Keeper Stuart Tomlinson, the man who has made two fatal mistakes in his last two visits to Valley Parade; dropping Davies’ header into his own goal in the last minute for Port Vale last season, before failing to deal with Stephen Darby’s bobbler of a shot in the cup this year, started from the bench.

The match, being the club’s final home game of the regular league season, was preceded by a minute’s silence, to remember the 56 fans who tragically perished in the Valley Parade fire disaster, on the final game of the 1984/85 season, as well as all the club’s fans and affiliates who have sadly passed away over the course of the current season. It was observed impeccably as always.
The first action of the game saw a delivery from a free kick played into the box, James Hanson got caught under the ball, and Burton forward Matt Paterson connected well with the header, which was brilliantly saved by the Bantams’ no.1 Jon McLaughlin. The ball was called back, however, for an offside against Paterson.
Shortly afterwards a large blow was dealt to City’s hopes for the game and possibly the season, as Kyel Reid went down under a seemingly innocuous challenge, but held his groin and stayed down. The groin being the problem area season-long for Reid, it could be serious, so the medical team were taking no chances and brought Zavon Hines on to replace him.
City had a short spell of pressure later in the half, mainly thanks to Hines’ work down the left. Him and Meredith combined well and Hines was brought down by Burton full-back Anthony O’Connor, who became the first name in the referee’s notebook as a result. The resultant 5 minutes of pressure, however, came to nothing.
The next chance did fall City’s way, however, good wing play by Garry Thompson coupled with a great cross which found James Hanson, but the big striker could only head wide.
But, Burton continued to cause City problems, Calvin Zola proving a real handful for Michael Nelson, who dealt with him considerably well throughout. Winger Jacques Maghoma latched on to a knock down from Zola, and weaved his way through 3 City defenders into the box. He looked set to score, but his arrowed shot towards the corner was superbly tipped behind by McLaughlin for a corner.
Next it was Burton who failed to deal with an innocuous ball forward, both centre backs letting it bounce several times as they backed towards the 6 yard box. Nahki Wells got a toe on it, which Burton keeper Dean Lyness thought he had held. But the ball slipped his grasp, and James Hanson mis-hit the ball with his weaker right foot, and it looped over stranded Lyness and Ian Sharps on the line, to give the home side the lead heading towards the break.
But the action wasn’t over there, as Burton captain Lee Bell still found time to land a clear elbow in Zavon Hines’ face, right in front of the referee, who had no choice but to give Bell his marching orders. Karma then for the Burton midfielder.
After the break, City’s defensive pairing will have been happy to see one of Burton’s big strikers brought off in a defensive but slightly forced change. Paterson was replaced by midfielder Jack Dyer. Their other nuisance, Calvin Zola, was removed from the action shortly after as well.
The Bantams saw off some early pressure from their depleted opponents, and created the first chance of the half. Garry Thompson’s good free kick found Michael Nelson, and the defender’s decent looping header was well saved by Lyness.
City went on to dominate, keeping the ball well. Parkinson showed this was his intention for the rest of the game, bringing Alan Connell on for Wells and later Will Atkinson for Thompson.
It was Atkinson and Connell who combined to forge the next opening of the half. A well worked move sweeping through the entire team found its way to the right hand side, and a neat aerial one-two between the pair set up a shooting chance for Atkinson, who couldn’t finish with his weak foot from 12 yards.
Connell had a few half chances himself, before creating the opening that should have sealed the win. He threaded the ball through to Zavon Hines, who hesitated, before shooting wide from around 8 yards out.
That didn’t matter, however, as City saw out the remaining minutes to clinch the vital 3 points. Thanks to Exeter’s loss at the hands of Cheltenham, their play-off place is secure, with a game to spare.
In the play-offs, nothing is certain. But today, one thing is for sure. There will be another Bantams Banter.

by Joe Cockburn – @joecockburn

Over the next 90 minutes I will try and dissect this quandary and offer the most succinct answer possible.

The game: Southend at home with new gaffer Phil Brown in charge. I just asked my dad his thoughts on Essex and he just shook his head in disappointment. Don’t know why, think he has Rylan issues. I know he definitely hates Cilla Black, “is she from Essex” – thinks the idiot who knows she’s a scouser!

