- Mobile site
- E-Newsletters
-
- News feed
- Find us on Twitter
@Bradford_TandA
All the latest news and views from the T&A
@tandasport
All the latest sport from the T&A
@TandABusiness
Latest business headlines from the T&A
- Find us on Facebook
The Telegraph & Argus
Like us on Facebook
Bradford City 0 Port Vale 1 (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)
Get involved: send your pictures, video, news and views by texting TANEWS to 80360, or email
Bradford City 0 Port Vale 1
4:57pm Saturday 29th September 2012 in Bantams
By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter
City suffered their first home defeat of the season this afternoon against promotion rivals Port Vale.
Tom Pope’s ninth goal of the campaign – following a rare blunder by Gary Jones – proved the difference in an entertaining game.
Nahki Wells nearly celebrated his new contract with an instant goal after 20 seconds but Chris Neal blocked with his legs. Then James Hanson headed into the side-netting from the corner.
It was a start as bright as Vale’s away kit and Clayton McDonald just managed to recover in time after his slip almost let in Wells.
Hanson then wasted a great chance after 16 minutes. Nathan Doyle’s blast from outside the box cannoned off a defender into his path but the striker missed the target.
Another Hanson header was saved but the Bantams continued to play with pace and tempo. Vale were certainly the best side to visit Valley Parade but they remained under the cosh as Richard Duffy made successive blocks from both City strikers.
City also had a huge shout for hand ball waved away from right under the assistant’s nose.
But it was Vale who seized the lead eight minutes before half-time after a blunder by Jones. The skipper’s header back towards Jon McLaughlin fell well short and Pope intercepted to finish confidently.
McLaughlin then hung on to Pope’s header from a corner just before the end of an enthralling first half.
The City keeper made two more key saves soon after the break from wingers Jennison Myrie-Williams and Ashley Vincent.
City still pushed for a way back but there was a ragged edge to their play with promising build-ups let down by a poor final pass.
Nathan Doyle went close 12 minutes from time when his goal-bound drive was blocked in the six-yard box by McDonald.
And City were twice thwarted by Neal in stoppage time. He tipped over a Wells shot before clinging on to Hanson’s header from the corner.
Comments(55)
militarybantam
says...
5:37pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Onwards and upwards and bring on Rochdale! CTID
Crags
says...
5:52pm Sat 29 Sep 12
ALEXIMO.56.
says...
6:13pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Farsley Bantam
says...
6:19pm Sat 29 Sep 12
We played well but we didn't have many clear cut chances, but neither did they. From their fans reaction it was a big win for them but its not the end of the world for us.
Period Drama
says...
6:28pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Oh well, massive game for us now Tuesday, a large vocal away support from the 1st minute and let's help em get the 3 points.
Cityman23
says...
6:42pm Sat 29 Sep 12
In the first half it was pretty even, with Hanson notably just missing theinside of the near post with a header, bt nortunately their top prdator, Pope scoing with his chance.
Second half became a battle of attritionwith Vale determined t defend their lead and look to a breakaway to clinch a winning 2-0 margin.
City became the more creative side after the break but thei opponents DID defed well and showedhey are likely to be hard to beat in this division. The fac Cit were able to attack frequently and still not conede further goals says something good about them!
It was rough luck on City to lose all three points but they may learn some valuable lessos frm this match and the DVDthey will no dubt study.
The league is a marathon, but Cit may have already played the best two sides Gillingham/Vale and lost both.
Hoever, they should take heart, playing like they did today, willbe enogh o beat many Div 2 sides!
If only they couldhv 'unlocked' the PV defence!! Atraining ground lesson/two for 'PP.
Onebrianmitchell
says...
6:46pm Sat 29 Sep 12
We have a very good team this year but in my view I would invest in a striker in January. I think PP said last week he's after signing one and I would endorse that. He's has a very good season to date but Hanson showed all his failings in a single game today. Wells is learning his trade and Connell undoutably needs 4 chances to score.
Roll on Tuesday. Let's get back to winning ways.
Dave2610
says...
7:54pm Sat 29 Sep 12
bcfc1903
says...
8:13pm Sat 29 Sep 12
**
I thought Atkinson played well.
Onebrianmitchell
says...
8:15pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Dave2610 wrote:It is a funny old game and also divides opinion.
Wot a load of **** hanson had a good game but the crosses were a bit flat today needed to be whipped in 1st time. Play well and lost its a funny old game football!!!!!!!!!!!!
