Live blog: Bantams v Accrington (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Live blog: Bantams v Accrington
11:01am Wednesday 26th December 2012 in Sport
By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter
This live event has finished
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9:00pm
8:57pm
8:57pm
4:55pm
Bradford City 2 Accrington 1
Alan Connell came off the bench to nod a priceless City winner against ten-man Accrington.
Stanley looked set to extend their Valley Parade jinx despite playing the final quarter of the game with one less after Dean Winnard was sent off.
But Connell clinched a vital home win four minutes from the end, nodding home a cross from fellow sub Kyel Reid.
Garry Thompson had fired City in front in the first half with a neatly-struck drive – his first league goal for the club.
But Accrington, unbeaten in their previous ten trips to Valley Parade, levelled with 11 minutes left through Rommy Boco.
4:54pm
Another Accrington booking, Nsiala gets a yellow for a foul on Reid.
4:51pm
Relief all round but City still need to negotiate four added minutes.
4:47pm
City back in front after 86 minutes as CONNELL heads home near post from Reid cross. 2-1
4:45pm
Good cross from Reid but just too far in front of Hanson. Air of desperation about City's play now.
4:41pm
Kyel Reid comes on for Will Atkinson, nine minutes of normal time left.
4:40pm
Joyce free-kick drops for Boco who drives through crowd of players and then celebrates with whole team in front of dug-out.
4:39pm
Its 1-1 as Accy equalise through BOCO
4:38pm
Liddle booked for foul on Thompson.
4:37pm
Drum in Kop getting louder as home fans grow bit more confident. Still not been the most convincing performance.
4:35pm
Accrington not happy that ref allows play to go on while player down waiting for treatment.
4:34pm
Crowd is 11,181 with 188 Accrington fans.
4:32pm
Second City sub as Connell replaces Wells. The sub is subbed...
4:28pm
City against ten men now and almost cash in straight away as Thompson drives just over bar.
4:27pm
Winnard in trouble after foul on Wells. Already booked.
Accrington protest furiously with referee Geoff Eltringham - who ignores them and sends the centre half packing...
4:23pm
Bit of disquiet in the home crowd as things not going all City's way now.
4:21pm
Joyce booked for catching Hanson late.
4:17pm
City have lost their way since half-time and not keeping the ball like they were.
4:14pm
Duke eases the pressure by catching Accrington corner.
4:14pm
Very good spell for Stanley with Lindfield at the thick of it.
4:12pm
Fantastic save from Duke to tip away Lindfield shot that was destined for far corner.
4:10pm
Scare for City as Boco's low header flies across goal-mouth.
4:08pm
City struggle to deal with it but Duke saves from Lindfield's low shot on the turn. Accrington's first effort on goal.
4:07pm
Naylor clears behind from Liddle cross to give Accrington early corner.
4:05pm
Accrington sub for second half as Marcus Carver replaces Lee Molyneux.
4:01pm
Good first half, could’ve been two or three. #bcafc
— @Cal_BCFC 26 December 2012
3:49pm
Half-time and City deserve to be in front.
3:48pm
Meredith cross knocked down by Thompson but Hanson slips as he tries to react to loose ball.
3:47pm
Wells nearly nips in between two defenders chasing long clearance from Duke.
3:46pm
Three minutes of added time to play.
3:44pm
Hines being replaced by Nahki Wells, 2 mins til half-time.
3:44pm
Hines down again nowhere near ball. Heading slowly to sideline for treatment.
3:40pm
Atkinson almost exploits the gap as Accrington struggle to deal with Meredith long throw. Eventually falls for Doyle to blast into Kop.
3:37pm
Murphy gets in a tangle and almost gifts ball to Hines. But City striker drops to the floor claiming he's been caught in the face by flailing arm.
3:33pm
Winnard booked for foul on Hines - in exactly same place where he got him ahad of the goal. This time the free-kick is overhit.
3:29pm
Garry Thompson is getting good at this scoring lark isn't he? #bcafc
— @Chapalar 26 December 2012
3:29pm
Thompson's first league goal for City of course. His previous two were both in the Capital One Cup.
3:25pm
24min, 1-0 CITY as Thompson blasts home for second successive home game. McArdle free-kick into box, flicked on by Hanson and winger hits it first time across Rachubka.
3:23pm
Nice work on right between Hanson and Hines but Accy deal with Thompson's cross.
3:21pm
Raining heavily now.
