The Voice - Match preview Bradford City v Hartlepool United Sat 18 March 2023 1pm

The goal was their only chance of the first half.

 

And with virtually the same personnel.

 

Tbf we weren’t as solid at the back as usual today they had good chances

 

Extremely disappointed with the result especially as the other teams faltered slightly
We could, on a better day had 6.
Hartlepool well worth the draw for not sitting back , ( That fooled everyone)
Smallwood needs a rest, he looks jaded
Walker looks completely unfit , in danger of becoming long term, if he’s not rested.
Excellent end to end game for the neutral
Ref unsure of the rules, surrounding being hit by the ball. . It s a bounce up you pillock!
Our midfield was too detached from the defence , leaving gaping holes in front of our defence.
Why were some leaving 10 mins before the end, with 8 further mins injury time, perhaps missing 20% of the game when we were pressing for a winner. What is wrong with people? It’s ok to be disappointed but the glory hunting mindset is beyond me.

Cook had his best game in a City shirt against admittedly lousy defenders. The second goal was excellent finishing.
Costello positionally good, needs the goal . I felt somewhat sorry for him, but his misses DID cost us a further two points.
Banks flatters to deceive sometimes, however he’s a young lad, like Dara, with lots to learn still.
Gilly had his best game for a while
Ridehalgh, not in the game to any extent.
East on gave us pace and energy

Chapman ….Don’t see why Bolo came on instead of him?

Frustrating for sure.

 

Hughes gave Ritchie credit for Cook 2nd goal, saying he did well not to touch it as he was offside.

Seriously did anyone notice him during that goal, I'm sure all anyone noticed was cook strike.

 

They were out playing us. Poor balls or decision making let them down.

 

The only thing Smallwood needs credit for is not taking root in that first half where he was stood still for the majority of it.

 

First time for a while I've seen us look ropey at the back but to be fair out midfield did next to nothing today. Failed to close down midfield for most of the game leaving big gaps down the middle

 

That's correct. Said elsewhere Hartlepools decision making when on the break cost them some clear cut opportunities first half. We were all ove the place first half, embarrassing being given the run around by such a poor side.

 

Did you actually go today? They had 1 shot and 1 goal-where were the other chances you allude to?

 

Pretty fair summary that Kev.

 

To be fair I agree with Fordy here. A decent side would have taken advantage of how poor we actually were first half. By the end we'd enough chances to win more than one game but that first half, for a team looking at automatic promotion, was pathetic.

 

Interesting on the Hartlepool forum that someone mentioned how good Gillied was. I like him, but he really needs to add some assists to his name. It's all well and good having an engine and getting about but he has a chance in that first half to go at them in the box and he didn't take it. Be more positive lad

 

Exactly wondering wether to stand on the spot or slowly jog to next spot.

 

Gillead played well today one of two to do so

 

City fans... You've allowed this crap to continue. Your fault.

 

Exactly. Our midfield four were dreadful today. The ones numerous fans are calling for to be changed and freshened up. The ones which Hughes picks week after week.

 

I like to be positive when I post a message. Today therefore is a real test for me.

I can say Hartlepool played some decent football with some skill. Don't know why they are down there. Cook does get praise - but not enough. He is just so good and probably playing best in his life. A latter day legend. Extend his contract before the day is out.

End of positivity. Besides Cook who can we imagine scoring? None of the rest. they are all sort of reasonable but none with the spark that could get us a goal. Pretty ordinary bunch.

Then there is Hughes's tactics and his selections. Costelloe is young lad and could do without criticism - but for him to be selected at all, yet stay on 89 minutes (especially with better players sat on the bench) does beggar belief.

Others have made the usual comments abut the tactics and there is nothing I can add. All this spoils my Saturday Nights.

 

Yep, our fault entirely, no one else to blame but us obviously

 

Aren't you a Bradford City fan ?