The Bradford City Onion

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

Thursday, December 19, 2013

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

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

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

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

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

General Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final whistle - match report

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

8:00am Monday 16th December 2013

By Simon Parker

Bradford City 1 Leyton Orient 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Another major test of character beckoned.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, December 05, 2013

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

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Injuries

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

General Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final whistle - match report

Bradford City defensive grit the highlight of dogged draw

6:10am Monday 2nd December 2013

By Simon Parker

Oldham 1, City 1

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attendance: 7,180

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

When the dust settled - match report

Refs on spot again as Bradford City penalty claims waved away

8:10am Monday 2nd December 2013

By Simon Parker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday, December 01, 2013

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

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

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

Injuries

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

General Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game links

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

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

/

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

Final whistle - match report

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

cue_point_for_Bradford_City/

Yeates makes Mark off bench to rescue point for Bradford City

6:10am Wednesday 27th November 2013

By Simon Parker

City 1, Notts County 1

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

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

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

with a well-placed equaliser.

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

on their travels since August.

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

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

Nottingham's boxing world champion Carl Froch.

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

that nobody saw coming.

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

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

gone begging.

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

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

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

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

ways at MK Dons.

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

weather. Luke Oliver took his spot on the bench.

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

on the way to the League Two title.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jamal Campbell-Ryce fired wide from 20 yards.

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

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

from a 26th birthday goal.

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

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

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

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

needed a flying two-fisted punch from Bialkowski.

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

hit it tamely straight at the keeper.

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

visitors snatched an unexpected lead.

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

territory.

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

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

Liddle.

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

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

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

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

around the place.

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

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

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

earned a recall to the ranks.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dallas Stand but City were in the ascendancy.

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

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

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

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

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

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

immediate impact.

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

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

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

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

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

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

on the run.

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

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

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

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

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

for elbowing the busy Jones.

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

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

reaction to a Liddle challenge on Meredith.

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

deeply unsatisfying stalemate.

Attendance: 12,808

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

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

extra_time_to_recover/

Sick Bradford City players handed extra time to recover

8:20am Wednesday 27th November 2013

By Simon Parker

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

Notts County.

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

Bridge training ground is also being flushed clean.

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

by substitute Mark Yeates.

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

first point under new boss Shaun Derry.

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

visitors to their ninth loss in ten.

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

affecting the squad since the weekend.

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

Hanson and Rory McArdle were starting to feel the effects.

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

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

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

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

see a couple.

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

You can't fault the lads."

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

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

for each other on the edge of the visiting box.

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

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

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

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

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

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

the spirit grow.

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

gone on to get three or four.

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

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

with three points."

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

another starting chance at Oldham on Sunday.

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

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

because we know he can produce in that final third.

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

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

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

ergency_call/

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

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

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

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

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Injuries

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

General Links

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

Fixtures
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The "Social media Corner"
http://paper.li/f-1315926867
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Head to Head stats
http://www.11v11.com/teams/bradford-city/tab/opposingTeams
http://www.statto.com/football/teams/bradford-city/

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

Bantams Player (subscription required)
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BBC headlines and highlights (video may be uk only)
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Pulse audio (last match highlights, post match interviews)
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Final whistle - match report

Parkinson: Winning goal summed up Bradford City

6:20pm Saturday 23rd November 2013

By Simon Parker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the dust settled - match report

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

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

8:00am Monday 25th November 2013

By Simon Parker

MK Dons 2 Bradford City 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7:00am Monday 25th November 2013

By Simon Parker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thursday, November 21, 2013

L1 D3-3 (h) Coventry Sunday November 17, 2013. K.O. 3:30PM. #bcafc

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

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

Signings, Loans and Injuries

Lewis Clarkson on a free transfer from non-league Scarborough Athletic

Injuries

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

General Links

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

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

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

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

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

Bantams Player (subscription required)
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BBC headlines and highlights (video may be uk only)
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Pulse audio (last match highlights, post match interviews)
http://www.pulse.co.uk/on-air/pulse-sport/

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

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

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

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

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

Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24887362

Game links
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=381925&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

Goals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-r3v2pMfTMQ&list=UUch_NWdo3JWKngAyO9XlycA
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10151844912133645&set=o.2208709274&type=2&theater

Live Blog
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10815028.FT__Bradford_City_3_Coventry_City_3/

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

Final whistle - match report

Phil Parkinson praises Bantams resilience
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24985633

The Moaning Scot
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11095/9029549/

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10815344.print/
Wells hat-trick offsets slack Bradford City defending

6:30am Monday 18th November 2013

By Simon Parker

City 3, Coventry 3

Fat chance of keeping Nahki Wells under the radar then!

