Bradford City 3-0 Crewe Alexandra - Valley Parade - Boxing Day 2011

I hope all my blog readers had a very merry Christmas! But for the first time since 2007, there was boxing day football a foot as we entertained mid table Crewe Alexandra.

After our pre match routine of visiting the players bar, where Carribob nearly caused injury to a St Johns Ambulance woman after the 1911 club very kindly let us use the toilet facilities after the upstairs of the shop was closed, we headed into the ground for the game.

Before getting our Burns Unit Santa Hats, Ben took part in some banter with the Crewe Alexandra keeper Steve Phillips. Quote of the match at the bottom of the page is the place to go to see what was said! From there we returned to our seats, had our Santa Hat photo & the teams came out & the game got under way.

It didn't take long for a goal though, 68 seconds to be exact! Jon McLaughlin took a goal kick out of his hands & the ball travelled the full length of pitch to which then to our joy & yet at the same time amusement when Crewe captain David Artell headed the ball into Nahki Wells & the ball bounced over Crewe's keeper into the goal to give City an early lead.

Crewe tried to hit back quickly but couldn't get past Andrew Davies who found himself in the wars throughout the game with three head injuries & a changed shirt due to blood. The Crewe defence then went through a spell of blockages & clearances as Fagan, Reid, Hanson & Wells who forced a great save out of the keeper Phillips from close range sent ball after ball at the Crewe box & goal.

After some more clearances from Davies, the first half seemed to slow & dragged on until the referee Paul Tierney blew for half time & was seen off the pitch to a barrage of boo's & abuse.

The highlight of the half time break has to be Jonny's mix up which ended up in him re-christening our manager Peter Parkinson as he was not happy with Phil following Peter Turnip & Peter Jackson reigns plus Ellis disappeared to Dogbotherer's country to the step grandmothers. The teams re-emerged for the second half & the game resumed.

However after five minutes of the second half Kyel Reid collapsed in complete agony while chasing the ball. After three minutes of treatment, Reid was stretchered off & taken to the first aid room. It looked like a torn hamstring & judging by him after the game it might well be. He was replaced by Jack Compton.

Shortly after the incident Nick Powell skipped past Simon Ramsden ran a further three yards before throwing himself to the ground into Morten Gamst Pedersen style but unlike Morten managed to con the referee out of a penalty after the linesman who had to look through a packed penalty area flagged for the penalty. Lee Bell the stepped up & smashed the ball against the crossbar, the ball then bounced behind the line & out of the goal to be punched away by Jon McLaughlin. Justice was done.

After Nick Powell then received some rough justice from players & fans alike, the ball then bounced around the area to James Hanson who volleyed home past Crewe goalie Steve Phillips to double the Bantams lead & make Christmas even more merry! 


Then a bit of karma reached the Crewe fans when Craig Fagan dived & after being accused & admitting to the dive then turned to the Crewe fans & shrugged his shoulders to suggest I have dived & so what? You got a penalty from one!


After Mark Stewart came on to replace Nahki Wells the game seemed to be ending in the same vain as the second half of the first half until the 83rd minute. Mark Stewart fouled his own team mate in Ricky Ravenhill. Jack Compton then crossed the ball following the free kick where the ball bounced to James Hanson who slotted into the bottom right corner for his second of the game & to put City 3-0 up & wrap up the boxing day three points after a header down by Luke Oliver.


Lee Bell then had his shot saved by Jon McLaughlin before the long awaited return David Syers. The entire stadium rose to its feet as he replaced Ritchie Jones to make his return. In which he didn't touch the ball but nether the less it was great to see the reigning POTY back on the pitch in a City shirt. Jon McLaughlin then made a save from Jamie Lowry before the game was brought to an end by the official.


After the game Me, Robbo & Carribob headed to the players bar as we had some time to wait for my Grandad. Where after congratulating the team on a fantastic finish & where Jack Compton gave me his match worn boots & helped make my Christmas the even more better.


Oh & get well soon Michael Flynn! Hope you're off the drip & back with us soon!


