Looks like we are all lost for words after a frustrating afternoon at the Pirelli.
But I'm going to be positive and say that it is the sign of a good side to gain three points without playing to our best.
Have to have some sympathy for Bradford. To lose one centre back before half time away from home is unsettling. To lose them both before the start of the second half would test most sides.
Little wonder that they all but parked the bus and left it to us to find a way through, a task that very nearly proved too much for us.
Seems that their manager is also aggrieved about the sending off. He should watch I-player. Lee Bell did his dignity no good at all by rolling around but there was a definite forward movement of the head so I'd be very surprised if he gets off.
But let's focus on the football. Thought we did really well at the back again. Stanno's pace got us out of one scrape, but otherwise 'resolute' to quote our manager. Can't comment on the new keeper as he was so well protected that I can't recall him doing much - one high ball that he took decisively but that's about it.
Midfield were combative and let's not forget that we had the lion's share of the ball before the sending off.
Calvin again giving his all, though Billy didn't seem quite at the races to me. Should have buried a peach of a cross from young Chapell and some of his chasing of long balls was a bit underwhelming. Thought Gaz should have made the change a lot earlier than he did.
Never mind, three points is what we needed. Cup next week, but then a midweek marathon trip to Plymouth followed quickly by a return down the M5 to in form Cheltenham.
It doesn't get any easier, does it!
Back to winning ways
posted on 28/10/12
Dreadful game, atrocious performance. A very forgettable match. Delighted to get 3 points from it. That is all the record books will show. Better teams have struggled against the parked bus strategy.
Bradford were down to 10 men after 30 minutes. We started the game with 10 men. Cleveland must be brilliant in training, absolutely brilliant.
Bradford looked dreadful for the first 30 minutes and after that you couldn't really comment on their abilities because of injuries, the sending off and their enforced game plan.
When I saw it live I was a bit embarrassed by Lee Bell falling over from what looked like the equivalent of an eskimo nose rub.
I never thought I would be writing this but Billy is looking awful this season. I have kept making excuses for him game after game but that stops now.
Harsh to say this after 2 brief appearances perhaps but Jordan Chappell is looking like another one of those wingers that we have a knack of picking up.
posted on 28/10/12
Our defence played well again and that is the difference between this season and last. Also when will we learn that 'hoofball' gets us nowhere. We made hard work of it, but at least we got 3 points.
I agree with the comments about Billy and am I being cynical in saying that since he's had a contract extension he's not really shown any of the qualities he's undoubtedly got. Perhaps we should have sold him on, when clubs were supposedly lining up to sign him.
I still have a niggling worry that come the new year we'll be struggling again. There's not a vast amount of points between where we are now and the bottom 4.
posted on 28/10/12
Completely underwhelmed with the performance but delighted with the three points. Didn't think Bradford were all that and after the 'very poor' red card decision they parked the bus.
A couple of moments from Mags, but he and Clev were missing for most of the game. Defensively we had no problems so they were all solid and Oxley looked good.
Got to agree about Billy, he's just not at the races. Paterson should have started as he and Zola have started to look good together and we missed his movement running the line.
Chappell looks like a find and do not hesitate in saying he will be starting the next game and Clev won't.
posted on 28/10/12
It was fantastic to get a win in a game where we didn't play our best, this is a sign how much we have improved, last season would have seen us draw or even lose so well done to the lads on getting over the line; sure these points will be very valuable come April.
I pretty much agree with most of the comments, the keeper looks very much in the mould of Lego and if performs to his ability may be around for a while longer!
Glad the team have now got a week’s break ready for the FA Cup game against Altrincham, sure they will get a warm welcome given their professionalism in holding off Cambridge United in the final BSP match and helping us into League 2.
posted on 29/10/12
Got to say that I agree with a lot of the comments already made. Stanno had a great game, Kee was poor, Zola is a goal monster and Taylor probably won't get another start! Cannot understanding waiting so long for the substitutions when we were really struggling to get anything going up front - GR was fortunate to get this win.
Sorry excuse for a game though, thought it was terrible. Red card wasn't and it was a mistake that gave us the three very gratefully received three points.
Would like to see Holness, Paterson and Chapell all starting next week.
posted on 29/10/12
For a Bradford City fan's views on Saturday's match you may find this interesting-
http://widthofapost.com
posted on 29/10/12
I've read the post Edinburgh Bantam which gives another side to the story. The booing of Stanton started earlier than is said and was by more than a few Bantam supporters. If Stanton did do what was said, that in no way excuses his behaviour, which could be classed as shameful and unprofessional.
As regards the red card I couldn't clearly see whether Ravehill actually made contact with Bell or not. If he did not then in my estimation it wasn't a red card.
I agree the Ref was bad, but decisions went against the Albion too, so his decisions weren't all one-sided.
posted on 29/10/12
Oldbrookender
The local Bradford newspaper-The Telegraph and Argus has reported that City manager,Phil Parkinson,called Bell " A cheat" and complained about Stanton's behaviour to Stewards.
posted on 29/10/12
Im not one to moan about referees,over a season you get decisions that go for you and the ones that go against you so they equal out over the whole season.Lets be honest it was a terrible game from the off and it was either sides game to win and luckily for us it went our way and in the cup a few weeks ago it went Bradfords way.For me dont blame the ref blame the two sides on the pitch they were atrocious.