The Bermudian sure-shot did more than rescue a late, late point for the Bantams at Valley Parade yesterday with his second City hat-trick.

He also reminded the watching TV audience of his deadly knack in front of goal.

An afternoon that looked like it might belong to Coventry's rising talent Callum Wilson ended with the name Wells once again on everybody's lips.

He remained the calmest man on the pitch to thump in a stoppage-time penalty and complete a memorable treble.

His masterful marksmanship doesn't put everything right. The slackness of City's defending, which allowed Coventry to make such a fast start, will lead to more sky blue thinking behind the scenes.

Fingers could be pointed at the Bantams backline for all three of the visiting goals. While Andrew Davies made a welcome return to Valley Parade in the press box, now down to one crutch after his knee injury, his team-mates continue to struggle to fill the hole he has left.

But you cannot knock the character of this City team for refusing to give it up, even if it is now seven games since the last win at Walsall. It was a very good point in the end from a pulsating match.

For two sides who dropped out the Premier League together in 2001, recent meetings have been surprisingly sporadic. City's spiral through the divisions meant it was a decade since their last encounter, when Dean Windass scored the only goal in a Christmas encounter at Valley Parade.

Phil Parkinson used his programme notes to apologise once again for the "very poor" display at Rotherham the week before. The message for his players was crystal clear.

Having considered swinging the axe, he made just one change to the starting line-up as Garry Thompson returned to the right wing in place of Raffaele De Vita. Caleb Folan and Alan Connell were back on the bench.

Parkinson had planned an immediate response – but it could not have started any worse.

There were barely 65 seconds on the clock when Jon McLaughlin and Rory McArdle both went for Carl Baker's free-kick by the penalty spot. The keeper came to collect but McArdle appeared to head the ball out of his grasp and Coventry centre half Andy Webster gleefully accepted the gift from 15 yards.

If that was not bad enough, City's afternoon quickly plummeted. McArdle was outpaced by Wilson cutting in from the Coventry left and although McLaughlin managed to block the youngster's shot, his partner-in-crime Leon Clarke was on hand to make no mistake with the rebound.

McArdle had sat on the Northern Ireland bench in Turkey on Friday night but came through a pre-match work-out to play. But he was having a game to forget and Wilson skipped past him once more to reach a Blair Adams pass and home in on goal.

McLaughlin got something on his shot and watched anxiously as the ball bounced a yard wide of his near post.

As Valley Parade looked on in dismay, City finally snapped out of it. Wells chipped an angled pass into the box, where Kyel Reid stretched to volley over the bar.

The fans, to their credit, stayed onside and would have been celebrating a City opener but for a wonderful save from Joe Murphy. James Hanson did everything right with a far-post header from Stephen Darby's cross but Murphy plunged low to superbly keep it out.

But City's momentum found its reward on 17 minutes – and this time Coventry's keeper was the villain.

Coming five yards outside his penalty area to deal with Reid's long ball, Murphy found himself in no man's land under pressure from Hanson. Jordan Clarke then swung and missed and Wells showed great composure to commit covering defender Blair Adams before scoring.

It was the Bermudian's first goal for two months since a double against Colchester.

The chances continued thick and fast and Coventry could have restored their advantage within seconds. John Fleck twice saw thumping shots charged down by a claret and amber pack as referee Kevin Friend – the same one who sent off Matt Duke in the Capital One Cup final – ignored loud shouts for a penalty.

Then Darby won a huge ovation for a diving header to clear at the far post when Coventry came knocking once more.

You could not take your eyes off the action as City responded once more and the equaliser came before we had even reached the half-hour mark.

James Meredith pumped a free-kick forwards, Hanson won the flick and Wells, who else, latched on to it with an acrobatic volley to finish.