3:19pm
#bcafc had two great chances so far. #asfc fans singing about our time in the premier league which is nice.
— @KeithWildman 26 December 2012
3:18pm
City's first corner after 17 mins but Rachubka claims well under pressure from Hanson.
3:17pm
Doyle makes important clearance under his own bar from Boco cross. Beattie was just winding up for volley behind him. It's a dangerous corner too but Duke manages to smother loose ball.
3:15pm
Hines tees up Jones for another long-range effort which flies wide.
3:14pm
Doyle tries his luck from 20 yards but it goes harmlessly wide.
3:09pm
Chance for City. Naylor long ball knocked down by Hanson but Hines scuffs his shot into the ground.
3:08pm
Naylor ball over top tries to use pace of Hinds but too much on it and runs through to keeper.
3:03pm
Hanson flicks on loose ball and Atkinson nods just wide with Rachubka static.
3:00pm
City kicking towards the Kop
3:00pm
Kyel Reid gets good reception from main stand as he heads for bench. First appearance for him at VP since October
2:56pm
Can't beat Boxing Day footy. #bcafc
— @SGiangregorio 26 December 2012
2:54pm
Accrington expected to line up 4-4-1-1 with Rommy Bocco playing just off James Beattie.
2:46pm
"Number twenty one is James Beattie".... WHOOOOOOOOOO? #bcafc
— @neilbedford 26 December 2012
2:16pm
As expected, Paul Rachubka remains in the Accrington goal despite his red card against Plymouth.
Stanley have obviously appealed decision and with the Christmas hold-up, that means he is eligible to play today before that is heard.
Stanley are unchanged from Saturday's 1-1 draw.
ACCRINGTON: Rachubka, Nsiala, Winnard, Murphy, Liddle, Lindfield, Joyce, Miller, Molyneux, Boco, Beattie. Subs: Hatfield, Clark, Dixon, Eckersley, Carver, Amond, Dawber.
2:13pm
Got the feeling PP went with Hines up tops because Hines ripped their defence apart at Accrington #bcafc
— @JoshMathers7 26 December 2012
2:12pm
City make two changes from their last league outing at Southend 11 days ago.
On-loan Derby defender Tom Naylor replaces Carl McHugh at centre half. The young Irishman has a slight calf problem while Curtis Good is laid low with a stomach bug.
Nahki Wells is just getting over the same problem so he is on the bench, with Zavon Hines taking his starting spot up front.
CITY: Duke, Darby, McArdle, Naylor, Meredith, Thompson, Jones, Doyle, Atkinson, Hines, Hanson. Subs: Ravenhill, Reid, R Jones, Connell, Wells, Turgott, McLaughlin.
1:43pm
Hearing that Paul Rachubka will play in Accrington goal despite his sending off against Plymouth on Saturday.
Stanley put in an appeal which will be held up because of Christmas, clearing him to feature.
His loan from Leeds runs out on Friday, so not their problem if the FA reject appeal or even stick on an extra game to his three-game ban.
11:03am
City last beat Accrington at Valley Parade in October 1955. Stanley unbeaten in ten visits since, winning four and six draws.
Comments(39)
JamesRobertshaw
says...
11:58am Wed 26 Dec 12
tyker2
says...
2:19pm Wed 26 Dec 12
340stopper
says...
2:56pm Wed 26 Dec 12
tyker2 wrote:It's clear to all he has never been wanted by PP. for whatever reason.
no hannah apparently? how can they ever get best value for him if he is in the stands?
Despite that i am sure he will have a future somewhere and i hope he can continue scoring goals in the lower leaques - after all his goals per game stats are impressive at whatever club/leaque he has played at/ in.
abou
says...
3:55pm Wed 26 Dec 12
As is evident Hannahs attitude and character does not fit in despite what talent he possesses. Phil Parkinson is after a certain type of character in a person as we can see from the players hes brought in and the players he has released
Thats why i wouldnt be too dissappointed if he lets Hannah go Phil knows what hes doing
340stopper
says...
4:37pm Wed 26 Dec 12
abou wrote:I totally agree.
To be fair Phil Parkinson is trying to create a mindset in the team and dressing room thats why hes not just looking at the talent a player offers but more how he'll affect the mindset of others both on the pitch and in the dressing room, Thats why were seeing this never say die attitude this season which has been missing for so long As is evident Hannahs attitude and character does not fit in despite what talent he possesses. Phil Parkinson is after a certain type of character in a person as we can see from the players hes brought in and the players he has released Thats why i wouldnt be too dissappointed if he lets Hannah go Phil knows what hes doing
tyker2
says...