The 2 lads I go with who would have a relationship with Hanson, such is their love of him, admitted today his neck is made of flumps and he simply isn't aggressive enough at times.
As I said in first post, he's had a very good season to date. Just not today. IMO.
1 bingley bantam
says...
8:34pm Sat 29 Sep 12
trick first half but the crosses were too weak and it was just one of those days for us.On a different day we would have won comfortably.
Wingers bang out of form and how and i know im not his biggest fan Atkinson gets the nod over Hines and |Thompson is ridiculous.Fair play in centre mid hes done ok but as a winger please hes not quick enough no guile cant cross pretty accademic for a winger.I know Hines looked out of sorts when he came on but if i was him and saw Atkinson preffered to me (a player who has played in the premiership) starting in front of me i would be a bit out of sorts also.Cant be many players other than atkinson who have featured in every game this season bit of stubberness Mister Parkinson? in light of his less than over whelming greating as a signing.
Any way its only one game onwards and upwards heres to three points on Tuesday (bet you a million quid Atkinson is involved at some stage LOL)
bcfc1903
says...
8:41pm Sat 29 Sep 12
bradford321
says...
9:06pm Sat 29 Sep 12
bcfc1903 wrote:Unfortunately thats down to the quality of the crosses from the wings, every cross today was either behind him or too high so he was always having to take steps backwards or overstretch to reach to head the ball, you never get any power that way - you need the ball in front so you can run onto ball and create power.
I rate Hanson highly but i did feel today that he didn't attack the headers he won when going for goal with the exception of his first early in the game, i know Bobby Campbell was our best ever centre forward but i fancy he'd have got a couple of goals from similar positions . James needs to nut the ball harder either with timing or neck muscle. This is meant to be constuctive, for me he's one of the best target men in the lower two divisions.
Hanson completely fluffed his best chance in 1st half though when ball deflected to him by near post on corner of 6yd box, looking from Midland Road stand he was completely unmarked, keeper was down by near post, goal was open, all he had to do was guide it with a bit of curl back towards far post and it would have gone in. Instead he blasted it way wide! But he will still get 20 goals this season.
bradford321
says...
9:10pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Onebrianmitchell wrote:Think you must be watching another game, 1st half esp Atkinson was constantly the driving force going forward, some of his runs down the wing and also cutting back in towards box had them back peddling all day long - did more than Reid that way for me today.
Very good performance and agree the better team lost. Amazing how we watch different games as I thought Atkinson was very negative and offered very little, like the player we saw last year.
We have a very good team this year but in my view I would invest in a striker in January. I think PP said last week he's after signing one and I would endorse that. He's has a very good season to date but Hanson showed all his failings in a single game today. Wells is learning his trade and Connell undoutably needs 4 chances to score.
Roll on Tuesday. Let's get back to winning ways.
Period Drama
says...
9:30pm Sat 29 Sep 12
He does need to be able to generate more power but by the time the ball was delivered everyone in the centre was stationary which is partly to blame. He connected well with the one into the side netting but he was on the move when he did, just off target. Reid does need to stop trying to beat his man three times, he has him first time, either go past or deliver from deeper.
I feel JH shouldve done better with his side foot 1st half effort but think we all have to agree we were unlucky but did have the chances ourselves to win the game.
Onebrianmitchell
says...
9:41pm Sat 29 Sep 12
Period Drama wrote:Maybe a tad harsh. Accepted.
I too thought Jimmy was a bit off his game today but 'all his failings' is a tad harsh.
He does need to be able to generate more power but by the time the ball was delivered everyone in the centre was stationary which is partly to blame. He connected well with the one into the side netting but he was on the move when he did, just off target. Reid does need to stop trying to beat his man three times, he has him first time, either go past or deliver from deeper.
I feel JH shouldve done better with his side foot 1st half effort but think we all have to agree we were unlucky but did have the chances ourselves to win the game.
I take everyones point re the crosses as well. But that's the difference between an amazing striker and a good striker. Right place right time. Again not a criticism, as I also think the points re Reid are valid.
If Reid could eradicate the parts of his game mentioned then he would be a Champoinship player. The same applies to Hanson. He plays at this level for a reason.
This really isn't a negative as PD accepts he had a poor game and he's a big Hanson man. Also the WOTP author says the same in his column.
I hope the big man gets 20 this year and frankly if he can't in is team then questions need to be asked. But, he will, I'm sure.
Onebrianmitchell
says...
