that techniques applied in general business are not totally alien to his present environment.
"I've found the role of joint- chairman difficult at first but I'm getting used to it," he said.
"There are still things I want to bring into football; business practices that aren't being used. But as they say, slowly slowly catchy monkey.
"Things that are used in business can be used, not just behind the scenes but on a football level as well.
"All businesses run on procedures and football is the same. They'll come in and do training on this aspect one day and Friday might work on that one, it's just procedure.
"It's not a million miles apart and I think there are business ethics that can be put in the football side.
"I'd like to see more statistical analysis and programmes put in but I only make suggestions because it's down to the manager and coaches.
"It is Stuart's domain. If the team loses, it's Stuart that gets the stick as well."
===========================
McCALL: PROMOTION DREAM STILL ALIVE
Bradford City manager Stuart McCall believes his side can challenge for
promotion and is paying little attention to the current league table.
The Bantams have slipped to 13th place, five points adrift of the play-offs,
after an eight-match unbeaten league run was abruptly halted by successive
league defeats.
McCall told the club's official website: "As long as we keep going on the
coat tails of the play-off places, four or five points behind, it doesn't
matter where we are in the league right now.
"We are realistic about it. Although we had a good run, there will come
stages in the season when a couple of results go against you.
"It's how we react. With young lads you're always going to get those ups and
downs.
"You look for consistency with players and that tends to improve as you
mature. We should be sat on more points than we are, but there's no reason
to be all doom and gloom."
Friday, October 16, 2009
L2 v Crewe A. (h) L2-3 Oct 10th 2009
Bradford City 2 - Crewe Alexandra 3
Valley Parade
Attendance: 11,757
Referee: Carl Boyeson
Game Statistics
26 Goal Attempts 12
15 On Target 7
16 Corners 7
10 Fouls 9
0 Yellow Cards 3
0 Red Cards 0
49 % 51
video
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8301626.stm
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/4675776.Shots_galore_but_City_floored_by_Zola/
McCall appreciates applause but points would be more appropriate
6:50am Monday 12th October 2009
By Simon Parker »
City 2, Crewe Alexandra 3
It's not very often that Steve Schumacher is stuck for words.
The chirpy Scouser usually offers an opinion on most things but he was gobsmacked by the reaction of the Valley
Parade crowd at the final whistle.
Schumacher experienced his fair share of home lows during three years in a City shirt and he knows the fans can be
pretty unforgiving when games haven't gone their way.
But the present-day Bantams were cheered off with a standing ovation on Saturday – despite surrendering their
ten-game unbeaten run.
"That's a first," admitted Schumacher, whose goal on his return ultimately proved the difference between the two
sides. "I've never seen that before in my time here.
"But Bradford are a completely different side. They work very hard as a team and play some lovely football."
Stuart McCall would rather have collected the points than the compliments but he appreciated the reaction from the
stands.
He said: "It's nice for the players to be clapped off. Everyone's disappointed to get beaten but they've seen the
side give everything, create chances and pour forward.
"We did everything we could. Dario (Gradi) will be pleased with the way Crewe defended but there were lots of times
when we got round them and through them. There were some terrific performances."
Schumacher was clearly pumped up to be back at his former club. Having finished second-top scorer for a couple of
seasons in his City days, it was not a huge surprise that he should net again.
In the current dilemma of whether ex-players should milk the moment against their old team, Schumacher kept his
reaction muted in front of the Kop.
He said: "I'd been thinking about it during the week. Everyone loves to get one over their old team but I didn't
think it was appropriate to rub the fans' noses in it.
"It's great to score a goal and I did half-celebrate but this is football and it won't be long before someone who
used to play for Crewe will be scoring against us."
The foundations for Crewe's improbable victory were laid by targetman Calvin Zola, whose first-half double took him
up to ten goals for the season.
Zola cost £200,000 from Tranmere – a big sum for this division. By the end of the game, Gradi was plotting how to
spend the £1million he would soon get for flogging the big African.
By all accounts, he is a hot or cold player. City unfortunately got Zola on a scorching day.
His first goal was reminiscent of Luke Medley's screamer against Wrexham two years ago.
