Bradford City's quest to beat the best (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

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Bradford City: Not even European giants can keep up with in-form Torquay

7:00am Friday 17th February 2012 in Bantams By Simon Parker

Torquay haven’t conceded a goal at Plainmoor (pictured) in three months

Phil Parkinson is plotting the downfall of the team that can rightly call themselves the best in the country.

Torquay are the only side in the four divisions to have won all their games in 2012.

Their sizzling form even outstrips the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Torquay have taken 41 points from a possible 48 since the end of October to shoot up from 18th to third – and now only trail leaders Southend by goal difference.

And they have not conceded at home since November 19 – more than nine hours of football.

Ironically, the last visiting player to net at Plainmoor will be back again tomorrow in City colours. Will Atkinson bagged a consolation during his loan spell with Plymouth. Since then, Torquay have proved impenetrable on Devon soil, with six successive clean sheets.

Parkinson admitted: “That’s incredible. They’ve had a fantastic run.

“Fair play to Torquay because they haven’t really changed the personnel too much since we beat them (in October).

“But they have got that momentum going and are working very hard for each other.

“From all the reports, that’s been the main thing for them as well as having a bit of football ability in there as well. So we’ll have to match that.”

The Gulls chalked up their seventh straight win at promotion rivals Cheltenham on Tuesday. They last dropped a point on New Year’s Eve in a goalless draw against Oxford.

Deane Smalley played 26 minutes that day before going off with an ankle injury. He could get the nod to lead City’s line tomorrow with James Hanson sidelined.

David Syers could also return after missing out in midweek and Rob Kozluk is free from suspension.

Parkinson added: “It’s a great challenge for us and we’ve got to pick a team that’s fit to do the job and one that’s prepared to take responsibility.

“Torquay score goals from set-plays and we know that’s a danger they possess. We will have to be at our best.

“But we’ve shown when we’re at our best that we can get results against anybody.”

Syers trained yesterday after recovering from his back problem and Parkinson may be tempted to put him in the squad. He said: “Dave was in hospital in Harrogate on Monday night but sometimes those injuries can go as quickly as they come.

“It eased off enough for him to join in with us on the training ground. We’ll have a look at him but there’s a long journey ahead to consider.

“He’s an important player for us because of his goal threat.”

Skipper Michael Flynn was an unused sub in the Vale game and is desperate to play again. But Parkin-son is wary of throwing in too many who are short of match practice.

“There were so many players in that starting 11 who hadn’t played for so long and you could see that.

“But a lot of them came on from playing that which is going to be important.

“I was quite philosophical about it when I woke up the next day. It was a good point.”

Despite City’s poor away form, Flynn feels they are capable of springing a surprise against Martin Ling’s high-flying Gulls.

He said: “We are in a no lose situation so let’s go there and upset the apple cart.

“There are players in our club who I wouldn’t swap for the Torquay team.

“I know we’re good enough. It’s just a case of putting it all together and giving them a really tough game.

“Tuesday night was a good sign. How often have we had games like that when it’s just frittered away?

“We’ve got to go there and believe we can do it.”

City have arranged a private friendly at Chesterfield on Tuesday to give some of the undercooked squad members more match practice.

Comments(14)

fatbloke says...
8:45am Fri 17 Feb 12

Number 5 coming up for Torquay it is then.

PP's plot; lets make life as easy as we can for our defenders and lets make our wingers mark their strikers leaving Davies and Oliver free to win everything...

Is this why Reid has looked so crap and Davies and Oliver so good???

On another matter, I hear Fagan doesn't have a clause to trigger a contract after 20 games, I hear he didn't take to kindly to being dropped and had too much to say, makes sense!