Live Blog: Bantams v Torquay (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
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Live Blog: Bantams v Torquay
1:15pm Saturday 8th December 2012 in Bantams
By Ross Heppenstall, Bradford Bulls Reporter
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4:58pm
Bradford City 1, Torquay United 0
Alan Connell was the second-half hero for City after climbing off the bench to finally break the stubborn resistance of 10-man Torquay with a brilliant winner.
The striker, an 80th-minute replacement for Carl McHugh, struck five minutes later with a sumptuous right-foot strike which flew into the net from 20 yards out.
The goal was created by the outstanding Nahki Wells and was just reward for City’s dominance on a largely frustrating afternoon.
Phil Parkinson’s men enjoyed a numerical advantage for 55 minutes after visiting captain Brian Saah was sent off for an off-the-ball challenge on James Meredith.
Torquay hit the post moments later when substitute Niall Thompson curled a 20-yard shot against the post but it was City who went on to dominate the game before Connell finally made it pay.
During the first half, James Hanson saw a header rebound off the crossbar and was then denied a penalty on the stroke of half-time after being hauled down by Aaron Downes.
Wells, who was a constant menace throughout, then saw a shot deflected onto the post by Torquay goalkeeper Michael Poke midway through the second half.
City fashioned numerous other half-chances but looked set to be left frustrated until Connell’s timely introduction.
The substitute’s strike gave the Bantams the win they craved ahead of Tuesday’s crunch Capital One Cup quarter-final with Arsenal.
“Bring on the Arsenal” was the chant from the Bantams faithful in the closing stages as Tuesday’s clash came into clear focus.
4:55pm
Hallelujah. Final score: City 1 Torquay 0.
4:53pm
"Bring on the Arsenal" is the chant from the City fans. Still 1-0.
4:50pm
Wells off, Naylor on... 2 mins left.
4:48pm
Nahki Wells, who created Connell's opener, then forces another fine save from Poke with a 20-yard shot.
4:46pm
GOAL!! Alan Connell scores a brilliant 20-yard right-foot shot!!!
4:43pm
Connell duly curls a shot wide from 20 yards.
4:42pm
City still pressing hard and Alan Connell is introduced at the expense of Carl McHugh. Less than 10 minutes remaining.
4:34pm
#BradfordCity were trending today, apparently. Shame we're expelled from FA Cup, we were on for 3 trophies and promotion this season! #CTID
— @EmmaLev_trav 07 December 2012
4:33pm
#Bradfordcity you won't win your appeal. Just ask Yorkshire CCC. Rafiq was only an administrative error but still kicked us out of T20 cup.
— @JJ_Ship 07 December 2012
4:31pm
70 - Poke tips a shot from Wells onto the post.
4:29pm
67mins - Atkinson slips in Wells, who beats another Torquay defender but sees his shot saved by Poke's legs.
4:27pm
66 mins - Nathan Doyle fires a left-footed shot straight at Michael Poke from 20 yards.
4:26pm
Brilliant piece of skill by Wells to outfox a Torquay defender and send in a low cross which is cleared.
4:23pm
62 - Blair Turgott on for Garry Thompson...
4:20pm
@RHannah10 scores again #bcafc
— @city__gent 08 December 2012
4:20pm
#tufc start as they ended, dirty and fouling. Probably mug us late on to boot. #bcafc
— @Ianhirst666 08 December 2012
4:11pm
50 - Wells cross from the left met by Thompson, whose shot is deflected out for a corner.
4:08pm
Nahki Wells having treatment after being hacked down. Now on his feet to warm applause.
4:07pm
Attendance: 9,347
3:50pm
City appeal for a penalty after James Hanson is apparently hauled down by Aaron Downes. The two men debate matters as they walk off at the end of the first half.
3:48pm
Three minutes of first-half added time. Garry Thompson heads over a cross from Gary Jones.
3:48pm
43 - Garry Thompson shot saved by Michael Poke.
3:44pm
42 - Wells picks out Hanson at the far post and the big striker heads against the crossbar. Closest City have come.
3:43pm
42 Low cross from Stephen Darby, James Hanson scuffs a low shot into Michael Poke's midriff.
3:40pm
38 - Atkinson cross, Thompson flashes a header wide.