The striker might have been marginally offside when the Australian had sent the ball upfield but City could say the same about Clarke in the build-up to Coventry's opener.

It was becoming a football feast – unless you were a defender. But that should not come as a surprise, with Coventry's games averaging more goals each week than anyone else in League One.

Gary Jones rattled the advertising board from City's first corner but there was another sting in the tail before the break.

Coventry had screamed danger every time they got forward, especially when the ball was at the elusive feet of Wilson.

And the highly-rated youngster restored the Sky Blues' advantage when he latched on to Carl Baker's long pass. Wilson held off Matthew Bates to beat McLaughlin from a tight angle with a thumping effort, though the keeper should have done much better.

McArdle tried to make amends for his earlier mistakes with two headers over before the half-time whistle brought temporary respite.

Normal service quickly resumed as Cyrus Christie roared forward from right back before slicing wide, while McLaughlin pushed away a drive from Franck Moussa.

The shoot-out continued. Wells clipped the Coventry bar with a free-kick from the edge of the D, before Wilson stole in behind the home back four once more but skied his shot.

Parkinson switched things around at the three-quarter point, replacing Thompson with Mark Yeates. But Coventry showed no sign of shutting up shop as Moussa, Adams and Clarke all went hunting a fourth.

Yeates set up Hanson for a great chance to level again but the big man was unable to keep his close-range header down. The City sub then turned his creative attentions to Wells but the shot lacked power to stretch Murphy.

It was slipping away from the Bantams as added time went into the fourth minute. But then Jordan Clarke threw a panicky hand at Darby's cross, Friend pointed to the spot after an agonising wait – and Wells did the rest with a thumping penalty.

Attendance: 14,322
===========================

When the dust settled - match report

Wells helps Bradford City see the light

12:00am Monday 18th November 2013

By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson defended City against accusations of playing "dark-age football" after a dramatic draw with Coventry.

Nahki Wells completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot to salvage a last-gasp point against League One's great entertainers in front of the TV cameras.

Parkinson then hit back at a jibe from Coventry boss Steven Pressley criticising City's style of play.

The managers were involved in a heated dispute after the final whistle and Pressley said: "It's not easy playing against long-ball football; dark-age football. It was very difficult but that's how they play."

But Parkinson responded: "That's an amazing comment from someone who has just arrived in English football.

"We play with a balance and I felt we got that right in the first half, passing the ball well and getting it out wide and delivering crosses.

"There were times in the second half when we could have got that extra pass in the midfield when there was more space to play in. We didn't and we've said that to the boys.

"But he's obviously not watched our progress over the last 18 months.

"It was a great game and a feisty old affair on and off the pitch. The crowd must have got their money's worth.

"Tempers were running high. He (Pressley) came into our box in the first half to have a go at us and we had a few words."

Parkinson was unhappy with the slack defending that allowed Coventry to surge into an early two-goal lead.

City recovered to draw level and then responded again to a half-time deficit with the spot-kick in the last minute of stoppage-time.

The City boss said: "Individual mistakes cost us and that's disappointing. Coventry are a good side on a great run and their confidence is high, so to give them a two-goal start made it very difficult.

"After getting beaten at Rotherham with a very poor performance, to find ourselves 2-0 down so quickly on live TV is probably as big a test of character as they come.

"So I thought we played terrifically well if you take all those circumstances into account."

Wells lifted his season's goal haul to 12 with the second hat-trick of his City career. It ended a two-month wait after being sidelined with an ankle ligament injury.

Parkinson said: "Sometimes when you miss football, you can get a bit of rustiness in your game – especially when you're a player like Nahki who relies on his sharpness.

"But he's got it back. You could sense it in training this week and that performance is what Nahki Wells is all about – he was superb.

"Steven Pressley must be delighted he's inherited those two strikers (Callum Wilson and Leon Clarke). The same as me, I was fortunate to inherit two good strikers in (James) Hanson and Nahki.

"When you've got players who can score goals, it can take the pressure off the rest of your side.

"Despite going 2-0 down and the way the game was going, I felt we'd score because we caused them problems.

