Match Thread Bradford City V Wycombe Wanderers Saturday 2nd August 2024 3.00pm (Now with The Voice review)

I think we sat back at the start of the 2nd half and let them dictate the game rather than being in their faces as we were 1st half. I would of thought Alexander would have made more subs to freshen it up but he obviously decided against it.

 

At times in the second half they were pulling us to pieces on both flanks. But we stuck at it well and prevailed in the end. It wouldn't surprise me though if Baldwin and Kelly come into serious consideration before the season is too much older.

 

Got to say that I was half expecting a bit of a cobbled together performance with players still working each other out but what I saw was a team that looked like they had played together for ages. Passing and moving was excellent at times.

Off the ball shape was good for the most.

Felt we could have done with some fresher legs from 75 mins on as we started to drop off.

Otherwise a very solid start against a good side. At times their pass and move was off the chart but their finishing let them down. If we can finish above them in the table we will have had a decent season.

Our first 11 and bench will be awesome once everyone is fit and raring to go.

I want to see THAT save again-looked Montgomeryesque.

Very happy Bantam this evening.

 

Without getting carried away...

IF we can maintain that level then I see us being around the play offs by December and then there would be questions to ask of the owner if he wants to dip into his pocket and bring in 1 or 2 that could push us higher.

 

Josh Cullen at Peterborough. Ridiculous talent.

 

Ronnie Brown at Crewe. Might have been just over 50 years ago but he was fantastic. My first outfield favourite player , (and a good contributor on here )

 

Thoughts...

- Not sure about some people's judgement on the back 3. It's a game of opinions but I thought they were superb. Wycombe had some extremely good ball players and we handled them really well and our shape was superb. Onyedinma was constantly frustrated by Tilt and Touray. He'll be far more of a problem for other defences but we made him look useless.
- Power did alright but how good is it to see someone who behaves like a captain. He was constantly ordering and talking. I know it's not just about perception but it was good to see someone 'behaving like a captain.
- Humphrys performance was a prime example of why strikers shouldn't be judged on goals. If he plays like that every week and we continue to win games, I'd pick a low scoring Humphrys every day of the week over a high scoring striker who contributes less.
- Neufville will be an even bigger weapon away from home. Teams will be constantly looking over their shoulder cautiously whenever they commit men forward. Could be like how we used to use Kyle Reid.
- Leigh was superb. An understated performance. Starting to understand why Alexander kept faith in him as a CM. In the 'through on goal' training before kick off, his shooting and finishing was different class. He was head and shoulders above the others. Whether that means owt I don't know but it was interesting.
- The formation looks excellent for the players we've recruited. The crucial CM pairing will be critical going forward. Looking forward to seeing how Metcalfe performs if / when Power and Leigh need taking out the team.
- Get a win against Northampton next week and our next home game will be mega! I'm loving the prospect of having some big away followings at VP. All felt a bit futile having a full home section without any away fans to taunt last season.
- Thought the increase in standard in general from L2 was immediately noticeable.
- Ref did fine. Obviously the usual whinges about 'inconsistency' every single time a debatable decision went against us.
- One complaint: It's my first season in Midland Road. The catering may as well not exist.

 

I can see definite positives, all depends if we.can keep.key players fit. Humphrys strikes me as a player you can't replace.

 

Think he always enjoys himself over pre season and takes a little while to get sharp! Other clubs have said same in past too.

 

Interesting to hear Alexander's views on him. Of course he's going to talk up a new signing but it sounds like he rates him as a top top player who for whatever reason hasn't found the right environment to match his potential level of performance.

 

Of course, this little video has been resurrected tonight...

 

Bit harsh Rog. Three new signings, first meaningful game together. Give them time to form an understanding!

pace might do us at times but happy to give them chance to get to know each other first!

 

See Shep got sent for Barnsley today ( I know it's not City related)

 

Always call what I see mate, on the positive side Humphrys is a beast and Nuefville will be attracting bids towards a million. You heard it here first lol.

 

LUCKY WIN

 

If you have seen them both very soft yellow cards and the ref looked clueless he didn't realise he had booked shepherd for a 2nd yellow

 

Does that mean we only get 2 points?

Didn't think so... jog on, eh!

 

Really? we created more chances on goal and probably should have been more than 2 up at HT. Granted 2nd half we sat back and let them come at us and dictate but pretty passing football doesn't win games overall we deserved the win.

Interesting that Wycombe fans on their forum say we deserved the PTS too.

 

Thoroughly enjoyed that. I'm not going to be negative about anything because it was the first game of the season, most if not all of the outfield players hadn't played 90 minutes until today so are still building up match sharpness AND we had 7 new players in the starting 11. Taking all of that into account as well as well as the fact we were playing a side that reached the playoff semis last season, I thought it was an excellent performance. Also credit where it's due to Leigh and Tilt. I didn't think I'd be singing either of their praises come 5pm but I was pleasantly surprised by both of their performances today.

 

Edited for accuracy