5:23pm Wed 26 Dec 12
340stopper wrote:if so why not keep him out on loan where the wages are paid by others. his value wll be lessened the more he sits in the stands!
abou wrote:I totally agree.
To be fair Phil Parkinson is trying to create a mindset in the team and dressing room thats why hes not just looking at the talent a player offers but more how he'll affect the mindset of others both on the pitch and in the dressing room, Thats why were seeing this never say die attitude this season which has been missing for so long As is evident Hannahs attitude and character does not fit in despite what talent he possesses. Phil Parkinson is after a certain type of character in a person as we can see from the players hes brought in and the players he has released Thats why i wouldnt be too dissappointed if he lets Hannah go Phil knows what hes doing
abou
says...
5:31pm Wed 26 Dec 12
tyker2 wrote:erm.........because its almost January and we got a chance of selling him and making some money instead, not exactly rocket science, Phil Parkinsons been clea about that
340stopper wrote:if so why not keep him out on loan where the wages are paid by others. his value wll be lessened the more he sits in the stands!
abou wrote:I totally agree.
To be fair Phil Parkinson is trying to create a mindset in the team and dressing room thats why hes not just looking at the talent a player offers but more how he'll affect the mindset of others both on the pitch and in the dressing room, Thats why were seeing this never say die attitude this season which has been missing for so long As is evident Hannahs attitude and character does not fit in despite what talent he possesses. Phil Parkinson is after a certain type of character in a person as we can see from the players hes brought in and the players he has released Thats why i wouldnt be too dissappointed if he lets Hannah go Phil knows what hes doing
KnightMcCall
says...
5:34pm Wed 26 Dec 12
Birky_Neil
says...
6:24pm Wed 26 Dec 12
nowt fresh
says...
8:13pm Wed 26 Dec 12
bcfc1903
says...
8:48pm Wed 26 Dec 12
**
We shout with pride...we'll never hide....Claret and Amber.
Birky_Neil
says...
9:31pm Wed 26 Dec 12
I feel sorry for Ross. Just sell him parky but make sure you get a good deal.
On another note does anybody know who the poor guy was on the floor getting his chest pumped outside the front of the ground? Did he survive?
I felt really sad seeing that. Makes you think and feel for his family if he did not make it. They pumped his chest for ages.
Lynchie
says...
9:38pm Wed 26 Dec 12
bcfc1903
says...
10:10pm Wed 26 Dec 12
shoesmaker4
says...
11:00pm Wed 26 Dec 12
Rambo
says...
11:02pm Wed 26 Dec 12
They seriously deserve relegation if they set out with a mindset as that. They try to drag other teams down to their level of game spoiling and for too long they've been able to do it to us.
As regarding our performance, workmanlike but got the job done. Bit disappointed at the lack of clear chances but it was great to see AC come off the bench and score the winner again - it takes the pressure of Hanson and Wells if a third striker is chipping in with vital goals.
Victor Clayton
says...
11:23pm Wed 26 Dec 12
nowt fresh wrote:as our main attack seems to be he flick on and this needs pace, I can understand Hines starting in the middle with Hannson. but I can not understand PP bringing on a poorly Well when it did not work out. incidentaly, after one of Hanson's best halfs (as provider). It would seem that PP really doesn't think too much of Connell? is a poorly Wells on the bench and a fit Hannah not good management? not wanting to be negative but take out the Arsenal game and I don't think we have been playing that well. IMO, we look blunt.
Well after today's showing from Hines lets hope Phil Parkinson doesn't have any more flash backs re the above comment about Hines ripping the Accrington defence apart in the past,Connell on the bench,and Hannah who Phil Parkinson said " We wanted to be fair to him and to them. But now he comes back in the picture for the busy Christmas period" no where to be seen, I can understand not playing Wells from the start if he was still feeling the effects of the bug but Hines playing off Hanson ???? good job the two subs saved our bacon today hope we've learnt don't try and put square pegs in round holes..!!.
Victor Clayton
says...
