I'm here at the Coral Windows Stadium this evening for the SkyBet League 1 clash between Bradford City and Southend United.
It's a cold, clear night here in Bradford at this 7:45pm kick off, where Bradford are hoping to continue from their emphatic 4-0 victory over Petersborough in their last game.
Bradford kicked the game off, shooting towards the away fans from Southend to start the game.
The opening 5 minutes saw Bradford dominating possession, Lee Evans in the centre of midfield was a key player in particular, filling in the gaps to cut out Southend passes and dropping into positions to allow Bradford to retain possession.
The Bantams pressed Southend well, forcing the ball to stay inside Southend's half. Fantastic pressure from Wes Thomas and James Hanson allowed Bradford to retain the ball almost as soon as they lost it, keeping Bradford on the front foot. Southend were struggling to the commanding home side, pumping the ball long with no availe as Reece Burke and Nathan Clarke were superior in the air and wouldn't allow the ball to drop from the air.
The approach play and build up from Bradford, I thought was great to watch, they play it patient but with a purpose. The passes they play going forward have a purpose and they are always looking to exploit the wings and work a way to float a ball into the towering James Hanson. The only problem I noticed with Bradford on the attack is their decision making and first touch on the edge of the area. You can hear the crowd screaming for the players to have a shot and you have to agree because the attackers often look to take the ball too far and it ends up breaking away from them.
Bradford broke the deadlock, a wonderfully hit freekick from Tony McMahon sailed into the top corner from the whole of 25 yards out; leaving Daniel Bentley in Southend's goal no chance!
The goal was no more than what Bradford deserved, their dominance and attacking intent had almost paid off a few times leading to the goal.
The referee, Ross Joyce, was the antagonist in the eyes of the Bradford City supports, boo's and ironic cheers rang out from the stands because some of the decisions he was making were, as you would say, doubtful. There were times when a through ball would go through for Thomas to chase but he would be having his shirt pulled only for the referee not to notice. The only incidents the referee seemed to blow his whistle for were when players would take too long taking their throw ins, it seemed strange to me.
Southend provided little if anything in terms of shots on goal, whereas Bradford were causing Southend's defence real problems. Tony McMahon provided fantastic service from corners consistently, which were often met by the Bradford City players but the ball just seemed to fly over.
James Hanson, almost got his name on the scoresheet when the ball fell kindly to him on the edge of the area. However, the tall English man just leant back too much and the shot ballooned over the crossbar.
The smell of pies and peas, floated through the stands at half time, were Bradford were a goal up, and looked a commanding and in control of the game through the first half.
Bradford and Southend came out from their halftime team talks unchanged and ready to begin the final 45 minutes.
Lee Evans continued his first half form with another solid secondhalf performance.
Bradford again were on the front foot but couldn't concour their final pass. Through balls just had a little too much on them or would send Hanson wide of the goal.
Southend thought they had a chance, the shot from the edge of the box saved well by Ben Williams, only for the linesman to raise the flag for offside.
Much of the action was endured in the centre of the field, where the Bradford players found space and played nice football between themselves, making Southend work for it.
The first substitution of the game came from Bradford who brought Wes Thomas off for Steven Davis.
Some crafty work in the corner from James Hanson allowed him to find Kyel Reid, who's whipped ball to the far post picked out a team mate, sliding in his shot cannoned back off Bentley and out for a corner. The corner, again beautifully delivered, was attacked by Hanson but his header into the bottom corner wasn't going to beat the keeper.
The supporters of Bradford City showed great sportsmanship when ex-Bantam Will Atkinson was substituted, he received a standing ovation after playing at the Coral Windows for the first time since his transfer in 2013.
2-0 Bradford City! Yet another inch-perfect delivery from McMahon from the corner, that danger man James Hanson rose tallest to powerfully head the ball into the net, creating a roar from the fans. Hanson is a fan favourite at Bradford City due to his incredible service over the years.
The Bradford fans were in fine voice, chants of 'We Want Five' encouraged the home side who were putting on a fantastic performance.
The Bradford midfield of Lee Evans and Josh Cullen were controlling the play, their workfare was admirable. Discipline, concentration and vision the two central players had it all on the night and torn Southend to pieces. They were both up and down the field all game, defending when the team was under pressure, which in all honesty was very often, and providing an option in attack. Very well played from too exception players.
Southend United had a rare shot on target when they won a freekick, 20 yards away from goal. The shot was driven in well but Williams held it tight to his chest.
Kyel Reid having dribbled the ball well towards the corner won a freekick, right in the edge of the 18 yard box. The ball was played shirt to Evans, whose shot rose and kept on rising over the bar.
At the end of 90 minutes the fourth official, Ricky Wootton indicated an addition of 5 minutes.
Bradford decided to make a change, number 7, Mark Marshall came on for Reid. The Bradford fans showed their appreciation for the work Reid had put in. He fully deserved it as he had a fantastic game.
Bradford sat deep for the added time, looking to see the game out. Southend resorted to looking to go route one and pump the ball into Bradford City's box, however they stood strong clearing everything Southend threw at them.
The final substitution for Bradford saw goalscorer and man of the match Tony McMahon be replaced by Billy Knott for the final seconds.
Full time was met by a large cheer from the Bradford supports who applauded their team for their valiant effort and much needed 3 points.
Personally, I enjoyed the game. I thought Bradford were very in control and played confidently. They deserved their solid 2-0 win, they attacked with purpose and attacking intent.
Lee Evans, was commanding in midfield and worked very hard to ensure he created opportunities and stopped Southend playing football. He was fantastic to watch and man of the match for me.
It was a fantastic experience and the atmosphere inside the stadium was of a high quality, with the Bradford supporters showing tremendous support for their team on a cold midweek night.
Thank you for reading.
Lee Harwood.
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