Tag Archives: Plymouth Argyle

Back to Wembley: Since our last visit…

13 May
Photo courtesy of Wendy Michallat

Photo courtesy of Wendy Michallat

By Mahesh Johal

Walking down Wembley Way after the League Cup Final was one of my proudest moments as a Bradford City fan. In the dark London sky, the Wembley arch stood bright. Looking at this monument to football, I took a moment to reflect on the club’s achievement. I never in my lifetime thought I would see City at the famous ground, so to be going there again only three months later is an amazing feeling.

Whilst our cup exploits will be remembered by the common football fan, the journey back to the national stadium has been equally exciting and traumatic.

“If, at the end of those 15 games, we haven’t got where we want to be, we’ll hold out hands up.” Phil Parkinson, February 2013

Much was said by Phil Parkinson regarding the way City would attack the 15 league games remaining after the Cup Final. Incredibly, the players have been able to overhaul a 10-point deficit and we are now preparing for another Wembley trip. However, I was initially left frustrated and unsure if we could achieve our goal.

I looked specifically at the games against Aldershot and Plymouth as a case of argument. Against two teams fighting for league survival, City were unable to break down their opposition. In no way was I angry towards the players or manager, but instead irritated that things weren’t clicking. The team tried valiantly, but I was unsure why we weren’t converting these draws into wins.

I kept thinking that on another day we would have beat Aldershot convincingly. But it’s this point that sums up City’s six-season tenure in League Two. Next season is always ‘our season’. In all honesty, I was frustrated that we were seemingly not going to seize our best opportunity in years to get promoted.

These draws felt more like defeats. I remember struggling to celebrate in the manner which one should after Alan Connell’s 98th minute penalty equaliser against the Shots. By the time we had lost to Exeter in March, a 10-point gap had been opened between us and the 7th place. It seemed too big. Questions were raised of whether the cup run had taken too much out of the players. Others pointed to Parkinson’s squad rotation.

With the squad’s talent, there was no doubt that performances would pick up. Our only problem was the lack of games left. Quite frankly I felt we had missed the play off boat.

“We’ve got a squad capable going on a good run” Parkinson, February 2013

One aspect of these 15 games that I undervalued was the worth of a draw. I felt that we had wasted the games in hand because of our inability to kill teams off. But with every point gained, and game unbeaten, the team slowly started to pick up the momentum needed to make a move up the table.

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The gritty draw against Southend started a run of three consecutive wins, but it was the victory over Northampton that made me really stand up and take notice. Without resorting to clichés, there was something in the air that day. It was a tense affair against a physical and well drilled side.

In previous years I am convinced we would have succumbed to the pressure, but this just felt different. The crescendo of ‘Midland Road’ coincided with the belief that the play offs were back on. The louder the chant, the more we seemed to believe that the top seven could be achieved. Luck may have something to do with it, and the results of our rivals that day added to this air of optimism.

This buoyancy was at a fever pitch at Chesterfield and there was a genuine sense that victory in Derbyshire could propel us into an automatic promotion battle. I remember travelling to the game amazed that we had been able to pull ourselves into this position. Even more so, we were justified in the belief for automatic promotion. The team were now playing with confidence and, all of a sudden, we had ‘clicked’. Maybe it was the rediscovery of Nahki Wells’ form or Ricky Ravehill’s doggedness in midfield, but something happened and it got the Bantams playing.

Most importantly (to me) was the fact that City were playing for something in April. We haven’t had this buzz in years. I am always nervous watching City, but this was a nervous energy and anticipation that I kind of liked the feel of. The fact that every game was so important gave games an electricity that has rarely been felt at Valley Parade in recent years. Even when results like Rotherham did not go our way, there was still a yearning to come to the ground and support the team to victory in the next game.

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Beating Burton to seal the last play off spot was a special moment for all connected to the club. It made the six years of suffering in League Two seem worth it. There was a euphoria knowing we were two games away from Wembley. These emotions went into overdrive after beating Albion over two legs the play offs. If anything, the way the semis unfolded were similar to these 15 games. We did not start off great, but somehow were able to do enough to be in with a shout.

When it mattered the most, we turned it on and achieved our goal. Last Sunday, the goal was to get to Wembley. This Saturday, the goal will be to win at Wembley.

I will again look at the arch after the game on Saturday, hopefully as the supporter of a League One club. Of course victory is the aim and taking this opportunity is imperative. But if we take a step away, the progress this club has made this season is phenomenal.  When some of us, including myself, started to waver in hope, our manager and players battled on and have put us in an incredible position.

Win or lose, we are extremely lucky to be going back to Wembley. This Saturday will be uncomfortable, but with Parkinson at the helm, we hopefully won’t be looking at next season as ‘the season’. With his team in place, we could and hopefully will get the job done this time around.

Play off final: Width of a Post build-up

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Entering the last, last chance saloon as City go to Exeter

15 Mar

2013-03-02 14.54.47

Exeter City vs Bradford City preview

@St. James Park on Saturday 16 March, 2013

By Mark Scully

As City prepare for their second game in Devon of the week, in my eyes they have finally entered the last, last chance saloon. Lose, and it’s yet another year in the basement division. But win, and suddenly the late charge for a play off place might finally start to take place.

After myself and fellow Width of the Post writers Jason McKeown and Gareth Walker made the long trip to Plymouth in the ‘Green Bullet’ midweek, I think we were all in agreement that, realistically, the play offs are now a long shot, but not completely out of reach.

The game in midweek probably should have seen Bradford come away with all three points having created the better of the chances throughout the 90 minutes with Reid/Thompson/McHugh/Connell all going close. Having said that, were it not for the superb goal line clearance in stoppage time from Stephen Darby, the whole picture might look completely different. That one more dropped point, making it 10 from the top seven, would have made it harder to reach the play offs.

Exeter come into the game without a win in their last three games, and without a goal in all three of those fixtures after drawing blanks against table toppers Gillingham on Tuesday night and fellow play off chasers Fleetwood Town last Saturday. Prior to those fixtures, Exeter lost 2-0 away at in-form Bristol Rovers. Despite the last three results, The Grecians had been in great form in recent weeks having brushed aside with ease promotion chasers Northampton Town and Port Vale 3-0 and 2-0 respectively.

The home side come into Saturday’s game with a few injuries. Their central midfield has been dismantled, with ex-City flop Tommy Doherty injured and former Southampton and Leicester player Matt Oakley also ruled out. Playmaker Alan Gow is expected to miss out which will be good news for Phil Parkinson’s troops. Gow has impressed for Paul Tisdale’s side this season.