11:23pm Wed 26 Dec 12
nowt fresh wrote:as our main attack seems to be he flick on and this needs pace, I can understand Hines starting in the middle with Hannson. but I can not understand PP bringing on a poorly Well when it did not work out. incidentaly, after one of Hanson's best halfs (as provider). It would seem that PP really doesn't think too much of Connell? is a poorly Wells on the bench and a fit Hannah not good management? not wanting to be negative but take out the Arsenal game and I don't think we have been playing that well. IMO, we look blunt.
Well after today's showing from Hines lets hope Phil Parkinson doesn't have any more flash backs re the above comment about Hines ripping the Accrington defence apart in the past,Connell on the bench,and Hannah who Phil Parkinson said " We wanted to be fair to him and to them. But now he comes back in the picture for the busy Christmas period" no where to be seen, I can understand not playing Wells from the start if he was still feeling the effects of the bug but Hines playing off Hanson ???? good job the two subs saved our bacon today hope we've learnt don't try and put square pegs in round holes..!!.
Bradford1903
says...
12:29am Thu 27 Dec 12
Thought we played ok 1st half, it was a great strike from Thompson, and we've had numerous half chances to get what probably would've been that game clinching 2nd goal.
Just never got going after the break; they've caused us a few problems and will probably feel a bit unlucky not to come away with a point.
Duke really should be coming for that cross from which they scored for me; if he can't catch it, then he should at least be punching it clear, and while he made a great save earlier, it's this failure to command his box, that leaves me unconvinced.
Still we've managed to grind out a result, and I think one of the keys to promotion is to win when you don't play well.
tyker2
says...
12:40am Thu 27 Dec 12
Bradford1903
says...
12:50am Thu 27 Dec 12
Are you going to start him above Hanson, Wells or Connell, all proven performers at this level; no of course you aren't.
And remind me who has come off the bench to score the winner in the last 2 home games?
Hines can play as a 2nd striker, and I thought he caused them some problems, to the extent that their centre half did a tackle that looked like it was aimed to take him out of the game.
We've also already got 2 strikers on the bench in Connell and Wells, so why would we want another on there.
Seems that some people will always find reasons to criticise even when we are doing well, and there are absolutely no grounds to do so.
shoatsy
says...
7:01am Thu 27 Dec 12
In Parky we trust!!
Victor Clayton
says...
8:46am Thu 27 Dec 12
Bradford1903 wrote:if Wells is unfit and Connell not fancied for a start, then yes. I thought Hines was poor, didn't like the physical aspect of playing in the middle and he looked a lot more comfortable when he went wide. a win is a win and agree that the first half was good but improvment is needed.
Can we please stop this ridiculous debate about Hannah.
Are you going to start him above Hanson, Wells or Connell, all proven performers at this level; no of course you aren't.
And remind me who has come off the bench to score the winner in the last 2 home games?
Hines can play as a 2nd striker, and I thought he caused them some problems, to the extent that their centre half did a tackle that looked like it was aimed to take him out of the game.
We've also already got 2 strikers on the bench in Connell and Wells, so why would we want another on there.
Seems that some people will always find reasons to criticise even when we are doing well, and there are absolutely no grounds to do so.
Victor Clayton
says...
9:21am Thu 27 Dec 12
Birky_Neil
says...
9:27am Thu 27 Dec 12
nowt fresh
says...
10:42am Thu 27 Dec 12
Victor Clayton wrote:I logged in and it's saying I have a 2 hour wait but not to log offf so I'll stay logged in and hopefully get my tickets in 2 hours time ??.
anyone else havig problems buying their Villa ticket? gone through it all and it comes up "pending".
nowt fresh
says...
11:00am Thu 27 Dec 12
tyker2 wrote:Sounds logical tyker do hope a deals been done as it's good for both parties we off load a player who Phil Parkinson obviously doesn't rate and get a fee for him and Ross Hannah can go and prove his worth to his new club..!!.
the only reason Hannah did not play is that a deal has already been struck with eithe Luton or Grimsby.
nowt fresh
says...
12:07pm Thu 27 Dec 12
Victor Clayton wrote:Done and dusted VC got both tickets for me and my grandson just behind where we usually sit so well pleased good luck mate.
anyone else havig problems buying their Villa ticket? gone through it all and it comes up "pending".
alfucham
says...
1:40pm Thu 27 Dec 12
tyker2 wrote:Of course PP has already said he will not go on loan again so if they want to buy him (as is likely with his record at grimsby)and negotiations are underway it would be absolutely foolish to risk him getting injured.
the only reason Hannah did not play is that a deal has already been struck with eithe Luton or Grimsby.