9:44pm Sat 29 Sep 12
bradford321 wrote:Sorry pal. Really don't agree. Looking backwards all the time.
Onebrianmitchell wrote:Think you must be watching another game, 1st half esp Atkinson was constantly the driving force going forward, some of his runs down the wing and also cutting back in towards box had them back peddling all day long - did more than Reid that way for me today.
Very good performance and agree the better team lost. Amazing how we watch different games as I thought Atkinson was very negative and offered very little, like the player we saw last year.
We have a very good team this year but in my view I would invest in a striker in January. I think PP said last week he's after signing one and I would endorse that. He's has a very good season to date but Hanson showed all his failings in a single game today. Wells is learning his trade and Connell undoutably needs 4 chances to score.
Roll on Tuesday. Let's get back to winning ways.
Do you remember when we were shooting towards the Kop and Wells had about 3 shots in a scramble in the box? It then broke to Messi who, despite the amazing pressure, again looked backwards and went backwards.
bcfc1903
says...
10:11pm Sat 29 Sep 12
bradford321 wrote:You can generate pace with a header from a standing start, i actually thought Hanson played well but didn't make the best of the crosses delivered. I do agree that a quicker delivery would if it found an attacker give the fella more chance of generating pace but as i said pace can be generated from the timing and neck. Anyway, for me another excellent performance from BCFC which deserved at the very least a point. Keep playing at this level and top seven is guranteed. IMO there wont be three better teams than BCFC come the end of April.
bcfc1903 wrote:Unfortunately thats down to the quality of the crosses from the wings, every cross today was either behind him or too high so he was always having to take steps backwards or overstretch to reach to head the ball, you never get any power that way - you need the ball in front so you can run onto ball and create power.
I rate Hanson highly but i did feel today that he didn't attack the headers he won when going for goal with the exception of his first early in the game, i know Bobby Campbell was our best ever centre forward but i fancy he'd have got a couple of goals from similar positions . James needs to nut the ball harder either with timing or neck muscle. This is meant to be constuctive, for me he's one of the best target men in the lower two divisions.
Hanson completely fluffed his best chance in 1st half though when ball deflected to him by near post on corner of 6yd box, looking from Midland Road stand he was completely unmarked, keeper was down by near post, goal was open, all he had to do was guide it with a bit of curl back towards far post and it would have gone in. Instead he blasted it way wide! But he will still get 20 goals this season.
Rambo
says...
10:24pm Sat 29 Sep 12
We'll play a lot worse this season and pick up points. What was encouraging was the fans response, maybe a few groans near the end but they appreciated the effort, like the radio said after a stark contrast to the home defeats under Peter Taylor, where we 'went down without a whimper'.
This time 2 years ago we were starting games with Luke Oliver in attack and were struggling to get even one or two shots on target. How times have changed.
JamesRobertshaw
says...
12:55am Sun 30 Sep 12
Bradford1903
says...
1:29am Sun 30 Sep 12
Thought we should've been at least a goal up before they even scored, and it looked a penalty to me 1st half.
Annoying to lose to a team like that, who were sat up to pinch a goal on the break, then defend what they've got, frustrating the opposition in trying to break up the play, coupled with their blatant time wasting.
Thought Reid was at his frustrating best today, and seemed reluctant to take his man on.
Didn't think we also got Wells into the game enough, particularly considering the size of their centre halves, we should've been putting the ball in the channels for him to run at them.
Overall though, if we play like that we'll win a lot more than we lose.
collos25
says...
7:39am Sun 30 Sep 12
Birky Neil
says...
8:01am Sun 30 Sep 12
ALEXIMO.56.
says...
9:44am Sun 30 Sep 12
collos25 wrote:They had ONE good sniff at goal and we passed the ball to them to score. Otherwise they wouldn't have scored in a month of sundays. We were the better side and we battered them. they were very lucky.
How did the best side lose the best side won they have the three points and we have zero.
Birky Neil
says...
9:45am Sun 30 Sep 12
lonniejockstrap
says...
9:58am Sun 30 Sep 12
Best Team lost for me, but PV are not in the position they are in without good reason. Pleased that we look a good side still, our quality -if maintained- will see ok over full season.
Period Drama
says...
10:01am Sun 30 Sep 12
The fans were superb if I'm honest, not usually one to praise them, but the only groans were isolated idiots or just disappointment at missing a chance.
Thee Voice of Reason
says...
10:06am Sun 30 Sep 12
The reception at the end of the game with most City fans clapping them off the pitch showed we played well but were unlucky. On another day the away team would have been on the wrong end of a hiding.
