Oxford United 0 Bradford City 2 (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Oxford United 0 Bradford City 2
4:54pm Saturday 22nd September 2012 in Sport
By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter
City’s first away win of the season made it three in a week for Phil Parkinson’s bubbling Bantams.
Two second-half goals from corners from Andrew Davies – his third of the season – and Nahki Wells clinched a comfortable three points at out-of-sorts Oxford.
The home side were consigned to their fifth straight defeat but that was no concern to City and the 393 travelling fans.
City looked confident in the opening stages and had the first shot of the game after 15 minutes when Kyel Reid blazed wide from 25 yards.
Home keeper Ryan Clarke got himself into trouble when he chased a long ball from James Meredith. Wells got there ahead of him, leaving Clarke in no man’s land, but the angle proved too tight for the Bermudian and the keeper recovered to make a save.
Tony Capaldi, a left back playing in midfield, fired Oxford’s first effort harmlessly off target but City seemed to lose their spark as the first half went on. It was a flat game with little going on at either end.
James Hanson headed off target and was booked right on half-time for a challenge on Michael Raynes.
But City picked it up straight from the restart and were soon in front.
Gary Jones had a free-kick saved and then Kyel Reid’s drive through a crowd of players was turned behind by Clarke. But from the corner, Jones picked out Davies who rose to head home.
City almost had a quickfire second as Reid picked out Atkinson whose angled header just beat the post.
James Constable fired over the bar when the visitors were briefly down to ten men after Luke Oliver received treatment.
But City tightened their grip by pouncing from another Jones corner. Rory McArdle flicked on at the near post and Wells diverted it in from a couple of yards.
Jon McLaughlin prevented a Morecambe-style immediate riposte by beating away Peter Leven’s free-kick.
And it should have been 3-0 when sub Garry Thompson released Atkinson. With Hanson waiting for a tap-in, the midfielder went alone and his shot was blocked, Jones firing the rebound into the car park.
Leven bent another free-kick over before Hanson headed wide as City maintained their control to see out the game.
Oxford were booed off at the end as City milked another impressive result in front of their supporters.
Comments(61)
thebrownsauceman
says...
5:08pm Sat 22 Sep 12
yorkiebantam
says...
5:28pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Don't know what saddo the deadbeat Shaun will find to say about this result.
We are seriously looking like promotion contenders now keep it up City!!
CTID.
huggy b
says...
5:31pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Freddy
says...
5:37pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Well played City!!!. Also Well Played the 393 Bradford Army of travelling fans!!!.
*
Another positive, confident display, from a Squad constantly gaining in confidence. It is going to be very interesting just WHO Plays on Tuesday, against an improving Burton Side, that held Torquay to 1-1 today with a n 89 th minute from Zola !?.
*
I am looking forward to another long journey up on Tuesday. Perhaps my Ticket Stub--(Flexi-Stub?) could prove useful, if City can win this match in the CoC ? Dug-Out boy's incentive point for this match could create a big attendance?.
*
Dugoutboy
says...
5:41pm Sat 22 Sep 12
ALEXIMO.56.
says...
5:55pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Victor Clayton
says...
5:55pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Prisoner Cell Block A
says...
6:02pm Sat 22 Sep 12
ricky76
says...
6:02pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Victor Clayton
says...
6:08pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:its sounded like JH almost played in midfield, and then dashing forward to attack
Surprised me we did go 4-4-2 but very happy we did and came away with all 3. Much prefer us to do this, or try to, than contain and try nick one. Hopefully PP will have confidence in the players now they have done this and not conceded. Long may it continue.
ID498
says...
6:22pm Sat 22 Sep 12
bahamianbantam
says...
6:24pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Maybe us pessimists like Shaun will be happy to eat our words about PP.
Only 34 points to safety!
Gillingham were a really good side - lets just hope they will have a blip and we can put together a 22 points out of 24 run. Interesting to see if Ravenhill gets a sniff. See Hannah scored last night. What riches!
usher dave
says...
6:28pm Sat 22 Sep 12
shaun from richmond
says...
6:34pm Sat 22 Sep 12
ricky76 wrote:Hi Ricky....Im in Oxford tonight!!.
shaun where are you sorry its very quite in Richmond tonight
You should try a bit of away support Ricky......YOU MIGHT LIKE IT!!.
