Bradford Report Card

By: Dr Fishy
Date: 27/01/2003

THE final result was NOT what we wanted and I was especially annoyed at the fact that we gave the ball away so cheaply in the build-up to the winning goal. Such a waste.

However, some players played a good game while others looked off the pace. The team worked well with ten men but with the wind against them it always looked like Town would have to depend on that one goal they got in the first half.

Coyne: He made two good blocks in the first half and a decent save in the second. His kicking was improved from last week even if it went straight through to Davison most of the time.

Grade: C+

Ward: I'm afraid his defensive capabilities are not up to First Division standard on that showing. Looks quite interested when he needs to get forward. Appears to get taller every time I see him.

Grade: D

Barnard: Left back might not be his preferred role but he was very steady at the back. Some of his deliveries from set pieces were excellent. Took a bit of a bruising from their right winger who got sent off, and saw one of his shots return from over the Pontoon stand.

Grade: B-

Ford: Appears to be a bit lacklustre and sluggish. Probably due to tiredness and fatigue. Didn't stand out like he usually does.

Grade: C-

Chettle: Once more it was a consistent performance from the experienced defender. Even had a shot from 25 yards that went wide. Struggled when up against a player with his back to goal.

Grade: C

Cooke: His intelligent ball through produced the chance for Boulding to score. Looked quite creative but didn't fit in well when it all became a bit scrappy.

Grade: C+

Campbell: Not a bad performance on the left but he did drift out of the game. Don't think he was seen second half, except for the booking he got for ahem, 'time wasting'.

Grade: C-

Groves: Good display in the centre by the manager although his role appeared to be the ball winner. Missed a great opportunity at 1-1 to have won the game.

Grade: C+

Bolder: A decent enough full debut from the 20-year old. Showed good aggression and work rate. Fitted in well but didn't do anything special.

Grade: C

Boulding: Took his goal well and had half a chance just before that. We're seeing more of his pace but in the second half he became non-existent as the ball never reached him.

Grade: C

Livingstone: Won a couple of flick-ons but they went straight through to the keeper. Didn't link up too well with Boulding but it takes two to tango as they say. Sending off might have been harsh but Livvo should have known better.

Grade: D

SUBS

Mansaram: The youngster was on just about long enough to receive a grade. Battled well up front on his own and caused the Bradford back line more of a nuisance in the air where Town had struggled all afternoon. Had a couple of tame efforts on goal.

Grade: C

Soames: Arrived to late to grade but showed a bit of purpose and skipped a few challenges unnoticed.

Overall conclusion: There's no doubt that the sending off of Livvo swung the game. Town weren't great but had forged a lead. With the wind against them and the temptation to hoof the ball away, Molenaar et al just headed it straight back down the pitch and caused the Mariners problems. It was a pity that Davison wasn't tested more because, after all, he was wearing green.

Grade Guide

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