Last year when we lost to Aldershot and Cheltenham we were absolutely dire. Yesterday we lost but were very good and dominant.
I grow more confidence with our ability the more I see City. Big game on Tues.
audal
says...
11:21am Sun 30 Sep 12
lawsonio123
says...
11:57am Sun 30 Sep 12
jeffreyp
says...
1:26pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Yes we were the best team
Garry Jones mistake was sad he will make up for that ten times over during this season
We will finish above Port Vale they only have one decent striker
and as for Atkinson he is getting better every game and does not deserve much of the critics comments.
Well done City all so far this season the football served up is the best the fans have seen for a considerable time
Whoisevans?
says...
1:51pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Prisoner Cell Block A
says...
2:46pm Sun 30 Sep 12
lonniejockstrap wrote:Agree with all the above lonnie, I will add that dann did raise concerns about either of the two CMs getting up to support in the way Syers did. The timing of both delivery and runs in and aound the box need to be worked on but saying that we still had enough chances to win the game easily.
Thought the 1st half was one of the best footballing displays by a City team for many a season, however, I would have preferred 3 points in exchange. Thought Atkinson played well 1st half. Jimmy Hanson still winning the majority of balls in the air. I think some of his decisions to head for goal when not really able to get any power behind headers should have been headed back across goal. This type of header of course then needs a player supporting and being in a position to feed off Jimmy. Nahki was there once or twice but other City players were not getting in the box to support. Best Team lost for me, but PV are not in the position they are in without good reason. Pleased that we look a good side still, our quality -if maintained- will see ok over full season.
I think if we had tried a few more low,driven crosses their very tall CH would have struggled, he sliced anything that was a bit more than straightforward, id have liked him facing his own net trying to clear those. We either went direct down the middle or dillied/dallied then dollied the balls into the middle from wide.
Atkinson continues to split opinions. I too thought he was one of our better players in the 1st half but know exactly what 'brian' is talking about and the instances in question. I think due to their left winger being a pacy lad Atky was given a 'job' again today, assist McA and retain possession. This I feel is one of the reasons he often chooses a five yard inside pass or return to the man behind instead of driving forward.
spleen ventor
says...
2:58pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Port Vale came with a plan to dive, time waste and use every trick in the book to break up play and unfortunately it worked.
spleen ventor
says...
2:58pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Port Vale came with a plan to dive, time waste and use every trick in the book to break up play and unfortunately it worked.
bcfc1903
says...
3:10pm Sun 30 Sep 12
shoesman1
says...
5:16pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Pablo
says...
5:55pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Onebrianmitchell wrote:I agree with your comments re Atkinson. With the alternatives at his disposal, I just cannot understand why PP keeps persisting with him. He was signed as a winger, but offers little in that position.
Very good performance and agree the better team lost. Amazing how we watch different games as I thought Atkinson was very negative and offered very little, like the player we saw last year.
We have a very good team this year but in my view I would invest in a striker in January. I think PP said last week he's after signing one and I would endorse that. He's has a very good season to date but Hanson showed all his failings in a single game today. Wells is learning his trade and Connell undoutably needs 4 chances to score.
Roll on Tuesday. Let's get back to winning ways.
I am a fan of Hanson but it concerns me that we have no like for like replacement in the event of loss of form or injury. I think his worth to the team is evident when he's missing, like against Burton.
Period Drama
says...
7:38pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Onebrianmitchell
says...
8:01pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Period Drama wrote:I agree with both Pablo and PD.
Or not firing on all cylinders like PV. Like him or loathe him he is an integral part of this side and two very experienced managers have not been able to find a suitable replacement or style of play to allow them to use a different player.
He is an integral part of the team. But Pablo hits the nail on the head. Who is his replacement/ threat to being picked? Every other position pretty much has competition and I would like to add competition to Hansons place.
Reading the paper today PP stated we had "good crosses into the box". For the sake of balance I'm not so sure I totally agree, but he is getting lots of service.
I also note in the paper today he's not in the top 7 top scorers. And we are flying in the league.
I'm not overly having a go. He's a battler. He is contracted to the club. He's been with us a good few years. He is a 10 a year man. I feel he will get 20 this year.
Simply, I'd like an alternative to Jimmy. Just to see.
For the record, I have made my comments on Atkinson and they are pretty clear. BUT, if you want to come and watch me at the match I applaud and encourage every time he comes near my part of the ground. I want him to succeed. As I do Hanson.