Great game......Only one team in it...Oxford are beyond BAD!!.....City could have got 6 or 7 today....
On my way out for a meal and a few shandys.........LOVE IT!!
Bcafc season ticket holder
says...
6:47pm Sat 22 Sep 12
theoutsider
says...
7:00pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Pablo
says...
7:03pm Sat 22 Sep 12
The Board have really supported PP with the quality of the squad he's been allowed to assemble. Let's now see some of the stay away fans returning to VP to make match days a real occasion and repay the Board's faith in the manager.
olijack09
says...
7:35pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Onebrianmitchell
says...
7:40pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Pablo wrote:I hope Armley wasn't too harsh for you Pablo! Ha ha.
I've been away for a couple of weeks and am delighted at the start we've made.
The Board have really supported PP with the quality of the squad he's been allowed to assemble. Let's now see some of the stay away fans returning to VP to make match days a real occasion and repay the Board's faith in the manager.
City looking very good at the moment.
Luck and lack of injuries and we are going up.
Come on City.
Pablo
says...
7:50pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Onebrianmitchell wrote:...no Rampton!
Pablo wrote:I hope Armley wasn't too harsh for you Pablo! Ha ha.
I've been away for a couple of weeks and am delighted at the start we've made.
The Board have really supported PP with the quality of the squad he's been allowed to assemble. Let's now see some of the stay away fans returning to VP to make match days a real occasion and repay the Board's faith in the manager.
City looking very good at the moment.
Luck and lack of injuries and we are going up.
Come on City.
I got out due to good behaviour and a promise that I'd stop moaning!
skipton fan
says...
8:08pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Over to you Shaun.
skipton fan
says...
8:17pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Over to you Shaun.
Go Torps! Yer flying.
says...
9:05pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Dead good!!!!!!!
Keep it up PP and the boys. CTID.
bcfc1903
says...
9:06pm Sat 22 Sep 12
doubledigiter
says...
9:15pm Sat 22 Sep 12
ricky76
says...
9:51pm Sat 22 Sep 12
shaun from richmond wrote:only 2nd game I have missed gills away as on stag do next question Rochdale tues 2nd oct will be there as per usual ctid
ricky76 wrote:Hi Ricky....Im in Oxford tonight!!.
shaun where are you sorry its very quite in Richmond tonight
You should try a bit of away support Ricky......YOU MIGHT LIKE IT!!.
Great game......Only one team in it...Oxford are beyond BAD!!.....City could have got 6 or 7 today....
On my way out for a meal and a few shandys.........LOVE IT!!
shoesman1
says...
10:19pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Cityman23
says...
10:29pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Of course it's only natural to start thinking in terms of 'play-offs' or even automatic promotions, but we do still need to keep our feet on the ground, being only three weeks into the second month of the season. There's going to be injuries, suspensions and who knows what before May 2013. But for now..so far so good!!
Oxford, however, are NOT the force that we maybe thought them to be, as their own fans perhaps have discovered to their dismay. According to the radio commentary they never really threatened Bradford with barely a shot in anger. So they don't sound like a Gillingham, a Morecambe or even Fleetwood! (despite City's part in keeping them quiet!) And of course, there's bound to be one or two other 'dark horses' which will emerge in due course.
For now, we can be pleased we have:
a) some excellent team personel
b) excellent team spirit
c) a better defence than last season
d) an attack that can bring lots of goals
e) players who like a genuine 'team'
For now, whatever happens this is a pretty good 'place to be.'
Cityman23
says...
10:32pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Birky Neil
says...
10:41pm Sat 22 Sep 12
doubledigiter wrote:We have played some poor teams? Maybe we have but what about fleetwood, Morecambe, notts county and Watford in the cup. If those games are not an indication we are doing ok then don't know what more you want lol. Even Accrington away was a tough one but we got a point and should of had it won by half time. Teams are fearing us now and that makes a change and a nice feeling.
Listened to the game today and even just listening it was quite easy to tell city were by far the better team and well deserved winners. So, so chuffed with both this and the start we have made to the season so far. Being a city fan however means you're always fearing the worst and waiting for the buuble to burst. I also keep asking myself have we really been as excellent as I think we have been or have we had an element of luck along the way in the fact we have played some quite poor teams such as Wimbledon and Barnet at home and an Oxford side today whose confidence is obviously shot? I'm sure that a huge element of those wins was that City were as excellent as I think they were - I just hope I'm right and we continue in the same way against whoever we play for the rest of the season. If we're still in the top 7 after 23 games I'll begin to feel much more confident - for now i shall remain cautious albeit very happy too! :)
Sandy lane bantam
says...