This game somewhat reflects Blind date in a weird way. We don’t know what’s round the corner….other than weird voices from

And Southend score…1-0, Davies and Mcarde marking the worms..

Then Southend score again..2-0!! This isn’t a joke were losing 2-0 after 10 minutes and it seems my question has been answered. I might go home.

Tony Yeboah or should I say Kyel Reid, spanks it from 30 yard hits the bar and Hanson attempts a header towards goal but its hit right at the defenders nonse! Aargh!

We’re looking better but them again I felt thin in the mirror this morning, even though my doctor says I’m clinically obese. It’s all well and good hitting the bar, the net is preferable though.

A few texts exchange from @novascarson45 “start Wells” being the operative one. Lets all forgive him, he spends most of his time in the states these days slapping Taco Bell all over his mush. Although saying that Wells needs chances to turn his fortunes around. Garry Thompson given the crack today and like I always say about Thompson, he has amazing eyes, in a completely straight way.

A few tweets – @tomrowell8 “8-0″. @northern1monkey: “1-0 to Bradford mate,we can’t score in a knocking shop at the moment…..it’s hard work being a city fan”. @emmatownend “2-0, Hanson then a late one from sub Wells #ReturnOfTheNak”

So tweet predictions going well then so far! Then again who predicts a loss, nobody unless your part of the #bcafc numpty collective. Set up post Wembley by some absolute tool who regardless of any sort of League Cup Final seems to have developed some sort of hatred towards the club he supports. I imagine this person to be quite the idiot. Don’t know his name, just what he said.

We have a corner, this means the keeper will catch it. No instead it’s looped in the air like some sort of full cricket toss and the ref blows his whistle, because its the worst corner he’s ever seen, and gives them he free-kick.

My dad comments on how big there team is, not sure how many times my dads frequented the Southend showers post match. But they are rather large, all 6 footers.

I will not say anything negative about today’s game or result, I just won’t. I may say something positive that sounds negative but it will NOT be negative. I may also publish my opinion on certain players and/or tactics but it will not have any negative connotations . I believe my wife when she says Positive Mental Attitude….but Southend are rather good.

“@JoeSagar we are fucking awful !” Everyone has an opinion and I once got told by my butcher never to try pigs head but every year I boil one up and make the nicest braun money can buy. Not saying you arewrong Joe but my Braun is best in show.

3 minutes to go until half time. If we score today I’ll give my dad a hug. The last time I hugged my dad was when he bought his BMW Convertible, knowing one day it would be mine. I hug Dom more than I hug my dad, hhhmmm.

Half-time, 2-0, it’s uphill from here. An Everest like hill.

How can we get this game called off! Anyone got a bazooka? If we turn this around I’ll give my house to my next door neighbour so he can knock through and make a larger detached property with south facing garden.

GGGOOOOOAAAAALLL!!!! Nope, Thompson is offside. Standard.

I’ve just got a feeling and its not heart burn…

Sshhhhiit now that’s a GOAL!! Zavon Hines left foot bottom corner, goodnight! Good play from Meredith, whipped into the box evaded our players and there’s and landed at Zavon Hines who cooly and I mean cool, like P Diddy on smack, half volleyed home!

As I was saying I’ve just got a feeling were going to turn this round. It’s only a feeling though and I often get feelings, mostly in my loins towards chocolate and now towards City and a remarkable come back.

I promised Simon Parker beer for a week. he might take it as a serious comment so just firing an email to my solicitor as you just can’t trust people these days.

Come on!!!!!! – that’s me shouting in writing.

25 minutes to get this show on the road, haven’t said that since 1996 but this game needs a bit of 1996!

Free-kick, up steps Tony Yeboah’s love child – Kyel
Reid (not legally correct). Although Jones looks keen too. Someone’s thrown a jaffacake wrapper on the pitch, this is carnage….hits the wall, the ball not wrapper.

Kyle Reid had turned into Ryan Giggs and I’ve turned into a Mr Frosty. It’s so so cold. But the temperature on the pitch is heating up, this is no longer a flat fart but a fiery curry induced wet turd!