One thing Bradford need to be wary of is 20 goal striker Jamie Cureton. The veteran sits five goals behind the league’s top marksmen, Tom Pope, but has rolled back the years. After scoring at Valley Parade in the early part of the season, the Bradford back line will need no introduction to the small forward.

I made the last City trip to St James Park, the year Exeter went up. It was shortly before Stuart McCall’s outburst, after losing the subsequent midweek game at AFC Bournemouth. The Exeter match game was undermined by off the field activities of Barry Conlon and Matthew Clarke. Hopefully this time around Bradford can get all three points. It isn’t necessary a must win game, but it would certainly setup up the three home games on the bounce rather nicely.

After the draw at Home Park on Tuesday I would expect Phil Parkinson to once again shuffle his pack. James Meredith is back in the squad, but I’d be very surprised if he got much more than a 20 minutes run out – a lot will depend how the game is panning out, I suppose. I would personally start with the same back five with Matt Duke in goal. There isn’t much between the two keepers in my opinion but, going slightly off track, I would let Jonny Mac depart in the summer, whilst retaining Duke as No.2 but having him primarily as goalkeeping coach and bring in a new No.1. The back four until Meredith is fully fit picks itself with the excellent Stephen Darby at right back, Carl McHugh on the left and a defensive partnership of Rory McArdle and Andrew Davies the best pairing we have available to us.

Into midfield, I would drop Kyel Reid to the bench. The winger is clearly lacking form at the moment and isn’t doing the things, which at the end of last season and the start of this, he was doing superbly well. Hopefully Reid will get his mojo back in time for the run in. In Reid’s place I would start Will Atkinson. To be fair to Reid, Atkinson has also had a little dip in form but would get the nod ahead of Reid on this occasion.

In the centre, magic man Gary Jones will come back into the fold, probably alongside Ricky Ravenhill. This might surprise some people, but the former Doncaster midfielder has played really well in recent weeks and I think his ‘spoiling’ style of play is quite effective especially when playing away from home. Ravenhill also gets the nod for me due to the lack of form being shown by Nathan Doyle at the moment. On the right, Zavon Hines deservedly should retain his place. In recent weeks the right hand side of Darby and Hines is working really well and looks a huge threat – both players work really hard for the team and seemingly have built up a good understanding.

Up front this is where opinions are split amongst the fans – do you start Connell, who, in the last three games I’ve seen him come on in, has completely changed the game, or do you bring back the big guns Hanson and Wells? I thought Hanson and Connell linked up really well when they came on at Plymouth, but at the same time I thought Garry Thompson played really well. Then there’s Andy Gray – I think most fans are in agreement that Gray probably shouldn’t be in the starting line up. I’m not going to Gray-bash but, in my opinion he is our fifth best striker. That isn’t to say he’s a bad player, just the others currently are better and offer different options to us.

I don’t actually think Parky will go with Connell from the start at Exeter and, to be honest, I’d agree. I’m not sure it’s the sort of game to start Connell in. Whilst walking away from Home Park I thought he’d go with Hanson and Thompson from the start at Exeter and, looking forward to Wycombe on Tuesday, I’d then expect Wells to be brought back into the fold at Valley Parade. I don’t think you can drop Thompson at the moment. Yes, on Tuesday he should have scored early on. But his all round game is really impressive and, to me, by dropping a ‘form’ player it sends out the wrong signals to the rest of the squad.

The spark that Parky has said is missing at the moment has coincided with the lack of form being shown by the likes of Wells and Reid – the ultimate spark in our armour. They will of course regain that spark. I just hope it comes back in time for a promotion push.

If we can win on Saturday we will hopefully go six points off the top seven. That to me should give the Bradford players and management some real belief that the play offs can be achieved. Hopefully early next week Phil Parkinson will sign the new contract. I can’t see for the life of me that he will go to Reading.

All of a sudden we could be closer to the play offs and a manager signed up mid to long term, with Valley Parade starting to look like a bed of roses again. We are, after all, unbeaten since Wembley. Yes, results have been indifferent. But we are unbeaten. Let’s win at Exeter and really go full steam into the three homes games, believing that promotion is still well within our grasp.

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What matters more?

14 Mar

SAM_0397

By Jonathon Ellerton

I have sat and thought about this for a while, as I have watched our season seemingly come to an end since we played Arsenal at home.

I was sat in the Kop that night, and I will never forget it. Garry Thompson’s goal, Gervinho’s miss from less than two yards, and the moment their captain Thomas Varmaelen hit the post in the shoot out – and we went through to the semi finals. Teams from our league aren’t meant to beat teams like Arsenal, who were at full strength. Teams from our league aren’t meant to go to Wigan with a makeshift centre half pairing and keep a clean sheet. Teams from our league are not meant to beat Aston Villa over 180 minutes.

We are not meant to appear at Wembley for a major cup final. I don’t care what anyone says, on Sunday 24 February, 2013, as I walked out of Wembley at full time, looked back and saw the Arch, I was so proud of my team and what we had achieved over the cup run. It will live with me forever.

Sure, we all sit in the pubs at the start of a season, saying this year we will get to Wembley. But do we ever really believe it will actually happen? Certainly not for an occasion grander than a League Two play off final or JPT final. If we are honest we did not expect to do it, which is what makes it even more special that we did.

The main point of this article isn’t to remind everyone how great it felt, but to ask this question – at the start of the season, having barely stayed up last season, would you have taken a major cup final and vastly improved league form?

I think 99% of us would have. So as our season slowly appears to wind down without a place in the play offs, should we ultimately be disappointed in our team? No, we should not.

This team should be heroes for what they achieved. We nearly went down last year, and the year before that, threatening the existence of the club. How awful did it feel when we thought we might lose the one thing we all love? It was not nice, was it?

This season has been outstanding. Yes, even I have had a go at Phil Parkinson and his rotating – why is Connell not starting? – but as I turned the radio off having listened to us draw 0-0 with Plymouth, I thought “well season’s over, but I’m proud of the boys”. Then I went on Facebook and Twitter, and the abuse for the manager and players was everywhere. I feel it’s unjust and unfair.

Is it right to slag off Parkinson and the team given what they have achieved this season? Probably not. Could they have coped better with an injury list that has included long lay offs for last season’s player of the year, our best centre back, our left winger, our left back and then replacement on loan defenders? No chance.

So let’s remember the positives, and praise the team, the Board and all the staff. Because compared to the last two seasons, this year has been simply fantastic.

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Yet another night of frustration as City draw a blank in Devon

13 Mar

Plymouth Argyle 0

Bradford City 0

Tuesday 12 March, 2013

By Jason McKeown

Phil Parkinson is more than capable of masterminding a Bradford City promotion from League Two. But sadly, it won’t be this season.