10:44pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Would like to admit I was wrong about Atkinson. Been to most games this season and this guy is getting better with every game. Long may it continue.
Bradford1903
says...
11:09pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Let's keep our feet on the ground; continue to work as hard as the opposition, and hopefully our superior quality should shine through.
lonniejockstrap
says...
11:34pm Sat 22 Sep 12
W
ricky76
says...
11:39pm Sat 22 Sep 12
shaun from richmond wrote:Just a thought shaun I make 25% of away games maybe more depending on work see you at Rochdale maybe we can have a drink together to celebrate deadbeats work I will by first round to keep you happy
ricky76 wrote:Hi Ricky....Im in Oxford tonight!!.
shaun where are you sorry its very quite in Richmond tonight
You should try a bit of away support Ricky......YOU MIGHT LIKE IT!!.
Great game......Only one team in it...Oxford are beyond BAD!!.....City could have got 6 or 7 today....
On my way out for a meal and a few shandys.........LOVE IT!!
Rambo
says...
11:45pm Sat 22 Sep 12
Birky Neil wrote:Exactly - when you're 4th/5th in the table people can say any team below you are poor.
doubledigiter wrote:We have played some poor teams? Maybe we have but what about fleetwood, Morecambe, notts county and Watford in the cup. If those games are not an indication we are doing ok then don't know what more you want lol. Even Accrington away was a tough one but we got a point and should of had it won by half time. Teams are fearing us now and that makes a change and a nice feeling.
Listened to the game today and even just listening it was quite easy to tell city were by far the better team and well deserved winners. So, so chuffed with both this and the start we have made to the season so far. Being a city fan however means you're always fearing the worst and waiting for the buuble to burst. I also keep asking myself have we really been as excellent as I think we have been or have we had an element of luck along the way in the fact we have played some quite poor teams such as Wimbledon and Barnet at home and an Oxford side today whose confidence is obviously shot? I'm sure that a huge element of those wins was that City were as excellent as I think they were - I just hope I'm right and we continue in the same way against whoever we play for the rest of the season. If we're still in the top 7 after 23 games I'll begin to feel much more confident - for now i shall remain cautious albeit very happy too! :)
Fact is we're 4th after 8 games and we've played opponents from all over the table in that time. I don't think we've fluked any win and look well worth being in that position at this early stage.
Big test, huge next week against Port Vale. A draw wouldn't be a terrible result as we don't want them to start to pull away from us.
tyker2
says...
5:23am Sun 23 Sep 12
it seems that pp has instilled a
desire to win through hard work and we all know:the harder one works the lookier one becomes
Sandy lane bantam
says...
7:24am Sun 23 Sep 12
Gills are looking like the stand out team and yes we lost but by all accounts gave a good show.
Fleet wood have spent big, were expected to be up there and are. We beat them.
Wimbledon were poor but not many have thrashed them like we did.
Rothers we really didn't turn up.
Barnet were poor but took a point off Rotherham yesterday.
Morcambe that was their first loss away this season
Oxford are going through bad patch but are expected to challenge.
Add in 2 impressive away wins in the cup against higher league opposition and I don't think anyone can say this has been an easy start. Yet we are sat 4th with 8 games gone.
Port vale will be another test but playing like we are at home we can beat them.
Sandy lane bantam
says...
7:26am Sun 23 Sep 12
lozkel
says...
8:04am Sun 23 Sep 12
tyker2 wrote:actually we're joint second,hopefully we,ll still be there come may
we would be third but for goals scored.
it seems that pp has instilled a
desire to win through hard work and we all know:the harder one works the lookier one becomes
1 bingley bantam
says...
10:14am Sun 23 Sep 12
Prisoner Cell Block A
says...
10:33am Sun 23 Sep 12
Meat Pie
says...
11:08am Sun 23 Sep 12
I am starting to think that we may just be in for one great season.
Let's hope so!
CTID
audal
says...
11:22am Sun 23 Sep 12
Commonsensefirst
says...