Johnny Mac doing his bit with a good solid save from Jermaine Jackson, made that name up. Atkinson takes off his vest and is ready to embark the pitch, this is the sort of game he could really thrive in and we shall found out if he does. Connell also coming on and again this sort of game might just suit him. It’s all very speculative at the moment in the press box with 17 minutes to go.

Connell assumes his AMC role as Reid continues to fire balls in the box, one these will hit Big Jims head, I can just sense it.

Southend hit the post and if they get a third, I’m doing what I criticise every week and leave early. I got myself an Easter disco to attend! That’s actually true #hardcore

Wells is on and immediately gets a stone cold Steve Austin in the back of the head! The ref has been absolutely average! He’s just trying to be Howard Webb by shaving his head bald and being brash with his decisions. It doesn’t wash with me!

It’s a full frontal attack from City, we’re throwing the job lot at them.

Coooooommmmmmeeee ooooooonnnnnnnnn! Nahki Wells cross James Hanson header, I bloody knew it!!!! Never ever question my feelings!!!!

We have to go for this now, have to!!

2 minutes plus stoppage to answer my question, 2 minutes….

I’m biting my bloody hands off here! This is bonkers!!!

A dive from Reid could have knocked this on the head, but wait 5 minutes of extra time! Aarrrggghhhhhhhh

When we go at teams we look very very good, Southend look horrible compared to the first half! Less than 3 mins..

Reid

Trow in

I’ve resorted to one word sentences!

Corner, shit!

Free-kick given to Southend for nothing and as it stands its finishing 2-2. Not bad but a brilliant fight back. Proud as punch.

Answer to my question…

Yes!!!!!!!!!

Gary Jones was again the man of the match, he is fast becoming one of my favourite players of all time. Jones works harder on the pitch than I have ever seen anyone else do, sprinting from one side of the pitch to the other to take corners, being available to receive the ball from anyone, anywhere at any time on the pitch. He is a remarkable man, it’s not just work rate either, his technical ability is top drawer for a league 2 player. He has a great range of passing and tackles as well as anyone else in this division. He leads from the front and is the kind of player who leaves nothing on the pitch, something a couple of other city players could take note from. Stephen Darby also worked his socks off and never stopped running from the first whistle. James Hanson looked as confident as I’ve ever seen him, he won pretty much everything in the air and provided plenty for Wells to work with. Rory McArdle, Michael Nelson and Carl McHugh all had solid games in defence but were guilty of panicking on the ball early on in the second half. This probably had something to do with the nervousness in the stands from the home fans. I felt as though people believed we needed to score within the first minute of the second half starting. We played some great football in the first half and created plenty of good chances. We seemed to become very impatient and forced passes that were never really on or rushed the ball and made a hash of it. When we got the ball on the ground and passed it around, Aldershot had no real answer to us at all. Apart from trying their hardest to slow the game down and take away as much momentum as they possibly could.

I hope their ‘keeper was embarrassed after his rather dramatic ‘injury’ mid-way through the second half.  Jamie young rushed out to the edge of the area to collect the ball, and collided with one of their defenders and the oncoming Gary Thompson. He initially went down as the ball moved further out to the right hand side of the area. Once Bradford regained possession and looked to threaten he picked himself up and ran back towards goal, as soon as they cleared the ball he went back down again. Aldershot players forced the referee in to stopping play and Young was seen by first the Shots physio and then a doctor. Aldershot attempted to bring on their sub goalie, Glen Morris, but Young refused to leave the pitch and gestured to the bench that he was fine to carry on. The Referee then demanded he left the pitch as the fourth official had already held up the board and Andy Scott (Aldershot manager) had ordered the substitution. Young finally left the pitch having wasted what seemed like a lifetime and was replaced by Morris.

So we yet again needed a late, late goal from a substitute to save the game for us. This was certainly a case of 2 points dropped and possibly the end of the chance of making play-offs. It’s still mathematically possible, but if we can’t beat a poor side like Aldershot then I’m afraid it’s not looking too promising. We need to start winning again and fast or else it will all be over for another season.

