The Voice - Match preview Most liked posts in thread: Northampton Town vs Bradford City Saturday 29 April 2023 @ 3:00pm

Wow!!! WOW WOW WOW!!!! How about that!

I was sat in the home end, main stand, at the far end to the city fans. Don’t under estimate Lewis’ save in the 1:1 in the second half - brilliant.

I thought we started really well for the first 15mins when Cook should have scored. Absolutely great headed for the goal, he climbed so well. First half we were the better team. Second half was all them but despite their chances, they didn’t feel relentless that they demolished us. Better, 100% yes. But we battled well, Stubbs was very good and thought Halliday did well as was over run against two for some of the game.

The goal - wow!!! How many times have we been on the other end of that?? Did we deserve it? No. Do i care? Not in the slightest! Bravo lads - what a battling result that was.

 

According to Whoscore.com only 4 players in the division have made more tackles per game than Brad Halliday, old school or new school I'd say that's quite good.

 

Morning all,

Remembered I had my account many moons ago on here so thought I would add a little information from the other sides perspective. First of all for those that did not manage to get tickets you can view both goals from different points on the hill, but never both at the same time. To be honest the only fans that have ever done so en masse is Coventry fans when they rented our stadium a few seasons ago. Police have been up there on occasions but that has been on the rare occasion. The view is not great but if you want to do so then it is possible at the very least. Also there is plenty of parking around the stadium and in car parks as you approach from the Motorway.

On the pitch there is no getting away from the size of the match for both sides, with a win sending us up automatically. We have been on good form in recent weeks, despite our crazy injury woes. We have had at least 10 out for around 2 months or so now, oddly it seems to have galvanized the fans and team and we have been able to grind out results. What made it worse is that the majority have been defenders and CM's so its been a constant rejig of the team. It has also meant we have rushed players back due to the need and they have just then reinjured themselves so the cycle has been self perpetuating.

The good news is that positive results have continued as others around us have faltered. We have a workmanlike team at the moment, one that presses well from the front and where everyone knows their roles. I think we benefit massively from keeping the core of what was a very competent L2 side last season and we know when to play and when to clear our lines. I feel like we win a lot of games simply from making less clear errors. A few man to look out for are:

Sam Hoskins has stepped up on the goal front, despite playing regularly from RWB due to our injury situation, 21 goals and 8 assists by far and away his best season for us having been here for nearly a decade.

Marc Leonard is on loan from Brighton and to me will have a career at least in the championship, hes a level above on the ball and his awareness and ability to pass the ball on the floor and make space is something that I am less accustomed to at this level.

Louis Appere is a bit of an unusual one. Has greatly improved as the season has gone on in terms of goals but I have never seen a player work harder in my life. Does not really contest for the ball in the air but he presses until he cant move which is often pointed out by the opposition commentary.

I know you have a few out injured and it goes without saying Cook is your danger man, anyone else that has stepped up particularly this season?

I thought our performance at your place earlier in the campaign was our best performance of the season so obviously I hope for more of the same, although it wasnt helped by us being gifted our first goal. It seemed like there were certain players that were not comfortable with bringing the ball out from the back which helped our press massively, I guess thats one of the downsides of having a coach with such a pedigree as a player.

Anyway, any questions about the game or getting down there etc do let me know. Ill be back to give my opinions on the game win, lose or draw afterwards. Got a lot of time for Bradford as a club (Wembley disaster aside!), the fans I met up and around your ground have always been sound and obviously a club of your size should not be at this level, here is me hoping to a Cobblers win Saturday and that you do the job in the playoffs.

Cobblers

 

CRICHLOW!!!!

Who are the bell ends who sent him messages?!

HAVE ITT!!!!!!

 

I just want to give special mention to Lewis, Stubbs and Halliday. They kept us in it.

 

If we had not choked so many times at home this season we'd be champions ....

 

Some complained through the season that Ridehalgh and Halliday weren't good enough, even Foulds. They are more than capable at this level when paired with a defender of the quality of Stubbs who is by far the best defender we've got. The lad continuously tells others where to position themselves, he's Captain material. As I posted before, a back four and keeper that's only let in 37 goals, the third rated in the division, is a strong backboard for your side.

 

Because it is not true. I live in Bradford and it is not a shithole. Yes parts of the City is run down and need investment and it is nothing like the City I grew up in. I defy anyone to tell me that other Cities are much the same. Bradford’s rural district is just beautiful.

 

Must win game.
Couldn’t get a ticket but only a 45 minute drive from me so will be standing on the hill to support the boys!

 

Nevers is terrible.

 

All them idiots who messaged him last week better be sending apologies tonight.

 

@manwork05
Your arse is really twitching now.FACT

 

We got pummelled in the second half, only one winner, then out of nowhere we come up with a last minute winner. I don’t care if they were the best team. How many times has that happened to us this season.

 

Still buzzing after that. Nothing beats a last minute winner in front of the away end! Yes the autos are a massive long shot but if we do win on Wednesday we are in the mix on the final day and strange things can happen. My head says Stockport are going up but you never know. Beat Crewe and then see if Northampton and Stockport can handle the final day pressure. If we dont make it nobody will fancy us in the play offs.
Bring it on!!

 

Here's a good video...

 

The only downside of Ridehalgh is his age really. If he was two years younger then he'd be fine for another couple of years.

Hard to believe that we had no proper right back for 2/3 seasons until Halliday came along. The lad has been a great signing.

 

I think we will get all 9 points and sit in third on the last day.

Someone has to be optimistic. We're due a stroke of luck.

 

What an away day

Quite a few of their fans were being arrogant dicks before KO, thinking it was already won. Couldn’t have wished for a better finish to the game, absolutely made up for Critch, and cooky was fantastic once again. Quite a lot of saltiness after the match, we were giving them plenty back that’s for sure

More of the same Wednesday please and who knows what will happen on the final day

 

Totally agree, it’s a fantastic city to live in and the district has some great places. It’s just a crying shame that our inept council have been doing their very best to ruin it and run it into the ground for so many years - but that’s for a different thread!

 

He's a fullback FFS, not a centre back. Since when have most fullbacks, who often tend to be amongst the shortest squad members, been judged on their aerial ability? Most of us could reel off a string of fullback names who are/were dodgy in the air, and some of them have played in the PL.
He was immense on Saturday at Northampton, putting in tackle after tackle.