11:51am Sun 23 Sep 12
settler07
says...
12:18pm Sun 23 Sep 12
audal wrote:Dont think so mate. Occasional berating of the ref but there's been full support for the team.
Questions that now need addressing are (a) do we make changes for the Burton match to accommodate squad players (b) try new play formations (c) rest certain players ??? baring in mind that winning becomes a wonderful habit and the fact that the board deserve a full house at V.P. against possible premiership clubs as well as we supporters do i say do not tinker and keep the momentum going
Anyway hope the positives mean you'll be at VP on saturday - your gardening can wait til sunday.
settler07
says...
12:19pm Sun 23 Sep 12
Commonsensefirst wrote:Dont think so mate. Occasional berating of the ref but there's been full support for the team.
What a difference from last week. A few days ago I was outside tending to my garden and all I could here was the distant home crowd chants at Valley Parade with that tell-tale 'Doo Dee, Doo, Dee, Do, Deeee.' The sound of "What a load of rubbish" filled the air, and was bouncing at me from the very roof tops. All that Bradford City FC have done since is win. One should guard against hypocrisy.
Anyway hope the positives mean you'll be at VP on saturday - your gardening can wait til sunday.
settler07
says...
12:20pm Sun 23 Sep 12
Commonsensefirst wrote:Oops meant to quote this one!
What a difference from last week. A few days ago I was outside tending to my garden and all I could here was the distant home crowd chants at Valley Parade with that tell-tale 'Doo Dee, Doo, Dee, Do, Deeee.' The sound of "What a load of rubbish" filled the air, and was bouncing at me from the very roof tops. All that Bradford City FC have done since is win. One should guard against hypocrisy.
Birky Neil
says...
1:09pm Sun 23 Sep 12
Commonsensefirst wrote:You should stop watching telly tubbies mate as really don't have a clue what your going on about. Your not a city fan that's for sure or u would of been there rather than being in your garden.
What a difference from last week. A few days ago I was outside tending to my garden and all I could here was the distant home crowd chants at Valley Parade with that tell-tale 'Doo Dee, Doo, Dee, Do, Deeee.' The sound of "What a load of rubbish" filled the air, and was bouncing at me from the very roof tops. All that Bradford City FC have done since is win. One should guard against hypocrisy.
Why post on here? You really that bored pal?
lonniejockstrap
says...
1:34pm Sun 23 Sep 12
Commonsensefirst wrote:TROLL ALERT!
What a difference from last week. A few days ago I was outside tending to my garden and all I could here was the distant home crowd chants at Valley Parade with that tell-tale 'Doo Dee, Doo, Dee, Do, Deeee.' The sound of "What a load of rubbish" filled the air, and was bouncing at me from the very roof tops. All that Bradford City FC have done since is win. One should guard against hypocrisy.
nowt fresh
says...
1:43pm Sun 23 Sep 12
Birky Neil wrote:Is he/she "Correctness" or "oddshapeballs" in disguise ?? both keeping a very low profile lately !! any one know why :-))
Commonsensefirst wrote: What a difference from last week. A few days ago I was outside tending to my garden and all I could here was the distant home crowd chants at Valley Parade with that tell-tale 'Doo Dee, Doo, Dee, Do, Deeee.' The sound of "What a load of rubbish" filled the air, and was bouncing at me from the very roof tops. All that Bradford City FC have done since is win. One should guard against hypocrisy.You should stop watching telly tubbies mate as really don't have a clue what your going on about. Your not a city fan that's for sure or u would of been there rather than being in your garden. Why post on here? You really that bored pal?
Banktop
says...
4:34pm Sun 23 Sep 12
COLATS
says...
4:55pm Sun 23 Sep 12
audal
says...
5:04pm Sun 23 Sep 12
HHITYKE
says...
5:06pm Sun 23 Sep 12
shoesman1 wrote:subscribe to the bantams player service. I get the games live in the USA through this service. If you have a smart phone you can use wifi anywhere to listen to the game unless you have a cheap digital plan. Otherwise listen at home over the net as I do.
well done city players pp and fans to,another great win to go with the others it sounds like the team are really hitting form now and long may it last to on another note i wish there was a live radio link that i could listen to some of the matches as living down south i can never get to hear the games hive tried pulse and bbc leeds to no avail , enyway good look city on tuesday for another great result come on city
Well done Bantams ! A good steady start to the season... put the Burton boys away and hopefully a home draw with the big boys to give the long suffering fans a treat. It may bring some new fans to the game that return through the season.
dannbradfc
says...
