What a difference a match makes

I`ve been away from writing about Bradford City for the last few days as I`ve been finishing my dissertation but in the gaps between ruminating over the concept of peace as it applies to Sierra Leone I`ve been reflecting about the last ten days.

Last Saturday the Bantams went to Barnet, lost 2-1 to an injury time freekick and Paul Evans to an injury that the man himself said made him look like 'the elephant man`.

2 away days, two losses and already the chattering classes were murmuring.

Cue Tuesday evening and the 5-1 debacle at the Keepmoat Stadium, a match for the kids but not for the fans. People were understandably a little put out for spending money to witness such an abject performance.

And so the murmuring began to get a bit louder.

As I read post after post lamenting our current showings on the pitch I couldn`t contain it any longer and came onto the Vital forums and vented my frustration!

And then Friday came.

The 2-1 victory in the emotionally charged encounter at Lincoln banished the memories of the preceding two matches. A performance of grit, determination and promise has got the heads of the players and the fans up again ahead of Saturday`s mouth-watering tie with Peterborough.

Also enjoying the difference of a 90 minute performance is Steve McClaren. As we discussed in Saturday evening`s Yorkshire Chat, I couldn`t believe I watched England and enjoyed it! So, all eyes are on tomorrow evening`s fixture against Russia. Steve is threatening to make changes to the side that played flowing football and I`m not sure I`d favour that. Thankfully Lampard continues to be injured and we can see Barry and Gerrard have another game to prove their worth.

As it is the Bantams will be enjoying their seven day break before Saturday`s game.

For the first time this season, Stuart McCall will have a completely fit squad to choose from as long-term absentees Peter Thorne and Matt Clarke are now fully fit. Darren Williams is playing in a reserve game as I type whilst Paul Evans` horrific head injury should have healed by Saturday (although in Scott Phelan we definitely have a future replacement for the Welshman and EJ`s improving form is cause for celebration). All the other players who are currently suffering niggling injuries should have recovered by Saturday although Omar Daley has been sidelined since Friday with a knock sustained in creating the equaliser for Dave.

I`ll try and be a bit better with reporting the news and views emanating from Valley Parade (my deadline is Friday though so this is clearly a spot of procrastination)…

Don't forget that Vital Bradford has fully functioning forums that would really benefit from more people getting involved!

Oh, and before I forget, Happy Birthday Luke O'Brien!

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.

Join the Vital Fantasy Football League - its Free!