Nothing seemed on when John Brayford's throw-in picked him out down the right touchline but Zola let rip with a
ferocious first-time half-volley that whistled past Simon Eastwood before he could blink.
The hyper-critical would suggest the young keeper should have reacted in some way but the ball flew like a missile
into the far corner.
After tricky winger Joel Grant had rattled the post, Zola cashed in on a defensive lapse to quickly bag his second
goal.
Steve Williams should have cleared his lines but coughed up possession and the striker neatly made himself space to
fire home from the edge of the box. City could have been forgiven for thinking they were up against Gianfranco Zola
...
The stunned home side needed a response before half-time and when James O'Brien's volley fell at the feet of
Michael Boulding ten yards out, he crashed the ball against the underside of the bar.
But a minute before the break Boulding got it spot on to head in O'Brien's cross for his third goal in as many
games.
With the contest wide open, McCall's team talk at the interval was centred on winning rather than just salvaging a
point.
The stats don't lie. City had enough chances to have won the next six games: 29 shots on goal, 12 of them on
target, and 16 corners. The figures said it all.
Yet Crewe, exploiting the huge gaps left as City poured upfield, could have had more on the break.
Eastwood denied Schumacher's point-blank header within seconds of the restart. He also saved well from James Bailey
and substitute Anthony Elding.
The one he couldn't keep out after 65 minutes looked to have settled the contest as Schumacher's drive bounced
wickedly in front of the diving keeper and over his hands.
But City, to their credit, did not lie down and responded within four minutes.
Lee Bullock, having his best game by a mile, swept a great pass out to Boulding, whose cross was hooked in Peter
Crouch-style by James Hanson.
Scott Neilson had been dropped to the bench after a couple of jaded performances but his arrival on the right wing
signalled a non-stop cavalry charge at the Crewe goal.
The chances came thick and fast. Leon Osborne twice, Boulding, Hanson twice – including a header kicked off the
line by left back Ashley Westwood – Simon Ramsden, Bullock, Neilson ... forgive me if I missed anyone out but it
was impossible to keep up.
And referee Carl Boyeson did City no favours when he ruled that Westwood had handled inches outside, rather than
in, the Crewe penalty area as he tussled for a high ball with Neilson.
Neilson said: "His arm was inside but he was standing on the line. It was a shame because the ball was coming
straight on my chest and it would have been a good goal-scoring opportunity."
McCall was furious at the time but simmered down when he viewed the incident again on video.
He said: "You get one glance at it and the linesman was in line. If he's not sure, then he can't give it, although
you'd think at home that you'll get those decisions.
"There are a lot of disappointed players in the dressing room because the run has been broken now but we can take a
lot from it.
"I usually have a sheet of paper with all the chances written down. I had three sheets just with the attempts in
the second half."
The response from the fans showed just what they thought of it.
Attendance: 11,757
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4675739._Let_s_aim_for_another_ten_/?ref=rss
Neilson issues new challenge after unbeaten run bites dust
7:30am Monday 12th October 2009
Comments (10) Have your say »
By Simon Parker »
Scott Neilson has challenged City to launch another unbeaten run after suffering their first loss in 11 games.
The Bantams were edged out 3-2 by Crewe at Valley Parade, despite peppering the visitors with nearly 30 shots on
goal.
Winger Neilson was as amazed as his team-mates that they finished empty-handed but he was adamant that the shock
setback would not shatter confidence.
He said: "We had so many chances in the last 15 minutes and couldn't believe it wouldn't go in. I really thought
we'd nick one and maybe go on and win it.
"It was just a shame we didn't get anything from the game but nobody stopped working and believing in each other.
"Dagenham will be tough next week but we haven't lost away from home since Notts County, so hopefully we'll go
there and get something. We'll go again and maybe make it another ten games unbeaten."
Neilson was dropped to the bench for the first time since his arrival from Cambridge City but the winger made a
huge impact when he came on for the last half hour.
"I was gutted not to start but I've played a lot of minutes and felt a bit leggy on Tuesday," he said. "I wanted to
express myself as soon as I got out there. It was great to get straight into the game as the outlet and I tried to
create chances."
Stuart McCall felt that the step up from non-league had caught up with Neilson in the last couple of weeks.