(@JonathonRobert)

(@JonathonRobert)

By Jonathon Holden (@JonathonRobert)

Bradford may have lost the fight, but they sure won the battle. What an emotional night at Villa park, Christian Benteke put Aston Villa on the cusp of a comeback with a well deserved goal in the opening half. Bradford struggled to find their feet while Villa dominated possession and territory. Matt Duke again pulling of some wonderful saves, a one handed beauty to deny Gabriel Agbonlahor from 20 yards springs to mind. The second half started much better for Bradford and we were able to get the ball down and have much more periods of possession than we managed in the first half. Zavon Hines again the man who was tasked with being out main outlet on the right hand side. Gary Jones providing the accuracy but it was James Hanson who provided the finish this week. Hanson rose above everyone else to smash home the equaliser. Hanson was my man of the match tonight, he really worked hard and won pretty much everything in the air. Garry Thompson almost put the icing on the cake, he replaced Zavon Hines late on and hit a thunderous volley against the bar with Shay Given beaten. Adrei  Wiemann  later put Bradford hearts in mouths with another goal. This time in the 87^th minute to give Villa a 2-1 lead and make it 4-3 on aggregate. Fabian Delph was lucky to stay on the pitch and in my opinion Phil Dowd bottled giving the ex-Bradford player a straight red card. With Garry Thompson heading for the corner flag with just minutes to go, Delph flew in to foul Thompson from behind. Dowd produced a yellow card when surely a red would have been a more deserving outcome. But the Bantams were able to hold out for the 4 minutes of stoppage time and Weimann’s goal too little too late. Overall Villa were the better side on the night, but again lacked the cutting edge to take their chances and once more they failed to deal with a set piece. Bradford ran out deserved winners of the 2 leg semi-final, not just because of the score-line, but through shear belief and desire to win.  The final whistle blew, the Bradford end erupted and the players raced to celebrate in front of the 6,300 strong travelling support. Carl McHugh once more capturing the emotions of all involved in what has been a really remarkable cup run. Bradford fans will never forget that Hanson goal, the sound of the final whistle and the sheer joy, relief and sense of pride that has come with it. Wembley awaits us in just over a month’s time and we will take on either Chelsea, the champions of Europe, or Swansea, a team whose football is the blueprint from which all clubs will look to follow. Bradford however have captured the hearts of many a football fan from all over the country and will no doubt be the neutrals choice. Even fans of Leeds United have been behind our club and we must thank theirs for allowing us to use their training facilities earlier this week. A truly special evening, a truly special group of players a great, great manager and an incredibly passionate set of fans. Wembley, are you ready?

By Jonathon Holden (@jonathonrobert) 

15/01/13 – Johnstones Paint Trophy – Northern Semi-Final

In what was billed ‘The Forgotten Semi-Final’ Phil Parkinson made 8 changes from Saturdays home defeat to Oxford. Out went Duke, Darby, McArdle, McHugh, Gary Jones, Hines, Atkinson and Nahki Wells. McLaughlin, Good, Naylor, Ritchie Jones, Ravenhill, Turgott, Reid and Connell replaced them to give city some much needed fresh legs all over the pitch. Bradford took the lead through a 25 yard blast from Kyel Reid courtesy of a good nock down from Andy Gray. The fact Crewe’s ‘keeper Alan Martin was replaced at half time probably says more about the goal than anything else. Crewe replied on the stroke of half time as Ryan Dickson deflected the ball past McLaughlin and into his own net. Dickson picking up a bit of stick from some Bradford fans for good measure. Max Clayton then made it 2-1 for the home side after a decent spell for Bradford following the introduction of Nahki Wells and Zavon Hines who replace Connell and Gray.  Parkinson went for broke and threw on Carl McHugh upfront and going three at the back. A decision Crewe were able to take advantage of and slot home another two goals. A well finished counter attacking goal from Bradden Inman as he rounded McLaughlin tucked it away. Chuks Aneke then finished things off just before the final whistle with a well-placed shot from just outside the 18 yard area. The scoreline somewhat flatters the League 1 side who in all fairness were expected to get the result on the night. Players like Ritchie Jones will be disappointed with the defeat as they looked to catch the gaffers eye in a bid to get into Parkinson’s plans for the weekend.