So, here are the player ratings:
Jon McLaughlin - 7 - Super Jon made saves & stopped shots (same thing I know but still!) when required & made some fantastic stops from the fantastic free kicks by Nick Powell.
Simon Ramsden - 6 - A fantastic block & clearances but apart from that had a quiet game.
Andrew Davies - 7 - Got into the wars & needed a new shirt after one hit too many to the head but made block after block to prevent Crewe Alexandra scoring with the game still at 1-0.
Luke Oliver - 8 - Current front runner for the Player of the Year award & made some fantastic efforts at the back & up front in attack from set pieces as well. Another great performance from the big man.
Marcel Seip - 7 - Great storming run up the pitch in the second half & some good efforts down the left hand side from the ex-Plymouth man. Might only be shifted from the defence through injury.
Craig Fagan - 6 - Did of lot of running & moaning with the odd delivery. Basic Fagan performance.
Ritchie Jones - 7 - Another solid performance from Ritchie. Ran the ball & got stuck in.
Ricky Ravenhill - 7 - A very solid midfielder. Runs the ball very well & isn't afraid to get stuck in, PP needs to sign him up permanently.
Kyel Reid - 6 - Crosses are either too soft or too hard with the odd gem in but get well soon Kyel, injury looks & seems pretty serious.

James Hanson - 9 - MOTM - Fantastic passes, running & headers & topped it all off with two fantastic finishes to give City the victory. Great performance, he's growing on me you know!
Nahki Wells - 8 - Great goal, sorry jammy goal but had some great chances & tested the keeper on a many occasion. Well played Nahki.


SUBS:
Jack Compton - 6 - Came on for Reid & had a great shift putting some great balls in & getting an assist.
Mark Stewart - 6 - With the exception of his yellow card did the same if not more than Craig Fagan but less than Nahki Wells who he replaced.
David Syers - N/A - Not enough time or possesion for the rating but never the less it's bloody fantastic to have David back in the team from injury!


And to finish of the blog, Chapman's XI:
Was it worth the money? It was worth all the Christmas money we could get! City were fantastic throughout & made it worth the money!
City MOTM - James Hanson -  Fantastic passes, running & headers & topped it all off with two fantastic finishes to give City the victory. Great performance, he's growing on me you know!
Crewe MOTM - Byron Moore - The only player to stand out from a very poor team, he ran his socks off & tried to create some rare chances for the visitors.
Quote of the Match - Ben: "When's your DVD out keeper? I want to pick up some tips!" Steve Phillips: "I don't have a DVD out pal because your banters shit!"
Goal of the Match - James Hanson first wins it for me, got the ball into the back of the net with a first time volley after a scramble in the goalmouth.
Moment of the Match - Getting Compton's boots after the game! Made my day!
Fan of the Match - The Santa's at the back of the Kop win it for me! Great effort lads!
Chant of the Match - "Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle all the way! Oh what fun it is to see City win away! Hey!" - We use the festive spirit to celebrate our success! 
FB Status of the Match - Ben: Oi Keeper, when's your DVD out, I want some tips. Keeper: When's your DVD out? Because your banters shit!... Aah Banter! - I reflect on the banter between Ben & the Crewe keeper.
Tweet of the Match - @ParkeronBantams @garethjones25 @bantamsbanter @tannerman774 The Midland Road Stand is 15 years old today! #bcafc - Happy Birthday to the Midland Road Stand!
Referee Watch - Paul Tierney - Man was an absolute muppet & on another day would have cost us the game & much needed points in our fight with relegation.


FATWATCH - Either the Crewe fan in last seasons away shirt in the stand or the lad at the front of the team coach!

Wigan Athletic 1-1 Chelsea - DW Stadium - 17/12/11

So with City picking up a 1-0 win at Southend on the Friday night, me & Carribob decided to do some ground hopping & headed across the Pennines to enjoy the Premier League game between struggling Wigan Athletic & AVB's mixed form Chelsea. 


It was a change from our usual surroundings of VP with James, Jonny & Company back home in Bradford & Ben on the south coast with my cousin James. 


Our journey started with one of the weirdest occurrences of my life so far. Upon leaving the train at Bingley to meet Carribob I was listening to Jack Sparrow by Lonely Island to which I was then greeted by a man dressed as Jack Sparrow! (No Debra, I won't bring him home for you & Mum!)


So, after heading on leg one of our journey & stopping for a McDonalds we headed on leg two which was the train from East Pudsey to Manchester. The only stop on the way was Huddersfield to which me & Carribob was greeted by yet another unusual sight. A man was jumping the fence to the side of the main terminal in which time during this process his pants & boxers had found there way round his ankles so the train was greeted by the sight of his bare backside & well you know!