The City chief said: "Scott's looked a bit jaded in the last few games. I wished I could have rested him against
Notts County but obviously we had to play six first-team regulars.
"But I said to him beforehand that it wouldn't surprise me if he came on and changed the match.
"He's played every game and I think he just needed a breather – and Brando (Chris Brandon) has scored three at home
and he's been flying in training."
===========================
BANTAMS DUO ON ROAD TO RECOVERY
Bradford City are preparing for a double boost as long-term absentees Omar
Daley and Stephen O'Leary are both closing in on first-team returns.
Jamaica international winger Daley has not featured for Stuart McCall's side
this season due to a cruciate knee ligament injury sustained in February but
has targeted a return to action with the reserves next week.
Midfielder O'Leary, a summer signing following his release from Hereford,
broke his toe on his debut for Bradford against Port Vale in August and will
also be handed a reserve-team run out to build up his match fitness.
Both players could return to contention for Bradford's next home game,
against O'Leary's former club Hereford, a week on Saturday.
===========================
Referee admits City penalty error
Referee Carl Boyeson has admitted he should have given City a penalty
against Crewe.
The Bantams claimed a late spot-kick when defender Ashley Westwood
handled on the edge of the box.
But Boyeson, acting on the advice of his assistant, awarded a free-kick
just outside the area. Crewe hung on to inflict City's first loss in 11
games.
Having since watched the incident again, the Hull-based official
contacted Stuart McCall to say that he had got it wrong.
McCall said: "Everyone makes mistakes and it's good that a referee is
prepared to ring and apologise. I appreciated his honesty.
"It wasn't down to him, he was just acting on the advice of the
linesman, but he said they work as a team and accepted responsibility."
Valley Parade
Attendance: 11,757
Referee: Carl Boyeson
Game Statistics
26 Goal Attempts 12
15 On Target 7
16 Corners 7
10 Fouls 9
0 Yellow Cards 3
0 Red Cards 0
49 % 51
video
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_3/8301626.stm
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/sportbcfcmatch/4675776.Shots_galore_but_City_floored_by_Zola/
McCall appreciates applause but points would be more appropriate
6:50am Monday 12th October 2009
By Simon Parker »
City 2, Crewe Alexandra 3
It's not very often that Steve Schumacher is stuck for words.
The chirpy Scouser usually offers an opinion on most things but he was gobsmacked by the reaction of the Valley
Parade crowd at the final whistle.
Schumacher experienced his fair share of home lows during three years in a City shirt and he knows the fans can be
pretty unforgiving when games haven't gone their way.
But the present-day Bantams were cheered off with a standing ovation on Saturday – despite surrendering their
ten-game unbeaten run.
"That's a first," admitted Schumacher, whose goal on his return ultimately proved the difference between the two
sides. "I've never seen that before in my time here.
"But Bradford are a completely different side. They work very hard as a team and play some lovely football."
Stuart McCall would rather have collected the points than the compliments but he appreciated the reaction from the
stands.
He said: "It's nice for the players to be clapped off. Everyone's disappointed to get beaten but they've seen the
side give everything, create chances and pour forward.
"We did everything we could. Dario (Gradi) will be pleased with the way Crewe defended but there were lots of times
when we got round them and through them. There were some terrific performances."
Schumacher was clearly pumped up to be back at his former club. Having finished second-top scorer for a couple of
seasons in his City days, it was not a huge surprise that he should net again.
In the current dilemma of whether ex-players should milk the moment against their old team, Schumacher kept his
reaction muted in front of the Kop.
He said: "I'd been thinking about it during the week. Everyone loves to get one over their old team but I didn't
think it was appropriate to rub the fans' noses in it.
"It's great to score a goal and I did half-celebrate but this is football and it won't be long before someone who
used to play for Crewe will be scoring against us."
The foundations for Crewe's improbable victory were laid by targetman Calvin Zola, whose first-half double took him
up to ten goals for the season.
Zola cost £200,000 from Tranmere – a big sum for this division. By the end of the game, Gradi was plotting how to
spend the £1million he would soon get for flogging the big African.
By all accounts, he is a hot or cold player. City unfortunately got Zola on a scorching day.
His first goal was reminiscent of Luke Medley's screamer against Wrexham two years ago.