1 win in Six in all competitions now for City, but this game has given some of our best players a break with a massive game on Saturday. Port Vale are promotion candidates and Parkinson and the boys will be well aware any result will be a massive boost for our own chances. A win would put us back firmly in the hunt for automatic promotion and put us back towards the top of the play off places. Now is the time we really need to kick on, with some key fixtures coming up, the trip to Fleetwood at the start of February after the trips to Vale and Villa followed by Wycombe coming to Valley Parade. 7 points from those possible 9 in the league must be the target and I firmly believe a point a Vale this weekend could kick start a revival. With the league being so tight, we can’t afford for this poor run to continue any longer. Parkinson clearly aware of this by the team he picked this evening.  Bradford will face a fine of somewhere around £6,000.00 for failing to have 6 players in the starting line-up that started Saturdays game against Oxford. Time for some players to really stand up and put in a good performance on Saturday, to take some confidence and momentum in to the massive fixture in the cup a week today.  I would very much take a 0-0 bore draw against Vale though as we need to stop the rot in the league, which must remain the priority. The defeat in the JPT will be a blessing in disguise as city really didn’t need another two fixtures to distract them from the job in the league.

Parkinson has also confirmed the signing of Michael Nelson from Kilmarnock in the post match interview. Nelson is a no-nonsense centre half and will be a welcome addition to squad, whilst he also brings some much needed experience to the back four. Naylor has also extended his loan for a further 2 months and Parkinson sang his praises after the full time whistle. Garry Thompson also cleared for action for Saturday after again training on the pitch before tonights game. Thompson who was in great form before his knee injury could be put straight back in to the team should Will Atkinson’s ‘slight knock’ mean he needs a longer rest.  Blair Turgott also impressed tonight with his work rate and direct play, has also extended his loan stay for a further month and described it as ‘the best loan move in the world’. Turgott appears to be loving life up north and the 18 year old looks set to have a good career ahead of him.

Roll on Saturday and a good performance, but more importantly a result. In Parkinson we trust.

By Jonathon Holden (@jonathonrobert) 

12/01/13 – LEAGUE 2

Bradford were brought back down to earth with an incredible bang yesterday as City let slip a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to a deserving Oxford side. Nahki Wells gratefully made the most of a rather shambolic piece of defending from former Leeds man Michael Duberry. Duberry attempted to head the ball back to their ‘keeper, only to lob him and leave Wells with a tricky angle but managed to find the net regardless. Wells however, in his determined effort, managed to end up second best to Valley Parades advertising hoardings and in a heap at the side of the goal. Oxford then brought themselves back in to the game with a decent strike from Sean Rigg. Matt Duke was once again in brilliant form making a series of saves and tipping another Rigg effort on to the bar. However, city were undone with a late penalty, probably the only decent decision the ref made all day, Peter Leven stepped up and put it away neatly from 12 yards. Stephen Darby can have no real complaints with the penalty, it was a tired looking challenge on the impressive Rigg.

The most notable omission from the side was that of James Hanson, Andy Gray was handed his first start just days after re-signing for the club. Ryan Dickson also made the starting eleven and filled in at left back. Hanson has reportedly been struggling for weeks with a persistent foot injury. This will undoubtedly have had an effect on his recent performances, although he did play very well against Villa. Gray for me was too lightweight and lacked the real work rate that we have come to expect from our players. It was obviously his first start in a long time, and the first time he has played with the rest of the lads, so will take time to bed in. Ryan Dickson also performed below par for me, he seemed very rusty and again will be glad to have got 90 minutes under his belt. Allan Connell must be wondering what he has to do to get a start. With Hanson not playing and Gray only just signing on, he must have been sure to be starting alongside Wells. Connell has been doing well of late, since scoring the late winner on Boxing Day. On yesterday’s showing he is equally as good in the air as Gray and if anything has more strength on the ball too. On the whole, I thought the whole side looked tired and were second to pretty much every ball all over the pitch, Oxford were well worth the three points and were the better side on the day. Parkison though is a quality manager and having turned down the Blackpool job, will pick the lads up and will get them going again. Its only a matter of time before we start winning again and there is no better place to do that than this weekend away at Port Vale.