Not unless things change very, very quickly – and we said the same walking home down Wembley Way two weeks and five matches ago. Not unless the players start taking their chances and show more quality in the final third. And, most of all, not unless Parkinson takes a bolder approach to the way that he lines up his team.

And that’s not to suggest there was anything fundamentally wrong about the approach taken by the Bantams at Home Park last night. Going with two out and out wingers, in Zavon Hines and Kyel Reid, on the road, is a rarity, and was balanced out by playing two holding central midfielders in Nathan Doyle and Ricky Ravenhill. In a battling contest, City’s midfield clearly came out on top and provided the platform for one point being turned into three. It was the kind of away set-up and performance that, matched with strong home form, over the course of a typical season would get you into League One.

But unfortunately, these aren’t usual circumstances. It requires something more extraordinary.

The effects of City’s remarkable cup run on league results during January and February are there for all to see. It cost us a strong league position, a shot at the automatic promotion places that – blimey – Burton Albion now occupy. That’s the Burton Albion we beat in September to seal a place in the last 16 of the League Cup. They licked their wounds, watched us beat Wigan, Arsenal and Aston Villa, while steadily climbing the league. Swap seasons? No chance. But food for thought nonetheless.

What we needed post-Wembley was to hit the ground running. Instead of finding top gear, we’re still chugging along in the slow lane, with the front runners dauntingly far away on the horizon. And recent results, performances and tactics would be okay if we were in the play off positions, looking to consolidate a top seven or top three finish. But we are not. We remain frustratingly not even close.

So when, midway through the second half last night, City were performing okay and looking the more likelier team to score, eyes became fixed upon the dug out to the left of us, for positive changes that would tip the game’s balance in our favour. The three players eventually brought on performed superbly, but they were straight swaps positional and tactical-wise. Such changes might have been enough to have won the game; but a move to three up front, rather than retaining two holding midfielders, would have shown greater courage. I wanted us to gamble. To roll for a six, even at the risk of landing a one.

Normally I am very happy to back Parkinson’s conservative principles. They have taken us a long, long way forwards in the space of 18 months (ignore the league table). But our short-term situation demands that we are braver. That we were less concerned by what a struggling team sat bottom of the league could do to us, and be confident of what we could do to them. Risk vs reward.

We badly need to go on a run of wins, not draws.

Then there is the team selection, or rather team rotation, issue. Parkinson has been unapologetic in his intentions to chop and change and, with strong options in reserve, it makes complete sense to utilise the squad – especially as games continue to come so thick and fast. But when players are picked for reasons other than merit, it sends the wrong message to supporters and, more importantly, the players.

Andy Gray did not merit a start last night. I’m not suggesting Alan Connell should have started; my personal view would have been to go with James Hanson and Nahki Wells – the latter gave Guy Branston a tough time at Bristol Rovers back in November – but after changing the game on Saturday, Connell must have been devastated to be overlooked for Gray. And theories that Connell has to play in a three, or cannot play with Hanson, were undermined by how well he once again performed when coming off the bench in the latter stages.

It would be unfair to blame Gray, who actually performed much better last night. He linked up reasonably well with Garry Thompson – City’s stand out performer – and brought others into play. Gray might also have benefited from the rested Gary Jones behind him to run onto his flick ons, but helped to set up running opportunities for Hines and Reid.

Thompson had the half’s best chance when he was played through on goal with just Argyle keeper Jake Cole to beat. But unlike at York, where he finished a similar opportunity so ruthlessly, Thompson hesitated and enabled Cole to make a good block. Sadly, for the first 45 minutes, that was as good as it got for City. And that is the worry right now – that we’re not creating enough good opportunities and, therefore, are left to rue such misses more keenly.

Plymouth had a good spell for 15 minutes, and probably should have scored at one stage. But City, with Andrew Davies recalled and once again in excellent form, stood firm. An awful challenge from Branston on Thompson aside, there was little else of note in the first 45. Parkinson complained, after the game, that the former City skipper deserved a greater punishment than the yellow card he received.

Attacking towards a sparse away following in the second half, the tempo was slightly upped but the chances on goal still frustratingly infrequent. Kyel Reid’s lack of form continues to concern. He just doesn’t look the same player who was so pivotal towards the end of last season. Zavon Hines was much better, as ever, on the right. With Thompson expertly drifting outwide to cause a greater threat, it seemed logical to take Reid off and get more of a presence in the box.

But although Hanson’s introduction for Gray made sense, the swapping of Hines with Will Atkinson and Connell with Thompson was less so. Only minutes earlier, Thompson had rattled the Plymouth crossbar with a half-volley on the edge of the box. Connell began to pick up the ball in the gap between a deep-lying midfield and Hanson, as he pulled the strings. But it seemed wholly unnecessary to keep both Ravenhill and the still-below par Doyle in front of the back four. An extra body in the box, in front of Connell, could have made all the difference.

Connell set up Reid for the night’s best chance, but the winger’s decent shot was saved by Cole. Hanson almost netted a spectacular overhead kick which was blocked by a defender. Reid had a good penalty appeal turned down (a City free kick awarded on the edge of the box instead), and Plymouth – who had looked as ordinary and limited as any opposition side I have seen all season – almost snatched it when a poor back pass by Rory McArdle left Matt Duke in trouble. Stephen Darby cleared off the line when all hope looked lost. The Plymouth bench were on the pitch, ready to start celebrating.

And that was that. Another opportunity to take three points passed up. The nine-point gap as it was, only with time running out. A smattering of boos at the full time was followed by a tentative and angry-looking Parkinson reluctant to come over to the away end.

As we nursed our pints in the nearest pub from Home Park, feeling glad we weren’t facing the long ride home in the ‘Green Bullet’ until the morning after, Tweets reached us that Parkinson had taken exception to questions posed to him by Pulse radio. And an unimpressed home supporter told us the City manager had been rude to him in the corporate area shortly after his radio interview.

There is no doubt that Parkinson is as frustrated as the rest of us by the failure to convert good performances into wins, and he will be hurt by the prospect of the season ending on something of a whimper. With contract negotiations in the balance (though Width of a Post has heard from a good source to watch out for positive movement next week), the overall uncertainty is probably adding to the problems.

It’s time to get that sorted out. Parkinson deserves a new contract. End of. The negative impact on the league form, caused by the cup, has left us in a position that does not suit Parkinson’s style – his strength is not going on the front foot – but with a few tweaks in the summer, we can go again with every reason to remain confident in Parkinson’s capabilities.