Nothing seemed on when John Brayford's throw-in picked him out down the right touchline but Zola let rip with a
ferocious first-time half-volley that whistled past Simon Eastwood before he could blink.
The hyper-critical would suggest the young keeper should have reacted in some way but the ball flew like a missile
into the far corner.
After tricky winger Joel Grant had rattled the post, Zola cashed in on a defensive lapse to quickly bag his second
goal.
Steve Williams should have cleared his lines but coughed up possession and the striker neatly made himself space to
fire home from the edge of the box. City could have been forgiven for thinking they were up against Gianfranco Zola
...
The stunned home side needed a response before half-time and when James O'Brien's volley fell at the feet of
Michael Boulding ten yards out, he crashed the ball against the underside of the bar.
But a minute before the break Boulding got it spot on to head in O'Brien's cross for his third goal in as many
games.
With the contest wide open, McCall's team talk at the interval was centred on winning rather than just salvaging a
point.
The stats don't lie. City had enough chances to have won the next six games: 29 shots on goal, 12 of them on
target, and 16 corners. The figures said it all.
Yet Crewe, exploiting the huge gaps left as City poured upfield, could have had more on the break.
Eastwood denied Schumacher's point-blank header within seconds of the restart. He also saved well from James Bailey
and substitute Anthony Elding.
The one he couldn't keep out after 65 minutes looked to have settled the contest as Schumacher's drive bounced
wickedly in front of the diving keeper and over his hands.
But City, to their credit, did not lie down and responded within four minutes.
Lee Bullock, having his best game by a mile, swept a great pass out to Boulding, whose cross was hooked in Peter
Crouch-style by James Hanson.
Scott Neilson had been dropped to the bench after a couple of jaded performances but his arrival on the right wing
signalled a non-stop cavalry charge at the Crewe goal.
The chances came thick and fast. Leon Osborne twice, Boulding, Hanson twice – including a header kicked off the
line by left back Ashley Westwood – Simon Ramsden, Bullock, Neilson ... forgive me if I missed anyone out but it
was impossible to keep up.
And referee Carl Boyeson did City no favours when he ruled that Westwood had handled inches outside, rather than
in, the Crewe penalty area as he tussled for a high ball with Neilson.
Neilson said: "His arm was inside but he was standing on the line. It was a shame because the ball was coming
straight on my chest and it would have been a good goal-scoring opportunity."
McCall was furious at the time but simmered down when he viewed the incident again on video.
He said: "You get one glance at it and the linesman was in line. If he's not sure, then he can't give it, although
you'd think at home that you'll get those decisions.
"There are a lot of disappointed players in the dressing room because the run has been broken now but we can take a
lot from it.
"I usually have a sheet of paper with all the chances written down. I had three sheets just with the attempts in
the second half."
The response from the fans showed just what they thought of it.
Attendance: 11,757
===========================
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/4675739._Let_s_aim_for_another_ten_/?ref=rss
Neilson issues new challenge after unbeaten run bites dust
7:30am Monday 12th October 2009
Comments (10) Have your say »
By Simon Parker »
Scott Neilson has challenged City to launch another unbeaten run after suffering their first loss in 11 games.
The Bantams were edged out 3-2 by Crewe at Valley Parade, despite peppering the visitors with nearly 30 shots on
goal.
Winger Neilson was as amazed as his team-mates that they finished empty-handed but he was adamant that the shock
setback would not shatter confidence.
He said: "We had so many chances in the last 15 minutes and couldn't believe it wouldn't go in. I really thought
we'd nick one and maybe go on and win it.
"It was just a shame we didn't get anything from the game but nobody stopped working and believing in each other.
"Dagenham will be tough next week but we haven't lost away from home since Notts County, so hopefully we'll go
there and get something. We'll go again and maybe make it another ten games unbeaten."
Neilson was dropped to the bench for the first time since his arrival from Cambridge City but the winger made a
huge impact when he came on for the last half hour.
"I was gutted not to start but I've played a lot of minutes and felt a bit leggy on Tuesday," he said. "I wanted to
express myself as soon as I got out there. It was great to get straight into the game as the outlet and I tried to
create chances."