I think Hanson will be left out again on Tuesday night (Crewe away in the Jhonstone Paint Trophy) and Wells may also be due a rest. Connell and Gray could start up front together and I believe it may be well to give McArdle a rest and bring Curtis Good back in to the side. Kyel Reid may get a long awaited start along with Blair Turgott on the opposite flank. Zavon Hines has been in good form of late and was my man of the match for Saturdays game, but did look tired when he was replaced by Turgott on the hour mark. Phil Parkinson will want to get the promotion challenge back on course and will probably also give Ritchie Jones and Ricky Ravenhill run outs so that Nathan Doyle and Gary Jones can be fresh for the weekend. Garry Thompson may also feature at some stage after being put through a pre match fitness test at Valley Parade on Saturday afternoon.

By Tom Fletcher (@tomfletchBB) 

Capital One Cup – Semi Final, Leg 1

Attendance: 22,245 (4,314 Aston Villa fans)

Firstly…. (In the words of my Dad) What a night, what a team!!!

Due to missing the Arsenal game I don’t think I’ve ever been more excited for a City game in my whole entire life. Just seeing the crowds outside and the ‘buzz’ of excitement made me feel like I was supporting a completely different club.  I did some interviews before (thank you to the lovely fans who I spoke to!) and managed to get a last-minute ticket, so about five minutes before KO I ran to the Kop.

I’ve only sat in the Kop a couple of times before and I wasn’t too sure where my seat was but if you could have seen my face when the steward directed me to my seat, the end of an aisle six rows from the back of the Kop. Yes, I would describe there as where the ‘madheads sit.’ As soon as the realisation has sunk in, the game had begun; I remember thinking whatever the score this is going to be an experience….

First Half

Bradford started the game confidently, Well’s had two chances within the first seven minutes. His first shot, was blocked and the rebound was fired wide by Jones. His second was aimed directly at Shay Given (Shay Given, not every day you see a GK whose name you actually know at VP).

Villa had several chances around the 15^th minute mark. The corners they took were headed over and the shots they had were either dealt with by the defence or as I believe he is now known Sir Matt Duke.

In the 19^th minute, (bearing in mind I was kind of hoping we didn’t score because I thought I would be fighting for my life!) we scored! Hine’s pass met Nahki Wells who slotted the ball in the right hand corner. The celebrations at the top of the Kop were mental as you can imagine and trying to celebrate on your own is a bit weird….

The goal brought more chants from the crowd, who didn’t stop singing all game (well, the people by me didn’t) All three sides of home supporters were on their feet screaming “Who are ya?” to the Villa fans.

City had many chances with to double their lead before the end of the half, Hanson’s header going just wide of the right post and Hines had a few shots but failed to hit the target.

I suppose the only thing we were bothered about was that we’d scored and were yet again leading a Premier League team.

Second Half

Villa started the second half well, Benteke had a couple of shots but Sir Matt Duke pulled off some fantastic saves in the first ten minutes to keep City in the lead.

City were playing well and looking deadly with corners, for whatever reason Villa just couldn’t seem to defend them. City doubled their lead in the 76^th minute when a Gary Jones’ corner met the head of Rory McArdle. VP erupted, I honestly thought we’d be lucky to score one but to be 2-0 up was unbelievable.  The kop were annihilating the Villa fans and singing hilarious chants such as ”He left cause you’re shit, he left cause you’re shittt, Emile Heskey, he left cause you’re shit!” Also one that sticks in my head and really puts the cup into perspective “He used to work in the Co-Op, work in the Co-Op” … look at Hanson now!

Although City were playing well you couldn’t dismiss that when Villa had the ball they were quick, and no less than five minute after we doubled our lead they scored, Andreas Weimann made it 2-1 to Bradford.

Seeing how quickly they scored and having got their ‘away goal’ I honestly thought Villa were going to equalise. I think even the lads around me were thinking the same, when Villa were on the attack, there was an almighty sigh “shit!”