City: Duke, Darby, McArdle, Davies, McHugh, Hines (Atkinson 78), Doyle, Ravenhill, Reid, Gray (Hanson 80), Thompson (Connell 80)

Not used: McLaughlin, Nelson, Jones, Wells

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Bradford City travel to Devon for a week of now or never

12 Mar

plymouth1

Plymouth Argyle vs Bradford City preview

@Home Park on Tuesday 12 March, 2013

By Mahesh Johal

Jason McKeown’s recent article made me think. The article summed up how many of us feel at present. Whether intended or not though, a question that I kept drawing out was; what type of City fan am I? Am I someone that sees the cup as half full or half empty?

I flicker between being optimistic and pessimistic when thinking about this play off push. Leaving Valley Parade on Saturday I felt like we had lost the game. For all the possession and corners, we did not get going. We had a few good shots but we did not cut the opposition apart and create a clear opening to score.

I was disappointed not to take three points from Aldershot. In my opinion they were there for the taking. I believe we were the better team and I did not feel threatened when they attacked. Our defence quelled their threat, and the only time we looked vulnerable was when we committed more men forward in search of an equaliser. Even when they had the chances, I felt confident that they would not score.

The league table does not lie and at present we are a mid-table team. However, unbeaten in four and with two games in hand, we have still have a glimmer of hope of becoming the play off team we crave. On another day, we would have capitalised on all the possession and corners and would have beat Aldershot. Fortunately for City we still have another day to play. With 11 games left there is still time to make up the nine point deficit. It gives me hope that this league is so unpredictable and so inconsistent. City have to concentrate themselves, but we can bank on the fact the others will make mistakes. Rotherham losing to Dagenham & Redbridge being a case of point.

If this team can click, the play offs is a distinct possibility. But it’s converting games like Saturday into victories which will be key. After the exertion of the cup, Phil Parkinson was justified in rotating his squad. But with this final run in, it may be worth picking our best team for every game. However, I’m unsure what that is at the moment.

James Hanson will start upfront but his partner is not so clear. With 14 league goals, I would usually say Nahki Wells. However, he has not looked his buzzing self since Fleetwood. I feel the criticism of Wells is unfair and unjust. Remember this is only his second season as a professional. At 22, a dip in form and confidence was always going to occur. It’s up to Parkinson to nurture Nahki and build him up again in the same way his did Hanson. Thankfully, Parkinson stuck by Hanson and his performances of late have been brilliant. The question is, do we have the time to let Nahki play himself back into form?

With games running out, Parkinson may start Garry Thompson. I have been very impressed with the former Scunthorpe man. His work rate and persistent nagging of defenders has seen him create and score goals. The quality of finish against Wimbledon and composure against York gives me confidence that he could ably partner Hanson on Tuesday.

The third option is Alan Connell. His link up play on Saturday added a different dynamic to the City attack. I thought his use and distribution of the ball brought our wingers into the game far more. With him on the pitch, City looked a different prospect. Whilst defenders have struggled, they seem prepared for James Hanson. With Connell added to the fray, City have an option that will make defenders think.

I would love to see Connell sit behind a front two with Gary Jones playing in a central midfield role. With the exception of Rochdale, I have not seen a team tear City apart. In defence we seem solid, with recent goals conceded from set pieces or individual error. With this in mind, could City try and play without the safety blanket of Ricky Ravehill or Nathan Doyle? Will Atkinson, who in my opinion roams more centrally than his does on the flank, could be used to cover the back four from his wing position.

Fundamentally, it is all about balance. Away from home, City have been burnt trying to play with an attacking formation before. But with wins needed, risks have to be taken. Against bottom of the table Plymouth, I except City to win. This is not me being arrogant or disrespectful to Plymouth. Instead I am confident in this side and know how good they are.

Jon McLaughlin should continue in net, as should Stephen Darby and Carl McHugh as full backs. I thought Darby was superb on Saturday and his understanding with Zavon Hines has improved with every game. Rory McArdle was solid as per usual as was Michael Nelson. If there is one criticism of the Scot, is his punting distribution. If possible, I would replace him with Andrew Davies. His composure and ability on the ball could help us build our attack from the back.

In midfield, Hines should start on the right. He has been our most potent attacker of late, and with Darby, has caused endless problems for opposing teams. If we are to play with two central midfielders Gary Jones will probably be teamed with Ravenhill again. I would like to see Doyle back in the side. Over used in the past months, he should hopefully be fully refreshed and back to his bustling best after a time on the bench. On the left flank it will be between Atkinson and Kyel Reid.

As mentioned I sit between the two binary’s. After this week though, you and I will have a clearer picture where we stand as both a club and a fan with regards to this season’s league campaign.

Jason McKeown note: myself and fellow Width of a Post writers Gareth Walker and Mark Scully are attending this game and stopping the night in Devon, so the match report will appear later than usual.

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A win is a win, as City edge past Plymouth

21 Nov

Bradford City 1

Gary Jones 21

Plymouth Argyle 0

Tuesday 20 November, 2012

By Joe Cockburn

The three points was all that mattered tonight as City were matched all over the park by a determined, well-drilled Plymouth side.

The match, however, was somewhat over-shadowed by a seemingly horrific injury to loanee centre-back John Egan, who is looking at possibly over a year out with several leg breaks after an unfortunate landing. Some fans claim they could hear his screams and even hear the bone(s) snap. I’m sure I echo the view of every City fan in wishing John the speediest of recoveries and hoping he comes back fighting fit, whenever that may be.

All in all, the match was a bit of a drab affair. Neither side could gain control of the game, with the ball spending a lot of time in the air, and few chances being created for either side.

The game didn’t start that way, however. The Bantams began the match firmly on top, seeing a lot of possession, and creating a few openings. I personally feared this level of tempo – as well as the immense atmosphere generated from the fantastic support – would come to an end when Egan spent 5 minutes on the ground, receiving treatment from a whole host of medics.

That was when City scored. Just a few minutes after Egan had left the field to be replaced by Carl McHugh, Plymouth failed to clear their lines, and with three City players and two Plymouth defenders surrounding the ball, it managed to fall to Gary Jones, who took a touch to control before slotting neatly into the corner to score what proved the winning goal.

That was when City stopped playing. After that, they slowly allowed the visitors more time and space on the ball by sitting back and inviting pressure onto the defence. This eventually led to Plymouth’s first chance, just before the break. No City defender took charge and they failed to clear their lines. The striker had time and space just inside the City penalty area, but he fired the shot straight at Matt Duke.

I had hoped that that would give City a bit of a wake-up call, and that perhaps Parkinson would get them fired back up for the second period, perhaps threaten a change either at half-time or not long after.

But nothing changed. In actual fact, it did. City got worse.