Stuart McCall felt that the step up from non-league had caught up with Neilson in the last couple of weeks.
The City chief said: "Scott's looked a bit jaded in the last few games. I wished I could have rested him against
Notts County but obviously we had to play six first-team regulars.
"But I said to him beforehand that it wouldn't surprise me if he came on and changed the match.
"He's played every game and I think he just needed a breather – and Brando (Chris Brandon) has scored three at home
and he's been flying in training."
===========================
BANTAMS DUO ON ROAD TO RECOVERY
Bradford City are preparing for a double boost as long-term absentees Omar
Daley and Stephen O'Leary are both closing in on first-team returns.
Jamaica international winger Daley has not featured for Stuart McCall's side
this season due to a cruciate knee ligament injury sustained in February but
has targeted a return to action with the reserves next week.
Midfielder O'Leary, a summer signing following his release from Hereford,
broke his toe on his debut for Bradford against Port Vale in August and will
also be handed a reserve-team run out to build up his match fitness.
Both players could return to contention for Bradford's next home game,
against O'Leary's former club Hereford, a week on Saturday.
===========================
Referee admits City penalty error
Referee Carl Boyeson has admitted he should have given City a penalty
against Crewe.
The Bantams claimed a late spot-kick when defender Ashley Westwood
handled on the edge of the box.
But Boyeson, acting on the advice of his assistant, awarded a free-kick
just outside the area. Crewe hung on to inflict City's first loss in 11
games.
Having since watched the incident again, the Hull-based official
contacted Stuart McCall to say that he had got it wrong.
McCall said: "Everyone makes mistakes and it's good that a referee is
prepared to ring and apologise. I appreciated his honesty.
"It wasn't down to him, he was just acting on the advice of the
linesman, but he said they work as a team and accepted responsibility."
Friday, October 09, 2009
JPT2 v Notts County (h) FT2-2 w3-2 on Pens Oct 6 2009
Johnson Paint Trophy, 2nd Round
Bradford C (1) 2 Boulding 20, Brandon 90.
Notts County (1) 2 Westcarr 10, Facey 85.
Bradford C win 3-2 on penalties.
Att: 3,701
CITY WIN PENALTY SHOOT-OUT
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Simon Eastwood saved two penalties as City won a dramatic shoot-out to beat
Notts County.
The Bantams saw off Notts County 3-2 on spot-kicks after the Johnstone's
Paint Trophy clash finished 2-2.
Former City skipper Graeme Lee was sent off on his Valley Parade return and
City twice came from behind.
Notts County were in front after 11 minutes through winger Craig Westcarr.
But unlike Meadow Lane two months ago, City bounced back as Michael Boulding
netted his second goal in successive games following a lovely pass by
Michael Flynn.
City enjoyed the lion's share of possession for the rest of the half and
Jamie O'Brien's free-kick almost slipped through right on the interval.
Lee was shown his second yellow card after 66 minutes for a foul on
Boulding. O'Brien's free-kick was well tipped over by Kasper Schmeichel.
Ten-man County came on strongly in the closing stages and Delroy Facey put
them back in front. But Chris Brandon headed a second equaliser to take the
game to penalties.
Eastwood saved from Facey and keeper Kasper Schmeichel to see City through
to round three.
Ref: Andy Hall (Birmingham).
Red card: Graeme Lee (66 min) - 2nd Yellow.
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Brandon (38 min)
Notts C: Graeme Lee (14 min), Edwards (28 min),
Schmeichel (90), Westcarr (90+4).
Stats: Bradford C - Notts C
Possession: 54 - 46%
Shots on target: 8 - 6
Shots off target: 2 - 1
Fouls: 12 - 11
Corners: 10 - 7
Bradford C: 1. Simon Eastwood, 16. Jonathan Bateson, 2. Simon Ramsden, 6.
Matthew Clarke, 3. Luke O'Brien, 11. Chris Brandon, 19. James O'Brien, 4.
Michael Flynn (61), 20. Leon Osborne, 26. Scott Neilson (73), 14. Michael
Boulding.
SUBS: 13. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 5. Zesh Rehman, 10. Peter Thorne (73), 21.
Luke Sharry (61), 24. Louis Horne.
