| Grimsby Town 1 |
| Pyke 18 |
| Bradford City 2 |
| Kelly 16, Osadebe 48 |
By Tim Penfold
Bradford City made it two wins from two in Kevin McDonald’s caretaker spell as manager, deservedly beating Grimsby Town in an eventful Football League Trophy tie that saw Emmanuel Osadebe score the winner then get sent off late on.
City made nine changes from the side that beat Swindon at the weekend, with only Bobby Pointon and Richie Smallwood retaining their places. The formation remained the same, with McDonald picking himself at the base of midfield, with Smallwood, and Colin Doyle making his first Bradford City appearance in over five years. Academy products Heath Richardson and Freddy Jeffreys took their place on the bench.
It was a scrappy start, with neither side managing to gain much control. City had one early chance when Daniel Oyegoke’s persistence down the right got him into the box. His pull back found Osadebe at the far post, who probably should’ve hit the target with his shot.
City managed to take the lead on 16 minutes. They earned themselves a corner, which was cleared as far as McDonald. The player-manager swung the ball back in to the far post, where it was headed down by Ash Taylor and Ciaran Kelly stabbed the ball through the keeper’s legs from close range.
The lead did not last long, however. A diagonal ball from the defence caught Lewis Richards out. He was undecided as to whether to challenge for it or stand off, and managed to do neither, ending up in no man’s land. Home winger Arthur Gnahoua easily got past him, and his cross was bundled in by Rekeil Pyke for the equaliser.
Unlike the last few weeks under Mark Hughes, however, City responded well to the setback and began to gain control of the game. There was some neat approach play in midfield, and Tyler Smith threatened with his runs in behind, slicing one chance into the side netting. Pointon showed some neat touches and linked well with Brad Halliday, on for the injured Oyegoke, but the final ball let City down and meant few clear chances were created.
The clearest opportunity of the rest of the half went to the hosts, and came from a City attack. Osadebe’s through ball was just too far ahead of Smith, and Grimsby countered quickly. Pyke was put through again, but Doyle saved well.
City came out quickly at the start of the second half, with Pointon testing the keeper from outside the box, then took the lead with a fine goal. Osadebe went on a mazy run infield from the left, exchanged a one-two with Pointon then drifted past a couple of challenges into the box before firing into the bottom corner. It was an outstanding goal, and you could see Osadebe grow in confidence from that moment on in the game.
The visitors were well on top at this stage. They were purposeful in possession, with Smallwood and McDonald providing a good base in midfield and looking forwards rather than sideways. The three behind Smith interchanged well and were very fluid – Osadebe popped up all over the pitch, with Pointon and Chisom Afoka both drifting infield to cause problems in his place.
The high press was also effective, with Pointon and Afoka combining to win back possession and set up a chance for Smith. The decision making in the final third wasn’t perfect, but City were trying to do the right things and were getting rewarded for it.
Grimsby barely threatened – their counters were snuffed out by the excellent Halliday, who was rampaging up the right flank and charging all the way back to stop them, while a couple of other openings were squandered by overhit passes that Doyle mopped up.
There was even a debut for 18-year-old Freddy Jeffreys off the bench, who came into midfield after McDonald hobbled off with a slight knock. Jeffreys showed a lot of composure and no small amount of skill in a bright cameo, and was close to a rebound from an Adam Wilson shot that the Grimsby defence eventually scrambled behind.
As the game drew to a close, the hosts showed their frustration. Afoka robbed home defender Harvey Rodgers, who responded by taking two quite nasty and deliberate hacks at him, ignoring the ball and scything him down at the second attempt. Rodgers then shoved Afoka’s head into the floor while the on-loan winger was on the ground, which drew the fury of Wilson and Osadebe who rushed across to confront him. Osadebe grabbed Rodgers’ shirt as they squared up, and the two tumbled into the advertising boards as players and subs from both sides rushed to either get involved or calm things down.
The referee, unnoticeable up until this point, decided to book Rodgers but sent Osadebe off for violent conduct. Having viewed the replays, the red for Osadebe looks a bit harsh but possibly justifiable. However, the decision to only book Rodgers for three bookable offences committed in the space of about ten seconds was bizarre.