Plymouth started winning the ball more, getting it down and playing – what City were doing in the first half. In all truth, City struggled to cope with it. We failed to keep possession, we didn’t attempt any form of playing football, it wasn’t working. I think the main reason was that players were becoming passengers. Garry Thompson was a notable example. Nathan Doyle also faded out of the game, and didn’t seem to get involved as much as he usually likes to.

City pretty much got back into it, creating more chances than the away side, but not playing at the level that most City fans both desire and have come to expect. Will Atkinson – who again performed excellently – showed good feet to work an effort on goal, but the Argyle keeper making a decent save.

All in all, City never really looked like losing, the only real scare coming when Plymouth’s number 32, best player and Burnley loanee Alex MacDonald, raced unchallenged through City’s back line, only to lash his shot well wide of the target, with only Matt Duke to beat.

The positive from the game is obviously that City secured the three points, without any real problems. But I think there are a few negatives from the game.

Thompson was poor today. His touch was woeful, he didn’t put a single cross in, and his work-rate was nothing to shout about. I said before the game that this would be his last chance to win the fans over. I don’t think he stands much chance now. He clearly doesn’t like it out wide. He isn’t better than Hanson, and doesn’t have the pace to play with Hanson. That leaves his position extremely vulnerable.

If Phil Parkinson was watching the same game we were all watching, I think one if not two loanee wingers are required before the window shuts at the end of the week. This obviously depends on the extent of Zavon Hines’ injury. What we need is an exciting player. An untried youngster, in the style of Lee Holmes. Pace is a necessity, that was undoubtedly lacking tonight. We need someone to excite the crowd; perhaps a cheeky move for Omar Daley…

I thought Nahki Wells put in another lacklustre performance this evening. He looked just as uninterested as Thompson, didn’t do anywhere near his usual amount of running, and was lazy with the ball. This has been going on for a couple of games now, and needs addressing.

I think also Hanson needs some pressure. There is no competition for his place, and this means he is being allowed to go 16 games without a goal. You may think I bang on about how much I hate him, but I accept he is useful, when he wants to be. But when he doesn’t, we have no way of preventing it. He did OK tonight, but we can’t expect a currently underperforming Wells to do all the scoring.

Obviously, we need another centre-back. I really like Carl McHugh, I think he looks like a quality player with a very high potential, and hope he gets a big chance now to prove his worth. But we need another one. Experience is key, and I think if we could move to get anyone in from another club for free on a permanent deal, then that would be fantastic. I also hope that perhaps if Steve Williams recovers from his under-documented injury troubles, he could perhaps play some part, as I believe he is a more than competent centre-back at this level.

I would also like to throw in a word about Ritchie Jones. I for one thought it was great to see Ritchie back out on the Valley Parade pitch after so long away, and thought he did very well with the touches he had. He is more than good enough to force his way into this team.

Also, I was disappointed not to see Adam Baker on the bench. I thought he did well when he came on at Wigan, and he impressed me a lot when he came on against Northampton.  I think he has the ability, and has the belief of the manager to become a good player at this club. I hope to see some more of him in the future weeks and months.

So we didn’t play all that well. It is disappointing, but at the end of the day, a win is a win, and those three points are all that matter.

City: Duke, Darby, Egan (McHugh 18), McArdle, Meredith, Thompson (Ritchie Jones 80), Doyle, Gary Jones, Atkinson, Hanson, Wells (Connell 77)

Not used: McLaughlin, Naylor, Forsyth, Ravenhill

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Crunch points

20 Nov

Bradford City vs Plymouth Argyle preview 

@Valley Parade on Tuesday 20 November, 2012

By Tom Warden

A football season has several crunch points, a good start is imperative, being in the hunt at Christmas is a must and being able to put a run together whilst the legs of other teams are tiring is a key to success.

It is as the days grow shorter that we find ourselves hurtling towards the second of these, entering a period which Phil Parkinson has outlined as a decisive one. The uninspiring defeat against Exeter must be proved to be a blip on an otherwise impressive recent home record, and on Tuesday evening, under the floodlights, this City side has a chance to prove its mettle.

There are certainly mitigating circumstances for Saturday; injuries have come thick and fast, being much more severe than any of us could have foreseen. Alex Scott wrote on this site that Parkinson took a gamble on using his budget to pay for a smaller squad with more talent, rather than dilute that by getting some more bodies in to cover exactly this sort of situation. While I agree with his sentiment that this was the right decision, we now find ourselves at a point where, although it has not backfired completely, is in danger of stuttering.

Dipping into the loan market was the right thing to do and we should reserve judgement on Tom Naylor until we have seen him some more, but by all accounts Craig Forsyth has been the same as many loan arrivals at VP – disappointingly anonymous.

However, this is crunch time and if we are to be as successful as we all believe we can be, then we must learn to deal with our situation. Yes, we have had some injuries, but the likes of Nahki Wells, James Hanson, Gary Jones, Nathan Doyle and Will Atkinson (who would have thought you’d include him in an influential players list during the summer?) must step up and lead by example; showing the rest of the side, loan or permanent, the level of performance this side demands.

There will be few better chances to do this than against a Plymouth side missing former Birmingham bruiser Darren Purse, who was sent off during a 3-0 beating from Fleetwood on Saturday. Argyle are without a win in five now and City will look to exploit the poor marking bemoaned by Carl Fletcher at the weekend, meaning set pieces may hold the key to success.

For City, James Meredith may return at left back, Matt Duke is likely to continue his turn as league keeper (a good idea in front of an unsettled back four in my opinion) and Wells and Hanson will be partnered upfront. There seems to be a little uncertainty as to whether Parkinson will opt for a diamond midfield or continue to use Forsyth and Atkinson on the wings; but if attacking an Argyle side who will be lacking in confidence seems to be a sound idea, then perhaps giving Alan Connell another go in the hole behind the front two might be worth a shot.

One thing is for certain, with our small squad we may not want to rely on a late season surge – so this is a crunch point we will need to make a success of.

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The League Two relegation run in, and what City need to do

2 Apr

All week long I was dreading the prospect of Bradford City losing to Plymouth Argyle – as it seemed as though a loss in Devon would see the sky fall in on Valley Parade and our chances of staying up in huge doubt. But while there is no denying the defeat which did occur is a huge set back, results elsewhere were generally kind.

City (40 points) stay four points clear of second bottom Macclesfield (36) and five ahead of bottom club Hereford (35). And, as much as Phil Parkinson is criticised and there are some serious, serious questions that are going to have to be aired about the way the club has operated this season, we will all take ending the campaign four points clear of the bottom two. We need to maintain that gap, or at least not allow it to be fully eroded, and that is a better position to be in than needing to bridge a deficit.