11:02pm Sun 23 Sep 12
Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:Agree totally and a very positive sign. Indeed it shows that Parky is beginning to trust this squad to beat teams with attacking intent.
Surprised me we did go 4-4-2 but very happy we did and came away with all 3. Much prefer us to do this, or try to, than contain and try nick one. Hopefully PP will have confidence in the players now they have done this and not conceded. Long may it continue.
I've argued for 442 for many seasons now and we definately have the two central players good enough to play it.
Smaller squad, which many of us also clamoured for as allowed us to buy better quality with the money saved.
It also allows for a better team spirit something me and waynus found ourselves in the ridiculous position of having to defend.
It means less tinkering and generally a more settled squad all round. In addition we can now utilise the loan system as it should have been and fill any gaps we may find as the season progresses.
A monkey of ouyr backs with the away win. despite it still been very early and remember we were 4th at christmas with Stu in charge, i feel that we are serious contenders.
The opposition i've seen us against have all been not as good as us albeit i haven't got away yet due to baby etc but feel we should be letting our better players take the game to the opposition.
The platform of good home form actually allows us to be positive away. Too often if you go to play tight and nick one you lose. Lose a game at home and then an away draw often isn't enough. I feel we can out-play the lesser teams and perhaps be tighter once we witness the how the league develops.
One thing that needs clearing up is Nahki's contract. If he were to jump ship at the transfer window it could upset things. I think he is a great asset and foil for Hanson especially.
Tremendous to at last see the table with genuine excitement......
dannbradfc
says...
11:52pm Sun 23 Sep 12
Pablo wrote:Its understandable and predictable that our crowds would fall. There as been a dirth of entertainment and the price of season tickets have sneaked up slightly. Fans will be suspicious of the start but i think that the Port Vale home game should be a good indication of the flexi card holders and friends. Both teams up there and best team league wise we've played at home thus far. Its commendable how many actually committed to this season considering the previous two seasons which were devoid of entertainment and results in the main......
I've been away for a couple of weeks and am delighted at the start we've made.
The Board have really supported PP with the quality of the squad he's been allowed to assemble. Let's now see some of the stay away fans returning to VP to make match days a real occasion and repay the Board's faith in the manager.
Banktop
says...
1:31am Mon 24 Sep 12
audal wrote:I can't. but i want more fr
Read my post Banktop then explain why fit athletes need a blooming rest after a handful of games.
om them. lol ctid
tyker2
says...
2:42am Mon 24 Sep 12
HHITYKE wrote:I am in Florida now and have been for a month:tell me how you do this
shoesman1 wrote:subscribe to the bantams player service. I get the games live in the USA through this service. If you have a smart phone you can use wifi anywhere to listen to the game unless you have a cheap digital plan. Otherwise listen at home over the net as I do.
well done city players pp and fans to,another great win to go with the others it sounds like the team are really hitting form now and long may it last to on another note i wish there was a live radio link that i could listen to some of the matches as living down south i can never get to hear the games hive tried pulse and bbc leeds to no avail , enyway good look city on tuesday for another great result come on city
Well done Bantams ! A good steady start to the season... put the Burton boys away and hopefully a home draw with the big boys to give the long suffering fans a treat. It may bring some new fans to the game that return through the season.
Waynus1971
says...
8:48am Mon 24 Sep 12
Commonsensefirst wrote:This is clearly 'correctness' in his new guise. Stay clear of the troll, (in name and probably in looks too).
What a difference from last week. A few days ago I was outside tending to my garden and all I could here was the distant home crowd chants at Valley Parade with that tell-tale 'Doo Dee, Doo, Dee, Do, Deeee.' The sound of "What a load of rubbish" filled the air, and was bouncing at me from the very roof tops. All that Bradford City FC have done since is win. One should guard against hypocrisy.
He knows the chants he claims he heard, were probably directed at the ref, as we have won all 4 games at VP this seas
Whoisevans?
says...
7:28pm Mon 24 Sep 12
Bantam76 says...
5:00pm Sat 22 Sep 12