3:39pm
Torquay sub Niall Thompson hits the post from 25 yards!
3:38pm
Momentum now clearly with City against Torquay's 10 men. But can they make it pay?
3:38pm
Torquay skipper Brian Saah sent off for an off-the-ball challenge on James Meredith, who is fit to play on after brief treatment.
3:35pm
Will Atkinson shot deflected out for a corner, which Gary Jones delivers and Rory McArdle heads over.
3:32pm
Gary Jones free-kick blocked, likewise with Nathan Doyle's follow-up.
3:31pm
Aaron Downes heads over the bar from inside the six-yard box from Nathan Craig's right-wing inswinging corner.
3:25pm
Nahki Wells runs at the visiting defence before blazing over from the edge of the 18-yard box.
3:24pm
22 mins - Gary Jones free-kick headed back by James Hanson amid home appeals for handball. The ball falls to Garry Thompson, who hooks it over the bar.
3:21pm
19 mins - Garry Thompson headed down a deep cross into the path of James Hanson, who fires straight at Michael Poke under pressure.
3:19pm
Low cross from Torquay's Daniel Leadbitter cleared for a corner.
3:15pm
Gary Jones and Nathan Doyle looking solid in the middle of the park. City still looking for a breakthrough.
3:14pm
Gary Jones hits one from 25 yards, deflected out for a corner.
3:11pm
Referee Darren Bond has changed his jersey colour to green. Phil Parkinson told to stay calm after contesting a free-kick which went against City.
3:09pm
Nahki Wells almost engineers his way through the Torquay defence before Torquay skipper Brian Saah does well to clear the danger.
3:08pm
After that early save from Poke, Torquay have gradually established a foothold on proceedings.
3:05pm
02 - Great move by City sees James Meredith and Nahki Wells combined for Hanson to head goalwards, only for Torquay goalkeeper Michael Poke to make a fine tip-over save.
3:02pm
City kick-off towards the TL Dallas Stand during the first half....
2:26pm
Torquay starting line-up: Poke, Nicholson, Downes, Saah, Jarvis, Howe, Leadbitter, Bodin, Easton, Stevens, Craig
Torquay subs: Rice (GK), Lathrope, MacDonald, Halpin, Cruise, Yeoman, Thompson
2:25pm
Phil Parkinson made eight changes to his starting line-up for today's League Two encounter at home to promotion rivals Torquay United.
Goalkeeper Matt Duke was recalled along with James Meredith, James Hanson, Will Atkinson, Gary Jones, Nahki Wells, Rory McArdle and Nathan Doyle.
That meant Jon McLaughlin was forced to make do with a place on the bench along with Ricky Ravenhill, Ritchie Jones, Craig Forsyth, Alan Connell, Tom Naylor and Blair Turgott.
There was no place for on-loan Newcastle defender Curtis Good among the substitutes despite impressive display in Tuesday's win at Port Vale in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
City line-up: Duke, Darby, McHugh, McArdle, Meredith, Thompson, G Jones, Atkinson, Doyle, Hanson, Wells
Subs: McLaughlin (GK), Ravenhill, R Jones, Forsyth, Connell, Naylor, Turgott.
1:17pm
Hines and Reid currently on VP pitch doing fitness drills #bcafc
— @WYSDaily 08 December 2012
1:17pm
Looking forward to watching the new bad boys of English football this afternoon #bcafc
— @alexbrowne83 08 December 2012
1:16pm
Feeling a big win today with big James bagging a brace! #bcafc
— @JonnySmith94 08 December 2012
Comments(24)
340stopper
says...
5:01pm Sat 8 Dec 12
tyker2
says...
5:03pm Sat 8 Dec 12
Bantam76
says...
5:11pm Sat 8 Dec 12
Bantam76
says...
9:47pm Sat 8 Dec 12
"FOOTBALL played a cruel joke on United at Bradford City on Saturday, as the home side snatched a late victory against ten brave Yellow soldiers at Valley Parade.
The Gulls were competing nicely when captain Brian Saah was shown a straight red card on 35 minutes after what appeared to be an innocuous collision with James Meredith.