Notts County: 23. Kasper Schmeichel, 6. John Thompson, 4. Mike Edwards, 5.
Graeme Lee, 24. Daniel Jones, 20. Craig Westcarr, 8. Richard Ravenhill, 10.
Neal Bishop, 17. Jamie Clapham, 15. Karl Hawley (69), 22. Delroy Facey.
SUBS: 12. Kevin Pilkington (GK), 3. Matt Ritchie (69), 7. Matthew Hamshaw,
18. Stephen Hunt, 19. Luke Rodgers.
Penalty Sequence
NC = Notts County/BC = Bradford C, and the number indicates the penalty
taken.
NC-BC
1-0 NC1 Westcarr - scored.
1-0 BC1 Boulding - saved.
2-0 NC2 Ritchie - scored.
2-1 BC2 Thorne - scored.
2-1 NC3 Facey - saved.
2-2 BC3 Ramsden - scored.
2-2 NC4 Bishop - missed.
2-3 BC4 James O'Brien - scored.
2-3 NC5 Schmeichel - saved.
2-3 BC5 Not required.
Next match: (H) Crewe, Saturday Oct. 10, 2009. K.O. 3:00PM.
===========================
Photos and Video
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1819974,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8295674.stm
===========================
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/McParland-Notts-deserved/article-1397307-detail/article.html
McParland: Notts deserved so much more
IAN McParland was gutted to be knocked out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Bradford City.
The Notts County manager felt his much-changed side dominated at Valley Parade, even after being reduced to ten men.
But he said they conceded two poor goals, before losing 3-2 in the penalty shoot-out.
He said: "We deserved to win, I thought we were magnificent in the second half.
"Matty Ritchie cracked one off the bar. It was a great strike, I don't know how it stayed out. I put him on to try to win the game and we deserved to.
"He lit the game up when he came on and we battled hard after we went down to ten men. The lads got together and had a right go.
"We were in front in the final minute but we gave it away. Players have to make the right decisions from the corner.
"It wasn't even a dangerous corner and if we made the right decision it would not have gone in and we would have claimed a deserved win.
"It's a lottery when it comes down to penalties for the lads that stepped up to the plate. It takes a bit of bottle to do it."
McParland blasted referee Andy Hall for sending off Graeme Lee in the second half.
"I thought it was a terrible sending off and some of the bookings were not bookings, I thought the refereeing was shocking," he added.
"Spike (Lee) didn't even move, the lad just fell over. In the end, I wish Bradford good luck. They stuck their penalties away but we could have had them dead and buried, even with ten men.
"It was a proper cup tie and we came up here to win it. I'm happy with the performance, not the result. It's a terrible way to go out, on penalties, especially when we dominated so much."
Ben Davies and Johnnie Jackson both missed the game through injury – and McParland said he is not sure if they will be fit to face Torquay United at Meadow Lane on Sunday.
===========================
===========================
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***
Bradford C (1) 2 Boulding 20, Brandon 90.
Notts County (1) 2 Westcarr 10, Facey 85.
Bradford C win 3-2 on penalties.
Att: 3,701
CITY WIN PENALTY SHOOT-OUT
By Simon Parker (T&A)
Simon Eastwood saved two penalties as City won a dramatic shoot-out to beat
Notts County.
The Bantams saw off Notts County 3-2 on spot-kicks after the Johnstone's
Paint Trophy clash finished 2-2.
Former City skipper Graeme Lee was sent off on his Valley Parade return and
City twice came from behind.
Notts County were in front after 11 minutes through winger Craig Westcarr.
But unlike Meadow Lane two months ago, City bounced back as Michael Boulding
netted his second goal in successive games following a lovely pass by
Michael Flynn.
City enjoyed the lion's share of possession for the rest of the half and
Jamie O'Brien's free-kick almost slipped through right on the interval.
Lee was shown his second yellow card after 66 minutes for a foul on
Boulding. O'Brien's free-kick was well tipped over by Kasper Schmeichel.
Ten-man County came on strongly in the closing stages and Delroy Facey put
them back in front. But Chris Brandon headed a second equaliser to take the
game to penalties.
Eastwood saved from Facey and keeper Kasper Schmeichel to see City through
to round three.