"The wide players were doing what we wanted, attacking down the sides and getting crosses in, and I didn't feel the Coventry back four could handle our front two at times.

"We can't be happy with the goals we conceded, certainly the first two. We gave ourselves a lot to do against a good side.

"But in terms of the way we kept going, we've got to give this group of players so much credit."

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

City fans film gets movie screen slots
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10813855.Bradford_City_fans_film_gets_movie_screen_slots/

Wells plus Hanson equals must-see TV
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10816720.Bradford_City__Wells_plus_Hanson_equals_must_see_TV

Parkinson and Steven Pressley bury the hatchet
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10816845.Bradford_City__Parkinson_and_Pressley_bury_the_hatchet/

Beeb boss's letter encourages hopes Bantams could be short-listed for Sports Personality Team of the Year prize
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10819810.Beeb_boss___s_letter_encourages_hopes_Bantams_could_be_short_listed_for_Sports_Personality_Team_of_the_Year_prize/

City youths book date with Millwall
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10823176.Bantams_youths_book_date_with_Millwall
===========================

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/25038058
Bradford City sign Scarborough striker Lewis Clarkson

Bradford City have signed striker Lewis Clarkson on a free transfer from non-league Scarborough Athletic.

The 19-year-old, who has agreed an 18-month deal, was released by Premier League side Hull City in the summer.

Bantams assistant Steve Parkin told BBC Radio Leeds: "He is one for the future. We felt, as a long-term project, he was worth the investment.

"He can become a very dangerous player. He certainly has an eye for goal and that's why we took him."

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

Thursday, November 14, 2013

FAC1 L0-3 (a) Rotherham Saturday November 9, 2013. K.O. 3PM. #bcafc

Thursday, November 07, 2013

L1 D0-0 (a) Crewe Saturday November 2, 2013. K.O. 3:00PM. #bcafc

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

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Signings, Loans and Injuries

Future loans
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10776977.Bradford_City_strikers_Connell_and_Gray_free_to_pursue_loan_deals/

Loans
Northampton Town sign Bradford midfielder Ricky Ravenhill
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24834606

Injuries

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General Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Preview
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24681098
http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Crewe-Alex-Meet-opposition-ndash-Bradford-City/story-20024213-detail/story.html

Game links
http://m.espn.go.com/soccer/gamecast?gameId=368230&action=stats&lang=EN&wjb=

Goals
http://youtu.be/YWG5SV0bccM

Live Blog
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10781455.Live_blog__Crewe_v_Bantams__0_0_Full_Time_/

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

Final whistle - match report

Parkinson pleased by Bradford City character in drab match

6:40am Monday 4th November 2013

By Ross Heppenstall

Crewe Alexandra 0, Bradford City 0

At the end of an utterly forgettable 90 minutes, a quick glance at the table showed City still in the League One play-off places.

Without a win in five games and hanging on to sixth place by their fingertips, but in that final spot all the same.

Phil Parkinson was pleased with the point.

It could yet prove pivotal in the final reckoning next May.

The Bantams boss pointed to the character his men showed against a struggling Crewe side who looked more likely to snatch victory in the closing stages.

He took heart from a defensive display in which Rory McArdle excelled and Jon McLaughlin was similarly assured between the posts.

It was the first time in five matches that City had not conceded a goal.

You could not fault the collective spirit of Parkinson's players at a windswept Gresty Road and on a pitch not conducive to free-flowing football.

Parkinson repeated an age-old mantra during his post-match interviews.

"If you can't win, then make sure you don't get beat," he said.

"It was important we got that clean sheet mentality back in the team.

"Despite playing really well over the last few weeks, we conceded two against Wolves and two against Preston.

"We had to get a clean sheet to get us back going again and I thought defensively we looked strong.

"English football is about adapting to the different conditions through the winter months and I thought we did that.

"The wind, rain and the pitch made it a real slog but I thought we competed well.

"We ran ourselves into the ground. The back four were strong and everyone worked hard.

"Sometimes you've just got to take a point. You always come for all three but we'll take the point on the day.

"We had some good chances but probably just lacked that moment of composure and quality around the box to win us the game."

City went closest through James Hanson twice in the second half. He scuffed a shot wide and then forced a fine save from Crewe goalkeeper Alan Martin with a far-post header.