After a quick run across Manchester Piccadilly to leg three, the train to Salford. We boarded the train & found ourselves stuck at Salford Crescent for half an hour waiting for the last train to Wigan Wallgate which we then caught & got ourselves to our final destination. 


A 15 minute walk through Wigan & we found ourselves at the DW Stadium, home of Wigan Athletic & Wigan Warriors. After a quick trip to the shop & ticket office we found ourselves loitering for the opening of the turnstiles so we took a trip to the players lounge where Ali Al Habsi kindly signed my programme & the stewards unkindly ignored our requests for the Chelsea side. 


However, before the players lounge we were spotted by the crew of ESPN's Talk of the Terrace. They saw our Wigan scarves & presumed we were Wigan fans! So they interviewed us & after Carribob messed up his opportunity, I stepped up to the plate & did a great job & was told my 'Roberto Martinez Come Dine With Me' would be on Talk of the Terrace this upcoming Monday if not Sunday night so take a watch! 


So we headed into the ground & after a wait of 45 minutes & the eating of a rather tasty Hot Dog & drink of coke (£4 for the two, take note City!) the teams entered the stadium & the game got under way.


The first half was a majority Wigan affair with Chelsea struggling. The latics should have been awarded a penalty early on when Victor Moses was brought down in the area but after it was not given Chelsea went up the other end with Gary Caldwell making two fantastic clearances from Daniel Sturridge in the area.


Some more hard work from Wigan saw Victor Moses, David Jones & Connor Sammon presented with chances but neither of the three took them on board. Meanwhile John Terry put a 25 yard drive just wide of Al Habsi's post.


But the first real attempt on goal came from the next Chelsea corner. Jose Bosingwa sent in a cross following a short corner from Juan Mata with David Jones making a clearing header & Oriol Romeu smashed a 25 yard first time effort directly to the bottom corner with Ali Al Habsi getting down to make a fantastic save, tipping the ball wide for another Chelsea corner. 


Wigan then took the rest of the first half by the scruff of the neck with numerous attacks. Connor Sammon having a shot on target blocked by England & Chelsea captain JT, James McCarthy then had an effort blocked by Raul Miereles. The Wigan onslaught continued with Figueroa firing wide & Branislav Ivanovic blocking another Victor Moses attempt. Wigan then finished the half when Victor Moses narrowly missed the ball knowing the slightest touch from the Connor Sammon cross would have sent the home side into half time with a valuable lead.


Not much to report from half time except Kalou & Malouda doing warm ups & Kalou then coming on to replace Oriol Romeu so to the second half.


Chelsea started the second half like a house on fire with Wigan's defence clearing various opportunities from Frank Lampard, Juan Mata, Jose Bosingwa & Didier Drogba before Victor Moses set himself up for a beautiful chance. After some good work to beat Jose Bosingwa & then some unbelivable tekkers to get the ball past JT we all though he'd slot home for 1-0 before somehow managing to fire the ball out for a corner.


But Chelsea then finally got the goal in the 59th minute when a some good Chelsea work saw Ashley Cole send a ball across & Daniel Sturridge brought it down beautifully & fire past Ali Al Habsi to break the deadlock & put Chelsea into a 1-0 lead.


Petr Cech then found himself busy saving shots from Maynor Figueroa & Mohamed Diame before Martinez brought on plan B if you will with Hugo Rodallega & ex-Chelsea man Franco Di Santo coming off the bench after Chelsea went more defensive bring John Obi Mikel on for Juan Mata. During which time Lampard was forced to go off for treatment with a bloody mouth following JT near injuring himself trying to bring down Victor Moses. 


The game looked like it was pattering out with the only moment of note of the next 5-10 minutes saw Florent Malouda come on to replace Daniel Sturridge before Wigan nearly got back into it. Petr Cech slid in & brought down Hugo Rodallega before Jordi Gomez got his legs tangled while trying to shoot into the empty net before the ball bounced to Franco Di Santo who fired wide & left Ashley Cole down in the process.


Then it came, some fantastic work by Mohamed Diame & Hugo Rodallega saw a shot fire through Ashley Cole legs & Petr Cech could only parry it away to the feet of Spaniard Jordi Gomez who fired home from 3 yards to bring the home side level & rescue a much needed point for Wigan Athletic in their fight against relegation to the football league.


