The Voice - Match preview #27: Bradford City vs Morecambe Tuesday 28th January 2025 7:45pm

I’m assuming the same as @NorthernMonkey re Mellon. GA mentioned it in the post match as well that he is keen to get him on, but won’t be at the risk of the game (eg result, clean sheet). I certainly won’t challenge GA on that.

We also know how much he relys on fitness levels been crucial to how we play, so fits into his plan really.

 

I didn't listen to the interview Kev but it wouldn't surprise me. He's only been involved in 4 first team games this season, the last being early December so he's miles behind I would imagine.

 

If he did he has it wrong. Mellon hasn't played a 90 this season, the most he's played is 45 for Stockport against us. He played his last 90 in May last year for Dundee. He was starting games for Dundee, then had to go off with a bad head injury and concussion in the middle of Feb last year. He came back a few weeks later after protocol, but didn't get his starting spot back.

His last 6 starts and full games in England for Morecambe last season he scored 7 in 6 games. Chicken and the egg thing isn't it? He isn't match fit, but he isn't going to get match fit if he isn't playing?

 

No it could be me. I thought both Grimsby and Morecambe tried the same tactics of passing out the back and Morecambe were far better at it during their respective games. They've lost quite a few games by the odd goal and it showed why last night. The lowest budget in the league gets you front men like Angol and Hallam Hope and they ain't getting you goals.

 

To play devil's advocate though, if GA throws him on and he's absolutely miles off it he'd get hammered for his performance, perhaps knock his confidence and it doesn't do either the lad or the club any good.

He's only been here 3 weeks so if it is one of the mini pre seasons Alexanders mentioned then I'd think he'll not be too far away now so everyone should get their wish sooner rather than later anyway.

Perhaps if we'd been behind at any point we might have even seen him already.

 

On the replay it looked a lot like a red to me, ironically I think the player's ridiculous reaction to it helped convince the ref there was nothing in it

 

Same here, had no idea 'til I caught it on YouTube this morning.....

 

Fooking comedy gold it was went down like a sniper had him over recovered then went back to being dead

 

Thinking the same. If we are down against Wimbledon with 15 to go, i can see one AM being subbed for Mellon. We'll probably have a behind closed doors game or two in the next month i bet to keep fitness up.

 

That's how I saw it. First half we played well, good intensity, decent goal threat. We were on top and looked to impose ourselves. 2nd half we were nervy, largely as a result of not having got the 2nd goal. But we saw it out and deserved the win. Not a classic, but its job done and a win in a game that we've historically struggled with. Its a good sign.

 

I know what you mean, I just don't think it was that ugly. First half we played some decent stuff, we created some decent chances. Not a classic, but far from one of the ugliest games I can remember over the last few years.

Job done, on to Saturday.

 

kav did take the goal well, quick adjustment to get the ball where he wanted and then shoot.
Walker's save one handed to keep the lead was top class.
Should have put the game to bed , when we were well on top first half, Smallwood biggest culprit, should have buried that chance.
Nervy second half and i do not think Morecambe were the worse team we have seen this season, just toothless.
What was Pattinson doing at the end, be greedy man and take the shot.
Three clean sheets on the bounce, when we could not buy one earlier this season.
Big day out Saturday. A draw would be fine , keep the wining run going would be amazing.

 

Even accepting all the above reasons, we were winning 3-0 last Saturday when he brought Kavanagh off after 73 minutes, we didn't need to score we were controling the game so it was the ideal time to bring him on.
Even if he'd shown little it was 20 minutes getting him nearer match fitness.
Leigh didn't need those 20 or so minutes where as Mellon did, it didn't make sense we're in a great run of form/results so it's a mute criticism of Alexander but one thing for sure he won't be starting a league game without game minutes.
I think we may see him next Tuesday against a Rotherham maybe the first 45 or as long as the backroom team feel he's fit to play.

 

He is cup tied Dave played against us for Stockport i believe, as are all January's signings so far.

 

He's cup tied isnt he? I think we are only keeping Oduor for this Vertu trophy thing because everyone is cup tied.

Even so, thats what he did with Johnson. He just had 5-15 min spells at either RCB or RWB. If Mellon is fit enough for the bench, he should be fit enough for a cameo. He'll get a chance soon for sure. Leigh is here next season, so i see a benefit of getting more out of him at the minute, but as the Tues/Sat run starts they'll all get minutes.

 

Just listened to deluded DEREK
What planet does he live on, we didn't cause them any problems. They could easily have been 3 down at half time , poor finishing and a decent save from Haliday's shot
The only reason it was not a more severe result was the above and our drop of in performance from the 55 minute mark, and we still could have scored a couple after that point.
The guy should go into politics, he believes his own bullshit.

 

Thanks for clarifying , yes certainly chicken and egg. Another reason to have reserve sides, hey ho!

 

Jordan has clarified however it’s a fair old time nevertheless.

 

Your both correct guys Mellon is cup tied so it may be a while before we see what he can offer to the latter stages of our promotion push.

 

I wonder if it’s a US based phrase I have picked up but this definition I found googling sums it up. I think it originated from Tennis or US crash helmet football !

“
Winning ugly" is an expression that refers to winning a game or competition in a way that's not particularly flashy or glamorous. It can also mean winning when things aren't going well, or when a team is outmatched.
Examples Winning a close game, Winning in bad weather, Winning without the help of superstars, Winning after overcoming a deficit, and Winning when you're not at your best.