The Voice - Match preview #25: Carlisle United vs Bradford City Saturday 18th January 2025 12:30pm

Apart from that early scare Walsall never looked in any trouble, when their chances came along they dispatched them, next Saturday should be a good test.

 

The stats from that game are wild.

 

Firmly entrenched in the top 9 now.
7 points clear of mid table.
It's a 8 horse race for 2nd and 3rd.
Massive game next week to keep the momentum.

 

As I thought earlier, back down to 8th after the 15:00 ko’s but I think it’s important that we didn’t lose ground on those above us. Up to us now.

 

Agree I'm not sure the new owners could do anything else but back the manager, apart from taking free agents Williamson has had to work with the players who certainly under Simpson didn't play his style of football.
Not sure what they have invested in the club in total but I certainly would be wanting investment in new players if it was Bradford City, once again we see if the right players are not recruited throwing money at it is no guarantee of success, you really have to question Abbo's position at the club during his time on the recruitment side at various clubs he's hardly been recognised as a talent spotter.

 

In the last couple of years it's felt like we've been where Grimsby are - always needing a run of wins to get into the mix. It's good to be a bit higher/closer to the leading group this time.

 

They certainly like having a shot at goal, something we need to be doing far more often.

Shots
Walsall 25 MK Dons 6

Shots on target
Walsall 9 Milton Keynes Dons 3

Shots off target
Walsall 14 Milton Keynes Dons

 

Time for Wallsalls' run to come to an end methinks!

 

Good win today, even if it wasn’t as stylish as the Grimsby win. I was hoping for 7 points from these 3 games (Carlisle, Walsall and Morecambe) so a point next weekend and win on the Tuesday will be a great return.

 

And all that from 33% possession! Crazy.

 

I picked up on that today, he had a very good game.

It looks like the Kelly/Shepherd/Baldwin back 3 is starting to build a good understanding - they covered well for each other today. Hopefully the injury to Baldwin doesn't impact that too much.

On a slightly different topic, one thing City need to work on is how to benefit from the Richards/Pointon partnership. A couple of times they got into great positions on the left but were lacking someone making a run from midfield to take advantage.

 

We will need every player to be a minimum of 7/10 next week to stand a chance. With us being at home in front of our fans, our current form and the obvious need of a win it's well within our grasps. Hopefully!

 

Watched their game and they deserve to be up there. Tore MK apart at times, the scoreline flattered Franchise FC.
Can't wait for next week, all I know is they will press the living daylights out of us so we need to be on it from the start.

 

He was excellent. I didn't know until my mate told me, it's only 18 months ago Shepherd was an amateur playing for Pontefract Collieries! Just shows there are players out there if you can find them.

 

Agree and I'm sure the two old heads Matt 35 and Adomah 37 will be up to their usual antics especially Mr Matt who although didn't get on the scoresheet was always having his private battles with defenders and I'm sure giving the occasional "wink" to the MK fans as he did to us .

 

Do you think we will realease the ex Carlisle centre back now with Shepherd playing so well in the centre?

 

You know my thoughts on Baldwin but today he was very good. Didn't overplay and defended sensibly when it was needed which I think is key for him. One swallow doesn't make a summer but I genuinely hope he keeps it up and proves me wrong.

 

Next week's game is one where I'd like a win but anything from that game should be construed as decent. They are a really good side and play some very good football. Lad who impresses me most is Ryan Stirk in midfield, reminds me of Lewis O'Brien. Right engine on him.

 

The last time we won at Carlisle IIRC was the first league game after the fire. Recall loads of coaches going up and standing on the terrace behind the goal.

 

He's had few bad matches.

In fairness we were spoilt with Davies/McArdle at this level - very few defenders don't have some flaws, even in the promoted clubs.