Martin Atkinson then brought the game to the end after Chelsea's Salomon Kalou & Wigan's Franco Di Santo both wasted great opportunities to take the three points.


Post match we headed round past the players entrance where we joined the quite large crowd & one of my rare highlights of the past 12 months occurred. Now, every young man grows up idolising a footballer or two. My Grandad idolised Sir Stanley Matthews, my Dad idolised Ryan Giggs & I idolised David Beckham & Frank Lampard. So imagine how excited I got when Frank Lampard signed my programme & had a conversation with me as Carribob got a sneaky picture in for me! Great stuff!


After catching the train back to Manchester we got on the train heading towards East Pudsey where we endured some of the funniest train conversations. Between Manchester & Littleborough the older guard & the young drunken ones had some encounters what left me & Carribob in stitches before the final leg of our journey home between Bradford & that place saw the topic of 'cock holding' come into conversation. And after the train home from L***s we finally got home & our day at the Premier League came to an end.


So, Chapalar's XI:
Was it worth the money? To watch a great end to end game at the highest level of the game as well as meet one of my boyhood heroes in Frank Lampard? YES!
Wigan Athletic MOTM - Connor Sammon - There was a lot of heroes out there for Wigan but none stuck out for me as much as Connor Sammon, great link up play with Dave Jones & Victor Moses with the odd chance on goal & defensive duty as well before being substituted.
Chelsea MOTM - Daniel Sturridge - The young & upcoming England striker showed some great work throughout the game with long runs down the wing, great link up play with the midfield & attack as well as a well taken finish for Chelsea's goal before being substituted. 
Quote of the Match - There was a lot to choose from but the winner has to be this from the train home - Drunken Lass: "Possibly pregnant woman in need of a seat." Old Man: "Let's hope your bloody waters don't break between now & Rochdale then!"
Goal of the Match - Daniel Sturridge's goal for Chelsea, fantastic assist from Ashley Cole & a well taken strike by the England hitman.
Moment of the Match - Not during the match but the bloke at Huddersfield train station who's fare dodging technique left him rather exposed & in possible hot water with the transport police if he was caught!
Fan of the Match - The rather over passionate Wigan fan who nearly caused himself a heart attack with his reaction to Sammon being one of the two Wigan players substituted for Di Santo & Rodallega.
Chant of the Match - "You do know it's not Rugby?" - Wigan fans decide to mock Petr Cech's head & facial gear during the first half.
FB Status of the Match - On Talk of the Terrace on Monday, met Frank Lampard & seen Jonny Mac in train station on way home... Not a bad day! Oh & Wigan deserved the point! - I reflect on the day late into the evening.
Tweet of the Match - @LaticsOfficial Can the bar staff be subjected to the same rigorous checks as Roy Keane? Celebrated an Arsenal goal while I was buying a pie - One Wigan fan fails to see the funny side of the bar staff's celebrations! As anyone pointed out they were playing Chelsea not Arsenal yet?


FATWATCH - Chelsea team coach driver, You could tell he was enjoying that pie!

Bradford City 1-1 Plymouth Argyle - Valley Parade - Saturday 10th December

So, it was time for the Green Army to make the long old poke north to VP for this massive six pointer between the Football League's bottom & third bottom sides.

After our pre match ritual which you now know better than me & Carribob do ourselves. Which this week involved joining in a jog with Dave Syers, Lee Bullock, Mark Stewart, Robbie Threfall & soon to be Bantam Caolon Lavery, we headed into the ground for kick off.

So, the teams shock hands after a warm up which saw Ross Hannah withdraw to be replaced by Jack Compton & we had kick off at Valley Parade & the six pointer was under way.

In typical bog standard bottom of League Two style the game started as it meant to go one with dodgy tackles & hoof ball galore.

The first real chance came from a corner in the tenth minute, when Michael Flynn sent one across with Hanson heading it on before Oliver narrowly tapped the ball wide.

Some more dodgy tackles resulted in a yellow for unsporting behaviour to Plymouth defender Onismor Bhasera.

Then, we recieved some tragic news mid way through the first half. We learnt that Smudge the guinea pig, the cherised pet of Jonny Stott had sadly passed after some 'action' with the rabbit. RIP Smudge, you shall be missed.