It was not meant to be.

Still, it was pleasing to see Nahki Wells back in the starting line-up following his return to action as a substitute against Wolves.

The Bermudian striker is approaching full fitness after a month on the sidelines and he showed plenty of touches of class without seeing many clear sights of goal.

In truth, genuine goal-scoring opportunities were scarce throughout for both teams.

Struggling Crewe, who lie fourth bottom in the table, looked to be there for the taking.

But City, delayed by a motorway hold-up which saw them arrive at Gresty Road just after 2pm, never really suggested they were capable of doing that.

The inclusion of Wells was the only change from the side which had lost at home to Wolves seven days earlier.

The hosts fashioned the first opening inside the second minute when the impressive Byron Moore, an impressive outlet on Crewe's right flank, found Kelvin Mellor.

He delivered a low cross into the box which Max Clayton could only blaze over the crossbar when well placed.

That set the tone for much of the afternoon.

City, backed by a huge following of 1,347 fans who filled one side of the ground, gradually steadied themselves.

Raffaele De Vita was booked for a challenge on Jon Guthrie in the 12th minute and three minutes later he headed straight at Martin following a short corner.

Hanson then wasted a decent chance when the ball fell to him 16 yards out after Crewe failed to clear their lines.

He could only blast the ball over the crossbar – and three minutes later McLaughlin produced a fine save to repel George Evans' fierce low drive from 20 yards.

Matthew Bates then headed over from Gary Jones' free-kick before some neat footwork from Stephen Darby found Wells in space on the edge of Crewe's 18-yard box.

City's leading scorer hit a thunderous drive which flew over Martin's crossbar, before dragging a low, left-foot shot wide after being played clear by Nathan Doyle two minutes later.

As the interval approached, Hanson stretched to meet a right-wing cross from the impressive Darby but could not divert it on target.

Moments later, Wells fired wide from Hanson's clever flick-on.

Crewe looked dangerous when coming forward but City's goal was rarely in any serious danger during the opening 45 minutes.

McArdle led by example as the Railwaymen were kept at bay.

The onus was on City to up the tempo after the break and be more ruthless in front of goal – and in the 51st minute, Hanson should have scored.

Doyle's initial shot was deflected into his path 12 yards from goal and looked to have sat up perfectly for him to fire home.

Instead his scuffed, right-footed effort trickled harmlessly wide of Martin's left-hand post.

Four minutes later, Darby delivered a superb cross from the right to the far post, where Mellor was forced to head the ball clear for a corner with Hanson breathing down his neck.

In the 64th minute, Hanson drew an outstanding save from Martin when he connected with Meredith's left-wing cross and planted a firm header goalwards.

Martin got down low to tip the ball around the post at the expense of a corner, which City could not make pay.

Hanson said: "The keeper made a great save from my header and I don't know how he's got there.

"There were another couple of half-chances for me and Nahki and another day we win the game. But we'll take a lot of heart from that because we're still in the top six.

"I thought the defensive performance was great. We kept a solid shape to the team and were hard to break down. It was just a little bit disappointing we couldn't nick it."

Garry Thompson replaced De Vita with 20 minutes remaining, before Mark Yeates and Caleb Folan entered the fray as City sought to make the breakthrough.

But it was Crewe who looked the more likely victors in the closing stages which saw substitute Bradden Inman curl a delightful low shot wide from 20 yards.

Inman then beat Darby down the left flank and whipped in a brilliant low cross which Meredith cleared for a corner.

Evans fired just over the crossbar in the closing stages of added time as the stalemate continued, leaving City in the final play-off spot heading into Saturday's FA Cup tie at Rotherham.

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

Police investigate after Bradford City fans subjected to fire tragedy abuse
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10781885.Police_investigate_after_Bradford_City_fans_subjected_to_fire_tragedy_abuse/

Decision date set in Stewart cash wrangle
http://www.falkirkherald.co.uk/sport/falkirk-fc/decision-date-set-in-stewart-cash-wrangle-1-3167376

City DVD enough to make a grown man cry
http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/sportbcfc/10776616.Bradford_City_DVD_enough_to_make_a_grown_man_cry/

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