Three months and he can go for nothing.
Too many arm chair managers on here.
You have a wealth of forwards and but for the cup run were back in the financial mire apparently so prudence in financial matters is always correct.
Take the money.
Bradfordians will have nowt left after this run
Victor Clayton
says...
3:39pm Thu 27 Dec 12
nowt fresh wrote:Cheers, eventually worked. come on city.
Victor Clayton wrote:Done and dusted VC got both tickets for me and my grandson just behind where we usually sit so well pleased good luck mate.
anyone else havig problems buying their Villa ticket? gone through it all and it comes up "pending".
nowt fresh
says...
4:10pm Thu 27 Dec 12
alfucham wrote:What do you mean "after this run" Wonga.com are well in to me already :-))
tyker2 wrote: the only reason Hannah did not play is that a deal has already been struck with eithe Luton or Grimsby.Of course PP has already said he will not go on loan again so if they want to buy him (as is likely with his record at grimsby)and negotiations are underway it would be absolutely foolish to risk him getting injured. Three months and he can go for nothing. Too many arm chair managers on here. You have a wealth of forwards and but for the cup run were back in the financial mire apparently so prudence in financial matters is always correct. Take the money. Bradfordians will have nowt left after this run
Only joking.
TirNaNog
says...
7:42pm Thu 27 Dec 12
PS Ross Hannah is not good enough for a team with League One ambitions.
nowt fresh
says...
9:14pm Thu 27 Dec 12
TirNaNog
says...
8:21pm Fri 28 Dec 12
nowt fresh
says...
8:44pm Fri 28 Dec 12
TirNaNog wrote:I'm sure youv'e played "armchair manager" at sometime in the past ? and if not you must be the only City fan who hasn't :-)).
Correct! It pays the bills and then some. How much per annum are they earning for their armchair punditry? ;-)
Victor Clayton
says...
10:10am Sat 29 Dec 12
TirNaNog wrote:what a silly post. you knock armchair managers and then in true armchair manager fashion go on to make a comment about Hannah . and as for the ticket system, I don't think you have ever used it .
Loving the armchair managers who apparently know all there is to know about football but have difficulty navigating their way through a simple ticket purchasing service.
PS Ross Hannah is not good enough for a team with League One ambitions.
nowt fresh
says...
11:14am Sat 29 Dec 12
Victor Clayton wrote:Got my Villa tickets through the post this morning..!! well doneBradford City.
nowt fresh wrote:Cheers, eventually worked. come on city.Victor Clayton wrote: anyone else havig problems buying their Villa ticket? gone through it all and it comes up "pending".Done and dusted VC got both tickets for me and my grandson just behind where we usually sit so well pleased good luck mate.
Bradford1903
says...
1:21pm Sat 29 Dec 12
Victor Clayton wrote:That's why you need your mate Hanson to win the physical battles, allowing the likes of Hines and Wells to play, and enjoy the fruits of his labours. I thought Hines had a decent game.
Bradford1903 wrote:if Wells is unfit and Connell not fancied for a start, then yes. I thought Hines was poor, didn't like the physical aspect of playing in the middle and he looked a lot more comfortable when he went wide. a win is a win and agree that the first half was good but improvment is needed.
Can we please stop this ridiculous debate about Hannah.
Are you going to start him above Hanson, Wells or Connell, all proven performers at this level; no of course you aren't.
And remind me who has come off the bench to score the winner in the last 2 home games?
Hines can play as a 2nd striker, and I thought he caused them some problems, to the extent that their centre half did a tackle that looked like it was aimed to take him out of the game.
We've also already got 2 strikers on the bench in Connell and Wells, so why would we want another on there.
Seems that some people will always find reasons to criticise even when we are doing well, and there are absolutely no grounds to do so.
I don't think it was a gamble to put Wells on the bench, considering we also had Connell on there; Thompson coud've also played up front, and he wouldn't have anticipated Hines going off so soon in any case.
Let's also not forget that it was Wells' skill that caused the defender to make the challenge that led to their 2nd booking.
So Parky's 1st sub, Wells drew the challenge that led to their guy being sent off, the 2nd, Connell scored the winner, and his 3rd, Reid created the goal.
Let's actually praise him for making changes that went a long way to us winning the game, instead of finding non existent reasons to criticise.

lozkel says...
11:55am Wed 26 Dec 12