In fact the four point advantage is effectively five, given City’s superior goal difference – by far the best of the bottom six clubs. In the final six games, it means Macclesfield and Hereford have to pick up five and six more points respectively than the Bantams, in order to finish above us. Macclesfield have not won a game since New Years Eve – 19 matches; Hereford only one in 14. And just above those two, Barnet (on 39 points) have not tasted victory for 13 games.

For how bad City’s form has been – and it has been bad – these three teams at least offer hope that any Bantams’ improvement over the next few games will prove good enough to ensure we are not overtaken.

That said, we are set for a very fraught final few weeks…

Tuesday night

Barnet face Swindon.

Leaders Swindon have endured up and down form of late, but know a win at Underhill will place them five points clear having played a game fewer. Whatever the result, after this game only Northampton of the seven relegation rivals will have a game in hand on the rest.

Good Friday

City entertain Southend, while Barnet travel to Cheltenham, Dagenham entertain free-falling Burton, Macclesfield play Shrewsbury and Northampton face Oxford. Hereford and Plymouth square up in a six-pointer.

Southend’s away record of 12 wins, 1 draw and 7 defeats suggests a home game against the play off chasers is more winnable for City than it might appear. A sentiment that Barnet might share, given their hosts Cheltenham have been in very poor form of late and are in danger of missing the play offs. For City, it is better Plymouth beat Hereford or draw than the Bulls win.

Whatever City’s result, that Macclesfield and Northampton’s fixtures are evening kick offs means it could be a nervy day following events, long after the final whistle at Valley Parade.

Easter Monday

Not an afternoon to expect too many wins from the bottom seven clubs. Shrewsbury play host to the Bantams, while Barnet face an equally tough game at home to Crawley, Dagenham are at Gillingham and Northampton travel to Swindon. Macclesfield might fancy their chances at Port Vale, while Plymouth welcome an Aldershot side which have an outside play off chance.

Shrewsbury are unbeaten at home for over a year, while City have lost five successive away games without scoring a goal. Logic dictates this is going to be a damage limitation afternoon, though the Bantams have taken points from the backyards of four of the current top seven – having visited only five of them so far.

Macclesfield will be the team to take most note of on this Bank Holiday, as any points they gain against Vale – while others, including City, face such difficult games – could prove significant to their hopes.

Friday 13 April

Barnet play Hereford at Underhill.

This could be huge. Yikes.

Saturday 14 April

City travel to Northampton on a pivotal afternoon, given Friday’s fixture and the fact Dagenham (Aldershot away), Macclesfield (Crewe home) and Plymouth (Swindon away) face tricky games.

Northampton and Dagenham have been the two form teams of the bottom seven during the past few weeks. After the Plymouth result and in view of how difficult Easter will prove, it could be vital City take a point if not all three from this game – which means the return of Jon McLaughlin and Luke Oliver from suspension might prove huge. The bottom two may look a little too close behind us for comfort prior to kick off, but hopefully there will be more of a gap at full time.

Tuesday 17 April

Northampton’s game in hand…at Crawley.

In truth it seems as though Northampton – currently six points clear of danger, after drawing with in-form Crewe on Saturday – have enough about them to avoid going down. So in a similar way to how City’s recent game with Crawley was built up, it might be a night the Cobblers can afford to lose.

Friday 20 April

Barnet travel to Southend.

City’s win at Roots Hall last December was one of five home defeats Southend have endured, so it’s not impossible to envisage a Bees victory.

Saturday 21 April

City entertain Macclesfield in a vital game, while Dagenham (Crawley) and Plymouth (Oxford) entertain promotion challengers. Hereford welcome Northampton too, but Valley Parade will probably be host to the day’s true six-pointer.

There is increasing talk that the Macclesfield game will determine City’s season and – with two difficult final fixtures after – it’s easy to see why. Yet if City come into this game still carrying a four point advantage over the Silkmen and Hereford, a draw might be acceptable if it maintains the gap. That said, a win and City could be virtually safe – depending on what return they took from Sixfields.

Saturday 28 April

Cheltenham welcome City on an afternoon you’d expect relegation rivals to pick up points. Barnet are home to mid-table AFC Wimbledon, Macclesfield host Burton Albion, while Plymouth face a trip to Morecambe. More encouragingly, Hereford travel to Crawley, Northampton are home to Gillingham and Dagenham are at Shrewsbury.

If City (who would welcome back Andrew Davies, at last, from suspension) go into this game only one or two points above either Barnet or Macclesfield we will need to be very afraid, as defeat at Waddon Road could see the Bantams slip into the bottom two on the penultimate weekend of the season. Expect this to be an afternoon of mixed results, which may not be pretty.

Saturday 5 May – final day

Swindon are at Valley Parade for what could easily be their Championship party, while Hereford (Torquay home), Macclesfield (Southend away) and Plymouth (Cheltenham home) face fixtures which could prove just as tough if their opponents still have promotion hopes to play for. In contrast Barnet (away to Burton), Dagenham (home to Bristol Rovers) and Northampton (away to Rotherham) face fixtures you’d prefer if you need a result on the final day of the season…

…but Swindon home is the last game you’d pick. If Swindon need points on the final day to confirm promotion or the title…well let’s just hope City don’t need to win. That said, if Hereford and Macclesfield are still below us, they face just as tough a task. Barnet would fancy their chances of getting out of it by facing Burton, while the other teams will probably already be safe by this point.

So, squeaky bum time then…

City’s prospects – and that of their relegation rivals faltering – over the final few weeks look either good or bad depending on how full you consider your glass to be. But there is no doubt that the situation remains in our hands and there are winnable fixtures to be played out.

Easter looks important for City in at least picking up one point from two tough fixtures, in view of the back-to-back games against relegation rivals which then follow. The sooner City next get a win (assuming they win again), the better the picture is going to start to look.

The three home games are also vital. City may have lost at Valley Parade to Crawley recently, but were unbeaten in 11 before that – which shows we are a tough nut to crack on our own turf. So if the players could win one and draw the other two, that would be five more points – taking City onto 45 – before we consider the away matches.

  • That 45 total would be 10 points more than Hereford have right now – meaning that the Bulls (don’t forget one win in 14) would need to win three and draw two of their last six games to overtake us.
  • It’s nine points more than Macclesfield currently have and – assuming City beat the Silkmen to get that one win from the three home games – they would need to win three and draw one of their other five remaining games to climb above us. And not only are Macclesfield winless in 19, they have only won once since they defeated us last October.

So clearly, if City can go on a three match unbeaten run at home (see our home record, it’s possible), winning at least one of them, that should be enough. No matter what happens in the three away games.