United subsequently defended like heroes for more than an hour but a valuable point was taken away by substitute Alan Connell spearing a fine volley past the outstanding Michael Poke with just six minutes remaining."
I don't think the author saw what we saw, as neither did the ref - it shouldn't have even been a freekick to Torquay in the first place, but the incident happened well after the ref had blown his whistle, and it was a clear and unnecessary elbow on Meredith! Well done to the assistant referee on our left flank, who'd missed a couple of obvious off-sides prior to that, because he wasn't keeping up with play! He'd redeemed himself, slightly!! :-)
Victor Clayton
says...
10:13pm Sat 8 Dec 12
Bantam76 wrote:what about the penalty shout for Hanson at the end of the first half. did the ref bottle it?
Torquay United's official website:
"FOOTBALL played a cruel joke on United at Bradford City on Saturday, as the home side snatched a late victory against ten brave Yellow soldiers at Valley Parade.
The Gulls were competing nicely when captain Brian Saah was shown a straight red card on 35 minutes after what appeared to be an innocuous collision with James Meredith.
United subsequently defended like heroes for more than an hour but a valuable point was taken away by substitute Alan Connell spearing a fine volley past the outstanding Michael Poke with just six minutes remaining."
I don't think the author saw what we saw, as neither did the ref - it shouldn't have even been a freekick to Torquay in the first place, but the incident happened well after the ref had blown his whistle, and it was a clear and unnecessary elbow on Meredith! Well done to the assistant referee on our left flank, who'd missed a couple of obvious off-sides prior to that, because he wasn't keeping up with play! He'd redeemed himself, slightly!! :-)
Bradford1903
says...
11:12pm Sat 8 Dec 12
I suppose when you get a major decision going your way, you rarely get another.
After a succession of near misses, I think it was always going to be something out of the ordinary to break the deadlock, and what a great strike it was from Connell.
Was surprised that Torquay kept 2 up front after the sending off, as with no wide players, there was always a natural out ball to our full backs to build attacks from, but unfortunately the crossing was poor and we weren't fully able to exploit this.
Thought Doyle had an excellent game though, a sign of a good player is that they always have time on the ball, and he is always looking to bring the ball down in tight areas and play.
A good win though, but we still need to be more clinical as Torquay nearly pinched an undeserved point.
Bantam76
says...
11:54pm Sat 8 Dec 12
Victor Clayton wrote:It was a definite penalty - the standard of refereeing in this division is awful to say the least, we had better refs in the Harrogate League on Saturday afternoons!
Bantam76 wrote:what about the penalty shout for Hanson at the end of the first half. did the ref bottle it?
Torquay United's official website:
"FOOTBALL played a cruel joke on United at Bradford City on Saturday, as the home side snatched a late victory against ten brave Yellow soldiers at Valley Parade.
The Gulls were competing nicely when captain Brian Saah was shown a straight red card on 35 minutes after what appeared to be an innocuous collision with James Meredith.
United subsequently defended like heroes for more than an hour but a valuable point was taken away by substitute Alan Connell spearing a fine volley past the outstanding Michael Poke with just six minutes remaining."
I don't think the author saw what we saw, as neither did the ref - it shouldn't have even been a freekick to Torquay in the first place, but the incident happened well after the ref had blown his whistle, and it was a clear and unnecessary elbow on Meredith! Well done to the assistant referee on our left flank, who'd missed a couple of obvious off-sides prior to that, because he wasn't keeping up with play! He'd redeemed himself, slightly!! :-)
The goal seemed to be always coming -but they were so stubborn in defending, and lucky. It can be really difficult to play against ten men.
I can't believe they kept booing Meredith after the sending off - obviously countered by our fans cheering. It happened right in front of them, they really can have no complaints!
Bantam76
says...
11:59pm Sat 8 Dec 12
Bradford1903 wrote:Totally agree with you - thought it was going to end goalless. Wells had some great chances but there were also a good few occasions when he should have passed but he's a typical striker, wants to have a pop!
I thought the goal was never going to come, due to a combination of Torquay riding their luck and our poor finishing. Hanson in particular should've buried his header just before the break, but it also looked a blatant penalty on him.
I suppose when you get a major decision going your way, you rarely get another.