Unbelievably, City made it 3-1 with just three minutes to go.  Another Jones’ corner which this time met the head of Carl McHugh! If you thought VP erupted before, it literally exploded…

Howard Webb seemed to keep the match going a long time after the 90 minutes, but this didn’t bother the fans who were chanting “We want four, we want four!.”

Bradford thoroughly deserved their win, despite Villa getting an away goal I really hope in the second leg we play with the same confidence that we did last night!

Oh and just for the record, the ‘madheads’ weren’t that bad, I’ve realised they’re just VERY passionate about City.

Just think we’re 90 minutes away from Wembley….. Crazy!

By Sinead Cunningham (@sineadcun) 

LEAGUE 2

Att ,11,198 – 725 away

I’ll admit I literally ran from the car to the ground today. Yes, I like football but I’m a girl and didn’t want to get my hair wet. As Dave Baldwin predicted that the rain would stop before k/o… luckily as soon as I sat in my seat, it did.

First Half

City were playing towards the kop in the first half and for the first ‘four minutes’ they started well.

They had a corner in the second minute but McArdle’s weak header saw the ball go wide right of the post.

Instead of keeping the ball on the ground, they reverted back to the ‘old style’ of aimlessly booting long balls up the pitch in the hope that someone in a claret and amber shirt would latch on to it.

Without having the time to settle, the Lancashire side took the lead in the 6^th minute. Terry Gornell scored a looping shot that beat Duke in the top right corner.

Certain City players made various slip ups that meant Rochdale could have easily capitalised on their lead. The fans became distressed and some were standing, screaming at the players to come forward and chase the ball.

A Bradford throw-in in the 13th minute gave City their first chance on goal. Alan Connell beat the defender but his tricky angled shot ran across the cross bar.

City equalised from a penalty in the 18^th minute when Connell was foolishly fouled by the Rochdale defender. Connell then stepped up and scored a somewhat underserved goal for City.

The goal certainly got the crowd backing the home side and in turn City began to play some decent football.

City’s possession was short-lived and Rochdale were soon leading for a second time. The away side successfully passed their way through Bradford’s defence allowing Tutte to double their lead.

When they were celebrating I realised how much their number seven looks like Garry Jones, maybe it’s because they’re both bald but for a minute I almost thought he’d returned to his old club.

This goal was obviously met with the Lancashire fans chanting “Garry what’s the score, Garry, Garry what’s the score?” and “You’re just a team on the tele!”

Just after the half an hour stage, Bradford were still not doing anything with the ball and it was actually more interesting listening to what the Rochdale fan’s were singing.

Rochdale simply outplayed City and in the 32^nd minute they went 3-1 up. Grimes scored another impressive goal, making City look like they were a Sunday league team.

The home fans as you can imagine were very frustrated at this point, some of them even clapping Rochdale’s third goal.

City were given a lifeline when in the 35^th minute when Meredith’s cross was suspiciously stopped by the Rochdale defender’s hand. The crowd shouted for hand ball, the referee agreed and blew for another penalty. Again, Connell stepped up and scored his second goal of the game.

Rochdale literally outplayed City for the entire first half. Gornell scored his second of the game in the 40^th minute, giving Rochdale back their two-nil advantage.  In all honestly, his header looked like it was going over the bar, but unfortunately it went over Duke’s head sending Rochdale 4-2 up.

Bradford managed a shot when Reid’s cross reached Connell. However, his half hearted over-the- head-kick and Reid’s miss in the last minute pretty much summed up City’s first half performance.

Second Half

Bradford managed to string a few successful passes together in the 50^th minute but nothing came off them and Rochdale were soon in charge in the same way that they were in the first half.

A bit of positive play came in the 56th minute when a Reid’s cross perfectly hit Connells head. Most of the ground, including myself thought it had gone in but it sadly went wide of the post.

Seconds after that Rochdale were fighting back and were inches away from scoring their fifth.

The 63^rd minute saw a strong cross from Reid, but Hanson’s shot lacked control and saw yet another wasted chance for the Bantams. Might I add, the rain had returned, which for obvious reasons was dampening the supporters’ moods even more.