Perhaps most of all though – with three of Swindon’s final eight games against our relegation rivals and the fear they might rock up to Valley Parade on the final day needing to get a result – we should all become Swindon fans over the next few weeks and hope they get the title sewn up as quicky as possible.

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Trust City

1 Apr

Plymouth Argyle 1

Tsoumou 4

Bradford City 0

Saturday 31 March, 2012

By David Lawrence

Few Bradford City fans must have cheered last season when Plymouth Argyle were relegated to division two. It’s a heck of a long way away from West Yorkshire. However, for me it was a mere 135 miles and, as such, a chance to head west to see City at a ground I’d not visited before, Bradford not having last been here in 1994 when Jagger Jewell and Carl Shutt destroyed the Pilgrims.

I was really looking forward to the game. Until Tuesday. Combine that crazy night with the sad news about the once great Bradford Northern (AKA Bulls) and the by-election result and it’s easy to see why most people that care about Bradford would be dismayed.

Between the rhetoric of the ‘popular’ press about Bradford the city and the vituperative rants from the forums about Bradford the football club I was thoroughly sick of hearing about it all; akin to criticism aimed at family members, it’s okay when they come from within, but not from imprudent strangers.

So on the way to the match I hear the media machine making much-a-do about Balotelli and his trustworthiness in Mancini’s eyes, and I’m glad our bad news is today’s fish and chip papers. The talk now was of ‘trusting’. For the premiership manager it meant trusting a player to mature, while conversely for City’s manager it meant trusting a player arguably over-mature. Step forward Guy Branston; Swiftly offered an olive branch midweek and charged with filling the huge gap left by the pugilistic three.

It also meant trusting a keeper hastily recalled from loan, playing a right back that may not have been match fit and playing a another right back at left back. What could go wrong?!

After four minutes the City following of just over three hundred knew the answer. One-nil down and fighting for our lives not to concede again. The goal had come not from footballing genius or guile but a mix-up in the defensive marking. It was hard not feel frustrated at the fact that the players could not see Juvhel Tsoumou in acres of space nor hear the many City fans’ shouts to cover him as the cross from Watton came over in front of us. He made easy work of heading the easiest of chances past the despairing dive of Matt Duke.

City were on the ropes, caught cold and likely to catch a bigger one. Simon Ramsden was being unusually hesitant against the lively winger Ashley Hemmings and Lee Bullock and Branston were being given a tough time by the intelligent movement of the muscular Tsoumou. After ten minutes it was nearly over. Robbie Williams took a low free kick that Duke struggled to get to. Indeed, the ball had hit the post by the time the keeper had dived across. Fortunately for him and City, the ball struck his back and for a change trickled away the right side of the post for a corner.

A change in fortune, followed by a change in the ascendency. Phil Parkinson had selected a team of experience and it was this that began to show as Michael Flynn, Ricky Ravenhill, Ritchie Jones and David Syers began to take control of midfield. City improved enough to have several attempts on goal, notably a long range effort from Flynn and two headers by Syers from corners, where Branston too was proving a menace. However, playing so many similar midfielders and with striking partners Criag Fagan and Chris Dagnall often too far apart, City’s passing game looked nice but not wholly convincing.

At the other end City nearly fell for the sucker-punch near the closing stages of the first half. Alex McDonald capitalised on the persistent weakness of any City left back selected (today Rob Kozluk) recently to clear aerial balls played over the centre-halves. Fortunately, his knock-back was met by a weak effort from Chadwick when he should have done better. Generally though, on a more positive note, Duke and the rest of the defence was looking more confident and as the half closed there seemed a quiet optimism that things could be turned around.

Half time came and went. Most notable was an appearance by Don Hutchins who played for Plymouth 1969-72 and Bradford from 1974-81. Making 286 appearances for us and scoring 52 goals. We needed one of those today. I can recall how well regarded Don was as a flying winger in City’s promotion team of 77. That year especially, he terrorised defences and made the division four PFA team of the year.

Unfortunately, the sound from his pitch mike appeared to be broadcasted from the remaining undeveloped part of the ground, so it was hard to pick up what he said. Shame really as he’d probably have some wise words for the man about to come on. Kyel Reid.

Ravenhill had made way, probably due to a knock, and City took time to re-adjust in the early minutes of the second half. Particularly struggling was Ramsden who was having a tough time of it. He clearly wasn’t fit for this match and was soon subbed for James Hanson.

Just prior, Reid had put in the sort of cross begging for a big man to nod home, thus underlining a deficiency in the workmanlike Fagan and sparky Dagnall as a strike force. Fagan went out to his more effective wide position while Hanson ran the line well, putting a new urgency and focus to City’s attacks and linking up well with Dagnall. Both went close to scoring.

City on the attack in the second half

Meanwhile Plymouth were beginning to look very ordinary and resorted to trying to unsettle Hanson with some strong challenges that led to a yellow card for Wotton. Tellingly, City didn’t over-react to one of their team being left writhing on the floor but seemed more resolved to hurt the opposition fairly with a goal.

Nahki Wells came on for Kozluk with twelve minutes to go as Flynn joined the now impressive Branston and Bolluck partnership in a three at the back. City were going for it and surely would score with the pressure they were putting Plymouth under. However, it was the Pilgrims that nearly did. Thankfully the ever-improving Duke made a magnificent save from a Wotton drive from twenty yards out.

Then it was City’s turn again to press enough for the ball to end up in the net. However, much to the annoyance of the City following, the linesman had seen that Wells had clearly been offside when he collected a deflected shot from Jones to tap home.

The scrambles continued in the Plymouth goalmouth for the remainder of the ninety plus three with Hanson, Bullock and Branston all going close, but it finished in another defeat. The City fans stood to applaud the team’s effort while the home fans sung ‘we are staying up’.

Oh yes, it was a dogfight and we had lost. However, in the midst of all this we have found some new players to trust, particularly Branston and Duke. Through adversity, there is now an opportunity for player, team and manager and us as fans to trust their ability.

As Harold MacMillan famously said ‘a man who trusts nobody is apt to be a man nobody trusts’.  This is where loyalty begins.

Postscript

Not so packed away end

Having witnessed City’s efforts in vain to get an equaliser I decided the best course of action was to have a look at the marina and grab some sustenance before the drive home. I was fortunate to bump into an exiled father and son originally from Odsal, Gaz and Ben respectively, who introduced me to their friends ‘Bomber’ and ‘Dan’, both Plymouth fans. Over a drink we discussed the game and all agreed it should have been at least a draw.