I'm just giving constructive criticism that's all.
doubledigiter
says...
8:43pm Sun 30 Sep 12
Dave2610
says...
9:32pm Sun 30 Sep 12
We played with 3 big lads at the back so no need for him to be there really!
Thats my opinion!!!!!
bcfc1903
says...
1:46am Mon 1 Oct 12
Period Drama
says...
9:51am Mon 1 Oct 12
I think he was instruction to run at people and get free kicks so we could throw our big lads up and have Jones drop it in the box, rhater than Reid try pinpoint one of two in the box.
Just a thought.
Victor Clayton
says...
1:04pm Mon 1 Oct 12
OK, sh*t happens and Jones made a mistake. This meant that they were no longer really pressing out and there was no space behind. I was disappointed that we couldn’t adapt our style a bit better and thought we were nervy.
I am being hyper critical because we could and should have won, but I do not think it was our best performance because we were never really in control of the game.
bcfc1903
says...
1:40pm Mon 1 Oct 12
dannbradfc
says...
1:45pm Mon 1 Oct 12
We played well overall and were the better team.
Constructive criticism however is that its apparent that if you stop our wingers or they are having an off day service wise then we are reliant on set-pieces.
The system as been working for the most part but is still to rigid. Reid's game on Saturday is the perfect example. He spent most the first half with two players on him thats despite the fact that Meredith was often ten yards away. Why didn't Meredith overlap and take one of the players with him? He doesn't have to get the ball but leaves Reid one on one. It was the samw the other side with the full back over-lapping only the once albeit delievering a good cross which makes it more frustrating. Atkinson isn't fast enough to take them on like Reid so in many ways needs even greater support in order to open them up......
otherwise we are a solid unit and still had chances although the service is very hit and miss. Reid would be much higher up the leagues if he could cross the ball and make correct choices......he is great to watch though and it was a very entertaining game. Just feel we are predictable and if you stop Reid then theres a good chance of gaining a result like this....
jam1966
says...
3:22pm Mon 1 Oct 12
Whoisevans?
says...
5:41pm Mon 1 Oct 12
Dave2610 wrote:You could say that about many of the players Reidy cleared off the line at one stage and was then up the other end attacking. It is not unusual for a center forward to cover at center of defence, as much it is for a central defender to come up for a set piece. I know what your saying but I don't think the other strikers are as good in the air for that sort of areal battle. My gripe is when Hanson went to the byline to get two defenders away from the middle we missed the ideal opportunity to get the ball across the penalty spot where there was a massive gap as two defenders were stuck down on the byline with Hanson. That's something for the coaches to work on in training.
Just a thought on Jimmy do you not think Parkie is asking him to do too much ie defending 1 min then expecting him to be in the other box the next!!!!!!!!!!!
We played with 3 big lads at the back so no need for him to be there really!
Thats my opinion!!!!!
Whoisevans?
says...
5:41pm Mon 1 Oct 12
Dave2610 wrote:You could say that about many of the players Reidy cleared off the line at one stage and was then up the other end attacking. It is not unusual for a center forward to cover at center of defence, as much it is for a central defender to come up for a set piece. I know what your saying but I don't think the other strikers are as good in the air for that sort of areal battle. My gripe is when Hanson went to the byline to get two defenders away from the middle we missed the ideal opportunity to get the ball across the penalty spot where there was a massive gap as two defenders were stuck down on the byline with Hanson. That's something for the coaches to work on in training.
Just a thought on Jimmy do you not think Parkie is asking him to do too much ie defending 1 min then expecting him to be in the other box the next!!!!!!!!!!!
We played with 3 big lads at the back so no need for him to be there really!
Thats my opinion!!!!!
Whoisevans?
says...
5:55pm Mon 1 Oct 12
dannbradfc wrote:My thoughts too Dann, I have pointed this out on a earlier post had the two full backs moved to draw the other defender away from Reid and Atkinson they could have delivered better crosses. The space that was begging to be hit by the penalty spot with Wells and Atkinson running in would have been a great goal scoring opportunity.
On another day we take our chances and win.
We played well overall and were the better team.
Constructive criticism however is that its apparent that if you stop our wingers or they are having an off day service wise then we are reliant on set-pieces.