With fifteen minutes to go, after a lot of moaning by the crowd, Parky finally made some substitutions. Doyle and Naylor went off, and replacing them were Turgott and Ross Hannah, who has returned from his loan spell.

City had chances with two free kicks within minutes of each other. The first, Hannah’s strike next to the corner flag and Meredith’s indirect free kick but neither caused any problems for the Rochdale defence.

Bradford continued to attack in the dying minutes but the Lancashire side’s impressive first half performance meant there was no way back for the promotion pushing City.

As the final whistle blew, there were fireworks going off behind the TL Dallas Stand… they obviously had nothing to do with City as there was certainly nothing to celebrate from today’s performance.

By Sinead Cunningham (@sineadcun) 

LEAGUE 2

Att ,11,181 – 188 away

I’ve just sat down at “The Coral Windows Stadium”  (I know nobody calls it that but the media guide insists that it is referred to by its proper name!) for today’s match against Accrington Stanley.

A dark cloud is looming over VP and unbeknown to me the zip on my coat has broke, I suppose I should have asked for a new one for Christmas. It’s going to be a cold game today, even the poor mascot walked onto the pitch with a city jumper over his kit.

First Half

Bradford lost the toss so played towards the kop in the first half. Despite not playing in the usual direction we nearly opened the lead in the second minute, but Will Atkinson’s close range header drifted to the right of the post.

Just a few minutes after a long ball from Darby and header from Hanson gave Hines the perfect opportunity to open the scoring but his shot was comfortably met by the arms of the Accrington goalkeeper.

The looming cloud opened about ten minutes into the game but despite the weather City made a confident start and shadowed the majority of the possession. The away fans were quiet but 188 travelling fans did manage to mutter the “Premiership, you f***** it up…” and continued to chant their way through the leagues. However, this was soon halted by the home fans and the infamous drum.

Despite the heavy rain, City managed to keep up an up tempo pace and were rewarded for their efforts in the 24^th minute. Garry Thompson’s powerful shot beat the keeper, deservedly giving the Bantams the lead.

Bradford slowed down the pressure after the opener and allowed Accrington to enter the game. Stanley, however, whose players include THE Jamie Beattie who was once up there in the premier league, didn’t cause any problems in the first half leaving Matt Duke with little to do apart from stand and get wet in the pouring rain.

Accrington’s Winnard was given the first yellow card of the game for literally taking out Hines. The commencing free kick was met by moaning from the home crowd for pulling on Hanson’s shirt.

Hines had a great game and continued to threaten Accrington’s defence until he was nastily poked in the eye. He continued to play but when the incident began to affect his vision, he was replaced by Nahki Wells. City’s only notable chance after the goal was a long distance shot from Nathan Doyle, however his lack of control sent the ball way over the crossbar.

Accrington decided to make an appearance in the second half and came very close to equalising just after the start of play.

Duke pulled off a fantastic save in the 53^rd minute to deny Stanley an equaliser. An Accrington free kick allowed Craig Lindfield a chance on goal, but thankfully Duke’s hand was there to curve the ball past the post. Despite Accrington’s growing possession the home crowd positively got behind their club. Oddly some were even taking photos. I’ve never noticed any fans taking photos before but a dark and wet Valley Parade isn’t exactly picture perfect.

The supporters soon made sure their voice was heard when in the 65^th minute Wells was obstructed and sent to the floor by Dean Winnard.  He was consequentially given his second yellow card of the game and sent on his way.

Thompson had City’s first shot of the second half shortly after the 69^th minute, despite it being long range and not really on target, it gave the fans something to cheer about.

Illness obviously got the better of Well’s who was taken off with just 20 minutes to go and replaced by Alan Connell.

Accrington continued to threaten City and equalised in the 80^th minute, sloppy defending from City allowed Romuald Boco to score for the away side.

Bradford didn’t back down and managed to secure all three points scored with four minutes to go. A strong cross from substitute Kyel Reid allowed Alan Connell to put City back into the lead. City earned their victory, and despite obvious injuries will hope continue their success throughout the festive season.