The Voice - Match preview Bradford City vs Leyton Orient Monday 8th May @ 12.30pm

Imagine him and Smallwood in the middle? Didn’t they both come from Hull?

 

Yes

 

They didn't need to at times we were chasing shadows, but we got what we needed even though at times my heart was in my mouth had Critchlow's chance gone it it might have been different, Beckles and Cooks battle was good to watch I believe Beckles shaded it but should he have walked for that high challenge for me a yellow but the referee knew the consequence if he gave him another yellow I think he backed off rather than sending him off, happy we've done the job.

 

Honestly Dave , he wasn’t a bad referee at all. 25+ games in the CC this season and only 4 in L2 says he’s pretty good.

If VAR was a thing Derbyshire would have go a pen for us in the last 10 mins as well from my seat.

 

Yes definitely a pen. We sit in A block in the Midland Road so had a good view. Agree he was a decent ref compared with some of the woeful examples inflicted on us this season.

 

I shouted Pen straight away. As it was didn’t matter but that was one all day long for me.

 

I didn't say he was a bad referee just thought he got that call wrong as he knew the consequences, which shouldn't have made any difference but that the way I saw in.

 

Oh no problem Dave not saying you were wrong. I thought he was very decent tbh . A cut above what we are used to for sure. You watch Drysdale at one of the next three?

 

Yes overall he had a decent game and tried to let the game flow, just that one incident that could have been a game changer.

 

Aye. Bola and Costelloe could be the difference.

 

I am more thinking of Crichlow and Banks, as I am sure you know.

 

We are also more than capable of beating any of the 3. It will boil down to who steps up, and probably a fair bit of luck as well

 

I think it's too close to call. Carlisle have been a little like us of late, they aren't exactly firing on all cylinders.
Stockport and Salford have the better records over the last 6 or 7 games. However Salford lost today and only just squeezed into a play off place. I guess Stockport are the favourites but all it takes is for a team to have a poor game and it can be curtains. That sort of sht happens and it can happen to any team.

 

Typical City luck, we get the only player from the Championship Champions Burnley who doesn't know what to do with a football.

 

It doesn't take a great deal to switch to a pattern of play more like theirs. For one, if Stubbs/
Chrichlow/ Smallwood/ Gilliead got their heads up from time to time and passed forwards and through the lines to Walker or Banks then we'd be more threatening. It's like there's an automatic pass it sideways or diagonally backwards because that's what they've been taught. Those central players need to get their heads up and look forwards.

 

We had some good chances early doors.

https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/competitions/league-two/12876416/bradford-city-1-1-leyton-orient-league-two-highlights

 

Aye. Bola and Costelloe could be the difference.

Yeah I was being a bit tongue in cheek. But even then, are they critical? Platt or Crichlow is 50/50 for me. Banks is probably the least worst of our attacking players outside of Cook, but if we go with a diamond, he’s 100% not a striker.

 

Stockport have the firepower and have been scoring goals. Salford have scored a few too although have been lucky with some late minute ones. Callum Hendry is the key man for them I reckon.

I suspect the contrast between the football played in the two semi finals will be quite stark. I can't see our matches being more than tight, risk averse matches.

 

Agree Clayton is better - he should be given he’s played his whole career in that position as apprise to Gillead.

Im in the pro-Gillead camp. There’s not many in our squad with the engine and running he has which at times is simply enough to slow the oppositions momentum, break up play etc. Whether anyone likes it or not, based on our squad this season a Bradford City starting XI which is missing Gillead, is a weaker starting team.