Ref: Andy Hall (Birmingham).
Red card: Graeme Lee (66 min) - 2nd Yellow.
Yellow cards:
Bradford C: Brandon (38 min)
Notts C: Graeme Lee (14 min), Edwards (28 min),
Schmeichel (90), Westcarr (90+4).
Stats: Bradford C - Notts C
Possession: 54 - 46%
Shots on target: 8 - 6
Shots off target: 2 - 1
Fouls: 12 - 11
Corners: 10 - 7
Bradford C: 1. Simon Eastwood, 16. Jonathan Bateson, 2. Simon Ramsden, 6.
Matthew Clarke, 3. Luke O'Brien, 11. Chris Brandon, 19. James O'Brien, 4.
Michael Flynn (61), 20. Leon Osborne, 26. Scott Neilson (73), 14. Michael
Boulding.
SUBS: 13. Jon McLaughlin (GK), 5. Zesh Rehman, 10. Peter Thorne (73), 21.
Luke Sharry (61), 24. Louis Horne.
Notts County: 23. Kasper Schmeichel, 6. John Thompson, 4. Mike Edwards, 5.
Graeme Lee, 24. Daniel Jones, 20. Craig Westcarr, 8. Richard Ravenhill, 10.
Neal Bishop, 17. Jamie Clapham, 15. Karl Hawley (69), 22. Delroy Facey.
SUBS: 12. Kevin Pilkington (GK), 3. Matt Ritchie (69), 7. Matthew Hamshaw,
18. Stephen Hunt, 19. Luke Rodgers.
Penalty Sequence
NC = Notts County/BC = Bradford C, and the number indicates the penalty
taken.
NC-BC
1-0 NC1 Westcarr - scored.
1-0 BC1 Boulding - saved.
2-0 NC2 Ritchie - scored.
2-1 BC2 Thorne - scored.
2-1 NC3 Facey - saved.
2-2 BC3 Ramsden - scored.
2-2 NC4 Bishop - missed.
2-3 BC4 James O'Brien - scored.
2-3 NC5 Schmeichel - saved.
2-3 BC5 Not required.
Next match: (H) Crewe, Saturday Oct. 10, 2009. K.O. 3:00PM.
===========================
Photos and Video
http://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/page/News/0,,10266~1819974,00.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/8295674.stm
===========================
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/football/McParland-Notts-deserved/article-1397307-detail/article.html
McParland: Notts deserved so much more
IAN McParland was gutted to be knocked out of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Bradford City.
The Notts County manager felt his much-changed side dominated at Valley Parade, even after being reduced to ten men.
But he said they conceded two poor goals, before losing 3-2 in the penalty shoot-out.
He said: "We deserved to win, I thought we were magnificent in the second half.
"Matty Ritchie cracked one off the bar. It was a great strike, I don't know how it stayed out. I put him on to try to win the game and we deserved to.
"He lit the game up when he came on and we battled hard after we went down to ten men. The lads got together and had a right go.
"We were in front in the final minute but we gave it away. Players have to make the right decisions from the corner.
"It wasn't even a dangerous corner and if we made the right decision it would not have gone in and we would have claimed a deserved win.
"It's a lottery when it comes down to penalties for the lads that stepped up to the plate. It takes a bit of bottle to do it."
McParland blasted referee Andy Hall for sending off Graeme Lee in the second half.
"I thought it was a terrible sending off and some of the bookings were not bookings, I thought the refereeing was shocking," he added.
"Spike (Lee) didn't even move, the lad just fell over. In the end, I wish Bradford good luck. They stuck their penalties away but we could have had them dead and buried, even with ten men.
"It was a proper cup tie and we came up here to win it. I'm happy with the performance, not the result. It's a terrible way to go out, on penalties, especially when we dominated so much."
Ben Davies and Johnnie Jackson both missed the game through injury – and McParland said he is not sure if they will be fit to face Torquay United at Meadow Lane on Sunday.
===========================
===========================
Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=46810838356
or search for
"City Forward! Mailing List"
***
Texas Bantams Blog
http://texasbantam.blogspot.com/
***
CFML since February 1997 is edited by Greg S. in the suburbs of Dallas, Texas
***
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