The Voice - Match preview #38: Bradford City vs Colchester United Saturday 22nd March 2025 3:00pm

No bookings. How often does that happen these days? Especially given that there were plenty of robust challenges. Well done to the ref.

 

Shepheard wasn't at the races last week against Tranmere possibly his worse game for us, Alexander got it spot on today that performance IMO bettered the Cheltenham game and result, they couldn't complain if they'd lost by 5/6.

 

When the crowd was announced I noticed the Colchester fans applauding too.

 

We played well against Walsall and Cheltenham but this was an absolutely magnificent performance today,the performance of champions.

 

That's the exception though. Every comment I've seen has been the complete opposite with many saying we are by far and away the best side they've faced this season.

 

Yes I had a look and that is about the only comment of that nature on their site.

 

Alexander got it spot on today, as you say plenty of pace in the team and used it at every opportunity, Smallwood deservedly MOTM but Halliday never stopped running today both forward and back defending, I feared the lad Owura Edwards would run him ragged but Cowley saw he was getting nowhere with regards Halliday and Bryne and hooked the kid after 65 minutes.

 

Yep, from both the players AND the fans
Loved the impromptu light show

 

Of the two CB signings I was more concerned about Bryne than Baldwin, Bryne is a liability whereas you can see how Baldwin fits in with how GA wants us to play despite him being part of a leaky Notts County defence last season. Also Bryne lives over on the Wirral and apparently last Saturday night was pissed up not far from Prenton (where Tranmere play), not very tactful when you have just had your winning home run ended by them.

 

Yes, agreed but how on earth can there be two 316’s in the UK? I’m flabbergasted!

 

As Champions, and you'll be picking up a nice wad, well done Dave for having faith in your team .

 

By and large I would certainly agree, easily the best officials I've seen this season. Although that particular bar is not set very high. Having said that I was a bit puzzled when one of their players was tackling Tayo in a manner more reminiscent of Odsal than VP, and the ref completely ignored it, no free kick, no waving play on, nowt.

 

Usually we bottle these games but today was probably the best we have played for ages. And the atmosphere was buzzing.

Once we stopped giving them any respect (first 10 mins or so) there was only 1 team in it.

Fluid attacking football down both flanks and we literally beat the life out of them. We could have had more and so could they.

So many positives from today and I was glad that the extra 5K fans who attended today were truly rewarded and entertained.

 

Best performance of the season.

Wright was excellent today.

 

That must have made you feel better Gary after our no show against Tranmere safe journey home mate.

 

Even if the referee missed the indecent the linesman was only yards away, have a word with him, strange how a couple of minutes later a challenge was made just inside their half and the lad was quick to raise his flag.

 

Great win great atmosphere great attendance great to see Pattison Pointon and Kelly back.

What a great day it is to be a city fan

 

Look at Lapslies movement for the 4th and Kavanaghs desire for the third.

 

That was an excellent win and a thoroughly enjoyable game to watch.

I've been critical of Lapslie and Kavanagh but fair play they both produced the goods today when it mattered.

Wright had his best game in some time, he looks a different player further forward when he's got a bit more freedom to do what he wants. His link up with Tayo was frightening and Colchester couldn't get near either of them.

Shout out to Khela too. I think he's been really good since getting in the team and he was again today. He's a perfect fit for our style and is getting better every week.

And we've got Pointon and Pattison back, Shepherd next week. So many positives.