The Voice - Match preview #29: Bradford City vs Harrogate Town Saturday 8th February 2025 12:30pm

Yes agree completely . Bobby is the best delivery at the moment I believe?

 

Being flippant, it's because we didn't shoot. I bet their keeper finished that game wondering how they lost when he had so few actual saves to make. We really need to shoot more when we're on top and not get into this style of trying to get down the outsides and pass the ball into the net.

 

I would like to see some more creativity with corners. Not every ball has to be crossed in from the corner. We have enough talented footballers to work a short corner now and then

 

As a side note, was sat near Andy Cook, Zac Hadi and few other players (I think they were but didn't recognise them by face) which really does add to the team spirit and togetherness we need

 

He also wasted two promising free kicks yesterday. His general play has improved a lot, but we need a better dead ball striker.

 

Agree, problem is Bryan there aren’t many L2 players who can “whip” a ball in with bend and spin they tend to be floaty , floaty stuff by definition. The latter needs “ heading” the former needs a “glance” for slight change of direction?

 

If Kavanagh isn't fit I'm with you Leigh will start against Accrington.

 

I don't understand why Pointon isn't on free kick duty his corners are far more consistent with regards hitting the danger zone, you have to ask why Alexander persists with Richie taking them, having said that even when Andy is back I'd keep Smallwood on penalties.

 

His all round game has certainly improved with the likes of Pattison and Sarcevic along side him but I'm not sure how that effects someone taking free kicks/corners that's down to the individuals ability and IMO a player with his ability should be putting better balls into the area for our players to attack. ?.

 

My son told me stats claimed Booby P. never lost or gave away possession when he was involved.
There lies a problem. Yesterday was the match I enjoyed least this season. Little real excitement. From the start it was clear City had the better team. Yet for the final 89 minutes they did not pose the threat they should have. Something was missing. Time after time they made good and threatening progress in an attack. time after time the momentum of the attack was lost as players delayed, passed sideways or backwards rather than risk losing possession. Bobby, our most risk taking player, the one who can make things happen, was also doing this. Hence the above statistic.

May be when we start an attack only forward passing or dribbling should be allowed. Might not dominate or have as much possession- but maybe score more goals.

 

I heard he buys all the balls so he gets to take all the free kicks and corners.

 

The team that ended the game v Harrogate is not, IMHO, good enough to get the required points. We need Sars and Bobby to be starting games to influence the outcome.

Mellon looked a bit leggy. Leigh seems to have some fight about him and when dropped back into midfield really got stuck in.

We definitely have a much more angry edge to us. Sars in particular likes to get into the opposition. GA won't say it publicly of course but we certainly do look like we are ready and able to go toe to toe with anyone in this division.

 

I noticed that, for the first time I can remember in a little while, GA lost his rag with Mellon/Leigh at one point. Neither was busting a gut to get up front, neither was pressing high, neither looked a Bradford City player at that point.

Let's hope it's 'gelling' time that's required, and/or 'getting up to speed'. I certainly think the latter will be true for Mellon, but I also hope he knows how hard he's going to have to work to be a City player.

 

In his post match statement interview he mentioned that certain new players have yet to fully adapt to our style of continuous pressing. He said that there’s no room for taking breathers; you’ve got to be at it all the time.

 

Yes he did…good point.

 

A bit late posting this but I thought Harrogate’s left back #20, Bryant Bilongo, had a great game against us.

He seemed to get a round of appreciation as he was subbed off and walked in front of the kop. Well deserved.

Looks like he’s only just joined them and is on loan from Bristol Rovers.

 

It was more him playing to the crowd in front of the kop, don't think it was for his display on the pitch.

 

Thought he was quite poor myself...