After a succession of near misses, I think it was always going to be something out of the ordinary to break the deadlock, and what a great strike it was from Connell.
Was surprised that Torquay kept 2 up front after the sending off, as with no wide players, there was always a natural out ball to our full backs to build attacks from, but unfortunately the crossing was poor and we weren't fully able to exploit this.
Thought Doyle had an excellent game though, a sign of a good player is that they always have time on the ball, and he is always looking to bring the ball down in tight areas and play.
A good win though, but we still need to be more clinical as Torquay nearly pinched an undeserved point.
Superb strike from Connell, it was the first time the ball fell for us in their third of the field. I also thought their keeper pulled off some outstanding saves, was definitely their man of the match. Doyle and Jones bossed the centre of the park, even before the red card. Jones's deliveries from set plays was disappointing, but the whole attitude of the team was excellent from start to finish - PP should be proud of them, I am! CTID
nowt fresh
says...
9:20am Sun 9 Dec 12
Bantam76 wrote:If Torquay feel so badly done by they can appeal, just seen it on FLS and it was a blatent elbow good on the lines man as the ref was poor again,but it all came good in the end 3 more points on the board,very good 90 minutes yesterday.
Torquay United's official website: "FOOTBALL played a cruel joke on United at Bradford City on Saturday, as the home side snatched a late victory against ten brave Yellow soldiers at Valley Parade. The Gulls were competing nicely when captain Brian Saah was shown a straight red card on 35 minutes after what appeared to be an innocuous collision with James Meredith. United subsequently defended like heroes for more than an hour but a valuable point was taken away by substitute Alan Connell spearing a fine volley past the outstanding Michael Poke with just six minutes remaining." I don't think the author saw what we saw, as neither did the ref - it shouldn't have even been a freekick to Torquay in the first place, but the incident happened well after the ref had blown his whistle, and it was a clear and unnecessary elbow on Meredith! Well done to the assistant referee on our left flank, who'd missed a couple of obvious off-sides prior to that, because he wasn't keeping up with play! He'd redeemed himself, slightly!! :-)
saundersbradford
says...
10:02am Sun 9 Dec 12
tyker2
says...
10:43am Sun 9 Dec 12
COLATS
says...
10:56am Sun 9 Dec 12
Victor Clayton
says...
12:28pm Sun 9 Dec 12
Down South
says...
12:55pm Sun 9 Dec 12
nowt fresh
says...
1:32pm Sun 9 Dec 12
Down South wrote:Is this the same ref who came onto the pitch in "BLACK" along with his two linesmen, everyone in the ground commented about it..!! but until Phil Parkinson pointed it out to him he would have carried on,even his linesmen did not change untill half time,so thats something else the ref never saw ??.
First home game of the season yesterday - went to wins at Oxford & Aldershot. Got to say I thought we were excellent throughout and could have won easier. Of course the sending off made it a different game to what it might have been, but that's part of the game and there is no question over the red card. I'm sure the Torquay author will have changed his mind having now seen the challenge on TV. And Torquay did defend heroically with their keeper being excellent. As for the person who criticised the ref, what game were you watching? The ref was excellent I thought. There was a question over the possible penalty but it seemed he fell and Hanson fell over him, if he had hold of him then yes it was a penalty. Even if it was a penalty, then it was one bad decision in 95 minutes - just because it was against us doesn't make him a bad ref.
Bantambhoy
says...
4:37pm Sun 9 Dec 12
Down South
says...
8:44pm Sun 9 Dec 12
nowt fresh wrote:Yes that was him - well spotted. He was the one with the whistle if that helps you.
Down South wrote:Is this the same ref who came onto the pitch in "BLACK" along with his two linesmen, everyone in the ground commented about it..!! but until Phil Parkinson pointed it out to him he would have carried on,even his linesmen did not change untill half time,so thats something else the ref never saw ??.
First home game of the season yesterday - went to wins at Oxford & Aldershot. Got to say I thought we were excellent throughout and could have won easier. Of course the sending off made it a different game to what it might have been, but that's part of the game and there is no question over the red card. I'm sure the Torquay author will have changed his mind having now seen the challenge on TV. And Torquay did defend heroically with their keeper being excellent. As for the person who criticised the ref, what game were you watching? The ref was excellent I thought. There was a question over the possible penalty but it seemed he fell and Hanson fell over him, if he had hold of him then yes it was a penalty. Even if it was a penalty, then it was one bad decision in 95 minutes - just because it was against us doesn't make him a bad ref.
nowt fresh
says...
