At least the reserves have won

This review was contributed by Tom Storer, many thanks Tom! If anyone ever wants to share their thoughts then just send me an email and I'll be happy to publish them...

A Strong Bradford City Reserve side beat Grimsby Town Reserves 2-0 in their first game of the Pontin's Holidays League Cup at Valley Parade. However, it was Grimsby Town who started the brighter of the two sides and asked all the early questions. Donovan Rickets was called upon several times in the opening period and demonstrated the area of his goal keeping everyone knows he excels in, with an array of exceptional saves. Two clean sheets for in a row and a more commanding Ricketts may once again be able to launch resurgence to the 1st Team. Grimsby continued to press and City`s midfield duo of Scott Phelan and Craig Bentham huffed and puffed, somewhat mirroring City`s Saturday footballers.

Former Benfica 'B` defender Fausto Lucio started his second and final trail game and like his counter part Simon Ainge was equal to Grimsby`s aerial threat. Lucio`s positioning was sometimes questionable but generally look assured and comfortable. Ainge continues to frustrate, demonstrating his defensive ability`s one moment and his gift of giving away needless free kicks another.

Grimsby began to run out of ideas, and after another attack was neatly broken down, City broke out of defence with a thrilling counter attack. Joe Colbeck dashed through the middle and passed the ball out to the left, an ever-impressive Sean Taylforth dribbled towards the edge of the box with intent and after cutting in, drilled a low shot across goal. Grimsby Keeper Gary Montgomery could only parry the shot, Luke Medley held off a challenge to slide the ball into the net.

The second half didn`t provide much entertainment as Grimsby once again pressed with continued impotence. Penford replaced an injured Joynes, at this point I was unable to guess the formation employed for the last 10 minutes of the game. Phelan found space and saw a low drive go the other side of Montgomery`s post. Penford was able to add a late second after a good turn and shot on the edge of the box. Overall, not the best reserves performance of the season. However, with 3 games won and 1 drawn, not conceding a goal at VP so far this season, I would encourage people to consider coming down…. It`s a relief from Saturdays!

Attendees:
Willy Topp: He said 'Hi`. I asked 'how are you?` he didn`t have a clue what I said! I asked his companion for the evening if he had signed, he replied 'nearly`.

Lee Sinnott: Browsing the City team for a potential loan targets, these could be Joe Colbeck, Craig Bentham and Tom Penford, we can all but hope/worry (Please delete as appropriate).

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