With a man advantage, Grimsby finally started creating some openings in stoppage time, but didn’t seriously threaten the City goal, and the Bantams came away with all three points.
It’s unlikely that Kevin McDonald will get this job permanently – for a start, it doesn’t seem like he wants it – but he’s done a fine job so far, as the side is playing with much more purpose and confidence. Even if it isn’t this season, he’s shown signs that he’ll make a good manager in the future.
Most importantly, he’s bought Ryan Sparks time to make the new appointment – time to do this properly. There’s less risk that the season will drift, and therefore less rush to get a new man in place. Hopefully this will mean more chance that we get it right this time.
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Categories: Match Reviews
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That was great, we were the much better team and always looked like we had another gear if needed.
The ball went forwards, the kids were given a chance, everybody put in a shift.
So refreshing
The suggestion that Super Mac does not want the job is based on what he says. But then most caretaker managers initially say some such thing. Even the way the team was put together impressed me before the game kicked off. He might change his mind if we win away at the weekend. I’d forgotten what it was like to get successive wins and play with steel and enthusiasm and skill. Yes two wins don’t make a manager but it’s a very promising start. There may come a time if this form continues that you start to wonder if making a change might be counter productive.
Mcdonald is doing a great job atm. However, so did Trueman and his co manager (can’t remember his name). They were both appointed as joint managers. Unfortunately the run stopped. We started on a long run of defeats. I’m not going to say history repeating itself. But be weary what you wish for. I do believe, Mcdonald will become a manager or coach in the future. He has made it clear he wants to continue with his football career. He is giving Sparks time to get the right man.
Yes, sure, good point. But without wanting to diss Trueman and Sellars as individuals, Super Mac does look to have the presence, experience and football ability that they lacked. But when appointing a manager, as we’ve seen, there’s always a risk whomsoever is appointed.
We’re Bradford City supporters and we know we shouldn’t be getting excited after 2 wins but after the dross we’ve had to put up with since Stuart was given the push who can blame us? It’s not just because of the wins but the attractive football seems light years away from that served up by Adams then Hughes. The vibes coming from the dressing room suggest that the players are all on board with what Kevin McDonald is asking them to do.
Too early to offer the job to KM? Absolutely! But what if this run and attractive football continues for a number of matches and we’re in the playoffs with (maybe) sights on the automatics? Ha, but KM doesn’t want the job so wouldn’t accept it if offered.
But he has already stated he wants to be a manager in the future and when he does eventually retire he will then be in competition with other young potential managers and the legion of out of work/sacked managers for the 92 jobs within the league structure. Yes, there will be assistant positions to go for but no guarantee they will translate into managerial roles.
So based on the “bird in the hand” proverb I believe he would take it if offered. He may never get the opportunity again to manage such a wonderful club with a fantastic fan base!
Of course, we might lose the next few games and KM will be just a dot on the BCAFC managerial merry go round.
Great report. Sums up my view of the game.
In regards to the red; Osadebe gave the ref an easy decision by racing 20 yards, grabbing the offending Grimsby player by the shirt and wrestling him to the ground.
A real shame because I thought Manny had a good game capped by a great goal. He was unlucky on Saturday when his quick feet let him down in the box and he scuffed his shot.
Is it a three match ban now?
I like Wilson. The lad isn’t afraid to shoot from distance. Sooner or later one of them will find the target.
Overall, considering this was our supposed second eleven, I thought everyone played their part in a good win.
I am not sure about the Osadebe red, I initially thought he went over as a peace maker. You are probably correct but if he had to go maybe 2 of theirs should have followed. Anyway, backing each other up is all good for team building and if you are going to get a red this cup is definitely the place to get it. Osadebe looked good when involved and has the knack of going past opposition played at ease, something in short supply. Halliday excellent again. Smith doesn’t look like scoring but all good stuff.
In two games Super Mac has changed the whole landscape by simply playing football. We suddenly look to have heart and soul and lprospects. If this continues and in the next window we take Young back and bring in a couple of decent loanees, having sent back the duff ones, we might well have a very good squad capable of – dare I say it – getting the business done. You see how two good results bring optimism, renewed faith, unashamed pride in one’s club.