The system as been working for the most part but is still to rigid. Reid's game on Saturday is the perfect example. He spent most the first half with two players on him thats despite the fact that Meredith was often ten yards away. Why didn't Meredith overlap and take one of the players with him? He doesn't have to get the ball but leaves Reid one on one. It was the samw the other side with the full back over-lapping only the once albeit delievering a good cross which makes it more frustrating. Atkinson isn't fast enough to take them on like Reid so in many ways needs even greater support in order to open them up......
otherwise we are a solid unit and still had chances although the service is very hit and miss. Reid would be much higher up the leagues if he could cross the ball and make correct choices......he is great to watch though and it was a very entertaining game. Just feel we are predictable and if you stop Reid then theres a good chance of gaining a result like this....
Victor Clayton
says...
6:33pm Mon 1 Oct 12
bcfc1903 wrote:well we all see it differently. i just thought that against Morcambe we passed, moved and probed at lot more. with an occasional 40 yard diagonal ball. saturday we seemed to be going straight for the 40 yard killers ball to much. having said that i am happy about where we are.
Got disagree about the control Victor, i thought we did that with bells on, i also thought against a team that have been scoring for fun that we completely dominated their attack and midfield. Thought Vale defended superbly.. but if Vale play nine more games like that away from home, i fancy they wouldn't win any of them. Yes we should have won on the back of that performance. As their manager said, they stole the points.
dannbradfc
says...
10:01pm Mon 1 Oct 12
Prisoner Cell Block A wrote:Hanson does have the ability to generate power from seemingly gentle crosses, indeed its a great strength of his but the question might possibly be why the cross didn't have the power in the first place.
lonniejockstrap wrote:Agree with all the above lonnie, I will add that dann did raise concerns about either of the two CMs getting up to support in the way Syers did. The timing of both delivery and runs in and aound the box need to be worked on but saying that we still had enough chances to win the game easily.
Thought the 1st half was one of the best footballing displays by a City team for many a season, however, I would have preferred 3 points in exchange. Thought Atkinson played well 1st half. Jimmy Hanson still winning the majority of balls in the air. I think some of his decisions to head for goal when not really able to get any power behind headers should have been headed back across goal. This type of header of course then needs a player supporting and being in a position to feed off Jimmy. Nahki was there once or twice but other City players were not getting in the box to support. Best Team lost for me, but PV are not in the position they are in without good reason. Pleased that we look a good side still, our quality -if maintained- will see ok over full season.
I think if we had tried a few more low,driven crosses their very tall CH would have struggled, he sliced anything that was a bit more than straightforward, id have liked him facing his own net trying to clear those. We either went direct down the middle or dillied/dallied then dollied the balls into the middle from wide.
Atkinson continues to split opinions. I too thought he was one of our better players in the 1st half but know exactly what 'brian' is talking about and the instances in question. I think due to their left winger being a pacy lad Atky was given a 'job' again today, assist McA and retain possession. This I feel is one of the reasons he often chooses a five yard inside pass or return to the man behind instead of driving forward.
We're getting there but service is still a problem. For all Reids brilliance he is very hit and miss with crosses. Atkinson didn't see half as much ball as reid but i'd argue that not enough headable ball came form that side either.
Atkinso has improved confidence wise but he simply does not have the pace to attack the full back as you say. Indeed when he is threatening its usually when he's cutting inside rather than driving for the by-line. I too feel that he is picked for his defensive capability, which he sticks at but tends to make us one-sided in attacking options at times.
Thus the responsibility is on the full backs to over lap on occasion. reid needs to be one on one to be at his best and offer better service. Atkinson needs help to work it into space as he doesn't have the pace and/or strength to do this himself, apart from when he cuts inside on occasion.
I feel that our central midfielders are superb at everything they are doing apart from getting in the box. But to be fair they are working very very hard already. Its a sacrifice the team is making to look more solid and keep a better shape. i think that Parky is unwilling to gamble on them getting into the box. Both have had shots from outside and eventually one will hit the target but i stand by my statement that they won't score many in open play the way we are set-up. The reliance is out wide and with the pace of Wells to create.
Problem we have is if i can see this so can opposition managers. Remember under McCall once the oopo worked out to play 5 across the middle they all did it. Well i can see further doubling up on Reid at most home games. We thus need a plan 2 ;-)......
dannbradfc
says...
10:04pm Mon 1 Oct 12
Just to add to my last post, parky did to his credit attempt this and went positive with Connell in the hole and three at the back but it dint have much effect. It was still good to see parky show this kind of attitude......now just let the full backs help out and he can still let Doyle and Jones carry on doing what they are.......
beardedclam says...
5:04pm Sat 29 Sep 12