Back on the pitch however, James Hanson & Darren Purse clashed heads which resulted in Hanson being vaselined to stop the bleeding from a cut & Purse suffering a bad enough head injury which resulted in a half time withdrawal.

However, before this withdrawal he made a goaline clearance that defies the law of physics. The ball was sent across the goal & Flynn tapped it into the goal or so we thought! Purse came sliding in & somehow cleared the ball of the line round the post for a corner.

So, half time drew & with this being the last time we would see each other before Christmas, the all important topic of presents came up. With me & Ben buying each other one & me sorting out Carribob's Newcastle tickets (Cheers Mick Speight!) it was a straight forward conversation. However, Ben is still looking for a present for Grace. So feel free to send in your suggestions for what Ben could buy a 14 year old lass (Kitchen need not answer) to me, Ben or the blog.

So, to the second half we went & to say it went badly for Bradford City is one hell of an understatement. Especially after they were booed off at the half time interval. After Jon McLaughlin pulled out a fantastic save to stop former Manchester United striker Nick Chadwick, Plymouth later won a corner.

Will Atkinson sent in a inswinging corner to the middle of the box & after some scrambling Simon Walton had a volley which was turned in by Blackpool loanee Craig Sutherland. However, being directly above the goal I can inform you that Sutherland never touched it & it had infact gone in off Ramsden. Our old friends the Dubious Goal Commitee however saved Rambo his blushes.

The City faithful began to get more & more wound up by Kyel Reid who kept losing possesion or stopping attacks, so when Nakhi Wells came on it was met by boos & a small rendition of you don't know what you're doing when it was Fagan who was hauled off.

The game seemed to be pattering out to a Plymouth win as everything was kicked into the stands or down the field by the Green Army's defence until Kyel Reid got a half decent cross in (first time for everything, eh?) & James Hanson manage to work a good technical effort past Jake Cole in the Argyle goal to bring City level & save our blushes versus the Football League's worst (since the game finished, second worst) team.

Plymouth's bad boy left back Onismor Bhasera was sent off for a second bookable offence, he was never lasting the full game. Dirty little sod.

City had a golden chance to win it when a few failed clearances by the Plymouth Argyle tiring defence saw City work the ball to Ricky Ravenhill in the box who somehow scuffed it wide, but a point a piece was fair on both teams & the game was brought to an end.

PLAYER RATINGS:
Jon McLaughlin - 5 - Pulled off a fantastic save from Nick Chadwick in the second half apart from that not much to do for Super Jonny Mac today.
Simon Ramsden - 5 - Far better than Moore & apart from the Plymouth goal proved it today.
Luke Oliver - 5 - Another solid performance by the centre back, should have scored in the first half though.
Andrew Davies - 7 - MOTM - Followed Tuesday with yet another solid performance at the back which stopped City conceding more of Plymouth's few counter attacks, him & Oliver are a solid partnership.
Marcel Seip - 4 - Offered little today & was easily beat for pace by Hemmings & Atkinson.
Jack Compton - 5 - Offered more than Reid with more better balls & some good work with the midfield & attack, bar those throwings with Flynn.
Michael Flynn - 5 - Had a solid game in centre of midfield, makes you realise how good he is when you miss him like Oldham.
Ricky Ravenhill - 6 - After a poor start to his City career has proved to be a very astute loan signing. Offers far more to the team & bar his 93rd minute winning goal miss was very strong today & deserves more praise than he gets.
Kyel Reid - 4 - Did nothing until he saw Chris Mitchell stripping off on the bench & then went & provided a half decent cross to Hanson to bring the Bantams level.
Craig Fagan - 4 - A lot of huffing & puffing & not much else. However, Reid should have gone for Wells not him.
James Hanson - 6 - One of his best games so far. One the majority of headers & a fantastic techincal goal to save City's blushes & rescue the point.

SUBS:
Nakhi Wells - 5 - In typical Nakhi style, came on & made a nuisance of himself.