10:18pm Sun 9 Dec 12
Down South wrote:Your'e the one who said he had a good game,sorry excellent were your exact words, just pointing out he could not even get his and his fellow officials dress code right and it went down hill from there..!! didn't see the elbow,good job his linesman was looking at the incident "after the ref had blown for a foul for Torquay",sarcasm realy is the lowest form of wit.
nowt fresh wrote:Yes that was him - well spotted. He was the one with the whistle if that helps you.Down South wrote: First home game of the season yesterday - went to wins at Oxford & Aldershot. Got to say I thought we were excellent throughout and could have won easier. Of course the sending off made it a different game to what it might have been, but that's part of the game and there is no question over the red card. I'm sure the Torquay author will have changed his mind having now seen the challenge on TV. And Torquay did defend heroically with their keeper being excellent. As for the person who criticised the ref, what game were you watching? The ref was excellent I thought. There was a question over the possible penalty but it seemed he fell and Hanson fell over him, if he had hold of him then yes it was a penalty. Even if it was a penalty, then it was one bad decision in 95 minutes - just because it was against us doesn't make him a bad ref.Is this the same ref who came onto the pitch in "BLACK" along with his two linesmen, everyone in the ground commented about it..!! but until Phil Parkinson pointed it out to him he would have carried on,even his linesmen did not change untill half time,so thats something else the ref never saw ??.
Down South
says...
10:55pm Sun 9 Dec 12
Waynus1971
says...
11:28pm Sun 9 Dec 12
Down South wrote:So you agree with the decision to award them a free-kick, leading up to the elbow incident? Atkinson tried to dribble through, their lad stuck out a leg at Atko fell over. Fair enough, I suppose, but then gives them a free-kick for what?
So you think the referee should be able to see everything everywhere at all times. If he could do that he wouldnt need the linesmen. I dont think any of the City players saw it cos there were no great complaints. The referee got the decision right & it was in our favour& you still complain. As for the shirt, he accepted it was a problem - good ref to accept advice.
He made a few poor decisions, culminating in Hanson CLEARLY getting dragged to ground and we didn't get the decision
Down South
says...
12:01am Mon 10 Dec 12
Waynus1971
says...
11:52am Tue 11 Dec 12
Down South wrote:I'm not going to villify him either, however, I just wanted to put some perspective on your original comment, "The ref was excellent I thought"....!
Im not going to villify the ref for a free kick in a game of 95mins. The pen looked a clear pen to me but my dad thought it was a stumble. I havent seen the CLEAR view you had. You can go on complaining about the ref if you like but my point is if you complain about him youre going to be complaining an awful lot.
He may not have been the worse ref we have seen and I do applaud some of the decisions he made. However, he made some fundamental mistakes too, so I wouldn't deem him as 'excellent'.
nowt fresh
says...
12:35pm Tue 11 Dec 12
Waynus1971 wrote:Don't know where Down South get's this "Vilifying the ref" from just viewed the above posts and no one has vilified the ref,my comment was "the ref was poor again" then commented he could not even get his and his fellow officials strip right until it was pointed out by Parkyand missed the elbow,he says " There was a question over the possible penalty but it seemed he fell and Hanson fell over him" then in answer to you says "The pen looked a clear pen to me but my dad thought it was a stumble" funny old game football we all see it different as we have done in the past and possibly will do in the future
Down South wrote: Im not going to villify the ref for a free kick in a game of 95mins. The pen looked a clear pen to me but my dad thought it was a stumble. I havent seen the CLEAR view you had. You can go on complaining about the ref if you like but my point is if you complain about him youre going to be complaining an awful lot.I'm not going to villify him either, however, I just wanted to put some perspective on your original comment, "The ref was excellent I thought"....! He may not have been the worse ref we have seen and I do applaud some of the decisions he made. However, he made some fundamental mistakes too, so I wouldn't deem him as 'excellent'.
birdie says...
2:00pm Sat 8 Dec 12