Bomber, a home and away fan, was most impressed with Branston. He was least impressed by our following as he thought that – as City and Plymouth were the biggest teams in the league and they had earlier in the season brought nine hundred to Valley Parade – City should have brought more. I pointed out they’d not been in this division as long as us.

The banter went on. It was good to finish the week talking football with genuine football fans. Apparently Balotelli had got two. Who cares…?

City: Duke, Ramsden (Hanson 57), Branston, Bullock, Kozluk (Wells  78), Flynn, Ravenhill (Reid 45), Jones, Syers, Fagan, Dagnall

Unused Subs: Annerson, Smalley

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Taking Bradford forwards, not backwards

30 Mar

City Park. Photo courtesy of Dave Kaye

Plymouth Argyle vs Bradford City match preview

 @Home Park on Saturday 31 March, 2012

2pm last Saturday. Ahead of the home game with Gillingham, we were are at Bradford City Park, for the grand opening of the new £24 million attraction. It is a gloriously sunny day and – although the organisers’ decision to draw out the affair means we don’t have time to stick around to see the mirror pool and fountains filled – it is nice to be part of the excitement and buzz amongst a packed crowd.

As we all know, Bradford the city has had too many troubled times over the past decade. The 10-year hole in the city centre where a shopping centre was supposed to be up and running – and the endless debate about the beautiful but disused Odeon building – acting as prominent reminders of a decline that it seemed no one was capable or had the vision to reverse. But now the hole has at least been made into a park temporarily, while the shopping centre is finally going to be built (within the next seven years). And though the value of the City Park is fiercely debated, anything to make Bradford a nicer place surely has to have some merit.

Slowly but surely, the city of Bradford is making positive steps.

Sport means a great deal to a lot of the population, including the surrounding area, and this week the news surrounding the two professional sports clubs has not been good. Bradford Bulls requiring £500,000 by Easter in order to remain in existence, while the worldwide headlines Bradford City has generated were hugely embarrassing; masking an even darker problem that the club’s very existence is threatened by having three key players suspended in the crucial run-in.

And it all leads to a serious question – could Bradford lose both its major sporting clubs within the next six weeks?

The Bulls are making positive noises about securing the funding needed to continue beyond a Good Friday match with Leeds Rhinos, but despite raising £100k within the first two days of their announcement, there is some way to go and administration could be difficult to avoid.  City stand four points clear of the relegation zone with seven games to play. Matters in their own hands for sure, but losing three important players and a tough run-in means it could prove quite a battle.

The consequences of a City relegation have been mooted before. In February joint-Chairman Mark Lawn apparently told a Skipton Bantams meeting it would mean the club would have to leave Valley Parade, in order to survive.

As we saw 12 months ago when the idea of moving from Valley Parade was raised, leaving our home could trigger a period of administration, like the Bulls face, and the Conference has in recent years taken a dim view of teams entering their league in such a bad financial position. Maybe it’s a worse case scenario, but it’s not as unlikely to imagine a AFC Bradford City, starting down the pyramid, next season as it might have seemed a few months ago.

Meanwhile the Bulls’ financial woes have been the subject of knowing whispers for over a year now, despite their chairman Peter Hood stating that selling Odsal to the RFL in January did not mean the club was in any difficulties. Once the best Rugby League team in the world, the last few years have proven difficult for the Bulls on and off the field, and right now there is not much sympathy from people who don’t support the club.

I personally have no interest, or affiliation, for the Bulls; but to me it would be very sad for the city of Bradford if they were unable to survive this crisis. That Bradford has two professional sporting clubs which clearly mean a lot to different people is something to remain proud of, especially in view of the wider problems afflicting the city. Morale-wise, it would be a massive blow to lose either outfit, and certainly both.

Though, of course, you and I are far more concerned by the Bantams right now and making sure we at least see out the season with our Football League status in tact. And there is no doubt that tomorrow’s game with Plymouth Argyle is a pivotal moment in measuring up our chances.

Lose tomorrow, and you can only imagine the misery that will be felt by us all and how much worse our plight will seem. Whatever happens we won’t end the day in the bottom two, but the Easter games against 5th placed Southend and at 4th placed Shrewsbury – unbeaten at home for over a year – look daunting. Defeat tomorrow wouldn’t spell the end, but you do feel that returning from Devon with at least a point could prove crucial.

Matt Duke replaces Jon McLaughlin in goal tomorrow, after being recalled from Northampton this week where he had been playing well. As City’s woes have continued over the last few weeks – with the Cobblers and Duke lifting themselves off the bottom of the table to overtake us – the wisdom of loaning him to a relegation rival was beginning to look increasingly dubious anyway. Contracted to the club for another year, Duke has a big opportunity to re-take the number 1 jersey it seemed he had lost forever.

In defence we do not know who will play. Matt Fry will start if fit, despite some unconvincing recent displays. On the right Rob Kozluk was poor on Tuesday, but likely to keep his place if Simon Ramsden is fit enough to return and play centre back.

Then there are the options of Lee Bullock – excellent in midfield lately – and Guy Branston to come in. Whispers suggest Branston was a long way out of Phil Parkinson’s thinking, but events dictate that the summer signing has to now be considered. The T&A reporter Simon Parker tweeted that he thinks Branston will come in. Whatever Parkinson’s intentions, expect it to be kept heavily under wraps.

In midfield Bullock’s possible requirement in defence and an injury to Ricky Ravenhill – his departure through injury a crucial moment in why we lost on Tuesday – also presents some headaches. Michael Flynn did well in coming on once City were chasing the game, Ritchie Jones has to come back into Parkinson’s thinking after scandalously being overlooked over the past few weeks; David Syers is still recovering from injury problems, but performed well in the second half against Gillingham.

Kyel Reid – still on baby watch – will hopefully be able to play on the left. As much as Crawley’s tactics and style grated on Tuesday, you had to admire the approach they took in silencing City’s dangerman. The right back was clearly instructed to tackle Reid as soon as he picked up possession, so he wasn’t given any time to get the ball where he wanted and into his stride. Defenders are always taught to stay on their feet, and the Crawley player committing himself so early could have easily ended with Reid beating him for skill and then having a free run down the flank. But Reid firmly lost the battle, validating Crawley’s marking approach.

On the right, Craig Fagan took a lot of stick midweek – which seemed highly unfair – and Parkinson will want to see more. Or he could go with Chris Dagnall in the hole again, behind James Hanson and Nahki Wells. The latter is very unlucky not to be in the team right now, but it’s a difficult balance for Parkinson and the Bermudian is certainly an excellent impact sub.

Deane Smalley, Will Atkinson, Andy Haworth and Chris Mitchell will also be pushing to be included.

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