And to finish, the now re-named & improved Starting XI:
Was it worth the money? No, then Jimmy popped up & it was yes, then went back to no when Ravenhill missed the injury time sitter.
City MOTM - Andrew Davies - Followed Tuesday with yet another solid performance at the back which stopped City conceding more of Plymouth's few counter attacks, him & Oliver are a solid partnership. Plymouth Argyle MOTM - Ashley Hemmings - Ran the City defence ragged with his pace throughout the game, one for the future is the Wolves loanee.Referee Watch - Brendan Malone - Had quite a bit to do this afternoon & got the majority of calls right throughout the game.

Quote of the Match - Got three for you today!
"Haha, My Guinea Pigs died!" - Jonny sees the funny side to the untimely death of his pet Guinea Pig
"Yes! I'm in with Graces mum!" - Ben's badly worded remark to the news that Grace's Mum is a fan of his.
Matthew: "It cost me £14 pound to go to Southend." Me: "Are you looking at student or disabled with carer?" - I decide to make a joke out of Matthew's views on Southend pricing.
Goal of the Match - City's goal after some wonderfully worked finishing by James 'Jimmy' Hanson.
Moment of the Match - The reaction to the news of the death of Smudge the Guinea Pig.
Fan of the Match - The Plymouth fan who took his top off for the whole game, your brave lad! Especially in this weather!
Chant of the Match - Thumbs up if you love Marcel! - Some love being shown to Marcel Seip by the Bradford City faithful with the use of his banterous reaction to scoring v Plymouth for Blackpool back in the Championship a few seasons ago.
FB Status of the Match - Some sad news has reached us here at VP... The tragic passing of Jonny's Guinea Pig. RIP Smudge.


FATWATCH - The severly obesce elderly Plymouth fan towards the front of the away fans.

Bradford City 3-1 AFC Wimbledon - Valley Parade - 03/12/11

So after Nakhi's screamer v Rochdale, we were back for the second round of the FA Cup sponsored by Budweiser with a home tie against a team we all know I have a soft spot for.. AFC Wimbledon.


After my now usual pre match routine & some friendly chatter & banter with the visitors I headed into the ground to take my spot in the Upper Kop, which I must admit I thoroughly enjoy & may even consider a season ticket move up there for next season & got ready for the game.


Before the game begun however, there was a minutes applause for Gary Speed. Gary, who tragically took his own life last Sunday played for Leeds United, Everton, Newcastle United, Bolton Wanderers & Sheffield United in which time he became the first player to reach 500 Premier League appearances before going on to manage Sheffield United & finally his beloved home nation of Wales. 


After a slow opening few minutes in which the only moment of note was Reid's blazed shot over the crossbar, something strange began to happen & I mean strange! This strange occurrence was City dominating a game at Valley Parade!


After some wonderful build up play in the 90 seconds before hand with Hanson showing some tekkers, we took a 9th minute lead when Fagan delivered the ball into the area & the ball fell to the feet of a onside Ross Hannah who tapped past Seb Brown to break the deadlock & give the Bantams an early lead. 


Then in the 14th minute, it got stranger when we went 2-0 up! A wonderful move by Ricky Ravenhill finished with him attempt a shot or a square pass (you decide) & AFC Wimbledon defender Chris Bush show some unbelievable tekkers with a cheeky back heel flick into his own net to double our lead & send us into dreamland!


City continued their dominance of the game after some attempted build up play by the travelling Wombles which was easily dealt with by Oliver & Rambo. Reid, in quite possibly his best shift since joining the club caused problems for Dons captain Sam Hatton with one of these allowing Marcel Seip to have a shot on target which was well held by Seb Brown.


The first half then pattered out with James Mulley (who for those not on twitter has been very sporting contrary to his booking yesterday & wished us the best of look in the next round) booked for un-sporting behaviour & Christian Jolley proving to be not so Jolly after being caught offside. But during these boring last few minutes, Robbo came under some shall we say 'banter' about his relationship which led to laughter & stitches galore between the lads.


A quite dull half time with nothing to report except scaring the seven shades out of the chino brigade in front,  so let's go to the second half.


Just five minutes into the second half, City's lead was halved after some poor defence which allowed Jack Midson to smash the ball past Jonny Mac & make it 2-1. City then had to weather a 3-4 minute storm from the Wombles before a wonderful touch by Hannah saw him force Seb Brown into a wonderful save, however injuring himself in the process & forcing him off to be replaced by Nakhi Wells. 


The Wombles following this made City weather yet another storm with Christian Jolley & highly rated Sammy Moore forcing the defence into hard work before City hit on a counter attack & visiting captain Jamie Stuart hauled Nakhi Wells to the ground & gave City a penalty to restore there two goal lead.


So with Flynn stepping back & allowing Fagan to take the penalty there we were, Fagan vs Seb Brown, who I must say is bloody fantastic with penalty saving & the whistle went. Fagan slotted home just over Brown's left hand to make it 3-1 & wrap up the game & secure City's passage into the third round, in which we will make our first appearance since the 2003/04 season.


The section of the kop I was located in went wild, in which there is a video on Facebook & Youtube. But then, after some end to end football & substitutions from both sides, the game pattered out & the referee blew the whistle to end the game & confirm our place in the FA Cup sponsored by Budweiser Third Round Proper.


The draw was made early Sunday afternoon & the Bantams will travel to Npower Championship side Watford. The tie will take place at Vicarage Road on Saturday 7th/Sunday 8th January.


PLAYER RATINGS:
Jon McLaughlin - 7 - Some good saves when needed, defence looks far more assured with him in goal instead of Duke.
Simon Ramsden - 7 - Some good runs down the right as well as clearances at the back.
Luke Oliver - 8 - This man just gets better & better, some fantastic clearances & last ditch challenges to help out City.
Andrew Davies - 8 - Good to have him back from suspension, defence has seemed far more solid with him today & at Gillingham last week. Made some good clearances.
Marcel Seip - 7 - Good effort in first half & had a decent shift in defence as well as helping out attacking wise as well.
Craig Fagan - 6 - Looks poor out wide for me personally. Just seems lost & is far better & more useful up front.
Michael Flynn - 7 - A debate of was he deliberately booked so he could be rested for Oldham without a fans backlash is ongoing, however looked as solid as ever in midfield.
Ricky Ravenhill - 8 - MOTM - The lad on loan from Notts County, practically ran a tight midfield which was effective in defence as it was attack & also his shot/square tricked Chris Bush into a OG for the Bantams second. 
Kyel Reid - 7 - In my opinion his best performance to date in the City shirt, ran Sam Hatton ragged & was very effective. However, I still have a problem with him in getting back to help out the defence like Jack Compton.
James Hanson - 7 - One of his better shifts, won the header for Hannah's goal & showed some unbelievable tekkers in the first half. 
Ross Hannah - 7 - Some beautiful touches as well as the opener before sadly going off injured. Good shift by the lad.


SUBS:
Nakhi Wells - 7 - Came on for Ross & caused a lot of problems as well as winning the penalty for 3-1 to wrap up the game & the place in third round.
Jack Compton - 6 - Took Reid's roll of causing problems for Hatton in the latter stages of the game. Looked good getting back as well.
Luke Dean - 5 - Only came on in injury time but looks like one for the future.


And to finish, the now re-named & improved Starting XI:
Was it worth the money? To watch City put in a fantastic shift & book a third round trip to Watford? Yes!
City MOTM - Ricky Ravenhill - The lad on loan from Notts County, practically ran a tight midfield which was effective in defence as it was attack & also his shot/square tricked Chris Bush into a OG for the Bantams second. 
AFC Wimbledon MOTM - Seb Brown - Made some fantastic saves throughout & saved the Wombles from an embarrassment at VP.
Quote of the Match - "Did it wink when you touched it?" - Remark towards Robbo about his sex life, needs no further comment.
Goal of the Match - City's second goal despite it being an OG due to the fact we had some unbelievable tekkers in the finish by AFC Wimbledon defender Chris Bush.
Moment of the Match - The celebration & aftermath of Craig Fagan's penalty. Absolutely wonderful to enjoy & be a part of.
Fan of the Match - The drunk lad in front of me, provided a lot of entertainment & laughter throughout the game.
Chant of the Match - The balls up of the first attempt of Bradford Ranger sticks to mind!
FB Status of the Match - third round, here we come! - Jonny Stott
Tweet of the Match - Watford v Bradford city! Really disappointed it's not us! All the Best to Bradford City FC - AFC Wimbledon midfield James Mulley offers us his wishes of support despite being on the losing side at VP.
Referee Watch - Nigel Miller - One of the better referring appointments of the season. Flynn's yellow card is the only moment of debate caused by him.


FATWATCH - There isn't one this week I'm afraid!