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Bradford Match Report: "As the season comes to a painful and drawn-out end..."
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Posted by David Snowball
at
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
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As the season comes to a painful and drawn-out end, the Albion seems not to be in best shape heading into the summer break.
Saturday's defeat to lowly Bradford was the final insult to several fans who booed loudly and ferociously at full-time. Adam El-Abd clearly didn't appreciate the abuse and responded by viciously finger-jabbing and swearing towards the south stand. This came after a tepid second half, where an Alex Revell swivel and shot onto the crossbar provided the only entertainment. It was particularly surprising that the second half was so dismal as the home side played some decent stuff in the first period and moved the bal around with confidence and guile. However, as seems to have happened very frequently this season, Brighton couldn't make their superiority count and they were punished from a poorly defended corner. From then on the Bantams stuck 8 or so men behind the ball and the Albion's lack of creativity showed as they were unable to 'knock down the door'.
There were some good performances and some indifferent performances. Jake Robinson looked like he has started to return to some of his earlier season form and his running was dangerous. Guy Butters was fantastic at the back and proved how valuable he is to us despite his age. Sam Rents was a breath of fresh air at left back and provided attacking impetuous and excellent set piece distribution.
Tommy Fraser had a rather poor game, but appeared to be struggling with an injury. In any case, it was his poor loss of the ball that led to Bradford's goal scoring corner. Doug Loft, battling for a new contract, seemed to struggle with the vigour and physical battle in the middle of the park. His shooting was often wayward and appears to be struggling in his quest for a new contract.
The home supporters are owed a performance of quality and when promotion-chasing Oldham visit Withdean in the seasons penultimate match. If the seagulls lose without seriously entertaining I believe that season ticket renewals will fall dramatically with the dire performances that home supporters seem to be suffering week in, week out.
By Rhys TurrellLabels: Bradford, League One, Rhys Turrell
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Bradford Report: "Best I have seen us play for many years"
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Posted by David Snowball
at
Monday, November 06, 2006
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Report By Rhys Turrell
The seagulls continued their unbeaten run in pulsating fashion as substitute Dean Bowditch scored a last-minute winner at Valley Parade.
It could be argued that it was a fortunate victory, bearing in
mind the two goal lead that the Albion let slip but the spirit and
determination of the fledgling seagulls could not be repressed by the
Bantams. After a bright opening 5 minutes from the home side they seemed to
take their foot of the pedal and the seagulls began to dominate with Cox and
Revell coming close. It was no upset when Alex Revell scored the opener on
13 minutes when he defied the offside trap and toe-poked a shot from the
onrushing goalkeeper.
Following Revell's opener the game began to equal out and
veteran Dean Windass forced a great save from Michel Kuipers following a
Bradford set piece. It was unsurprising to see why the Bantams would not let
Windass leave for Premiership Wigan as he was the focal point for their
side. He held the ball-up well and bought others into the game well. Not bad
for a 37 year old.
As the half-time whistle sounded El-Abd - who had a ferocious
game in midfield - was involved in a fracas with Bradford captain David
Wetherall. Both were cautioned as they left the pitch and it was a bit
surprising to see him emerge for second-half, particularly after the
'rollicking' that Wilkins laid onto him.
The visitors got off to a fantastic start with Robinson winning
a penalty just three minutes in the second period. It was an impressive
jinking run from Robinson who was bought down the Wetherall (no second
yellow) and Captain Dean Hammond wrong footed 'keeper Ricketts to give
Albion a comfortable lead.
However they were back in the game on the 55th minute when they
won a penalty for an apparent handball by Kerry Mayo. Windass duly converted
for his 200th career strike. From then on the seagulls were clinging on, and
with the home side breathing new confidence and the vocal home crowd trying
to blow the ball into then net, the pressure began to tell. A bizarre mix-up
between Hinshelwood and Kuipers resulted in the central defender looping the
ball over the Dutchman and was able to somehow clear it off the line. Some
more brave 'keeping from Kuipers gave the Brighton players a sight of the
end but where disappointed when Schumacher swept in a loose ball to level
the scores. Whing cleared off the line but the seagulls were unable to fully
clearly the ball and the Bradford midfielder reacted quickest.
But, after they got their equaliser, the home side seemed to
ease off, perhaps they were nervous - with no win in five - replicating
Albion's form before our renaissance, and this allowed the visitors to
ultimately win the game. A fantastic run down the right flank by Revell and
an excellent box across the six-yard box enabled sub Bowditch to stretch a
foot to the ball and send the visiting supporters into delirium. It was an
excellent counter-attack by the seagulls and a move that warranted a goal.
It was a goal that you have to believe that just a month ago we
just wouldn't have converted, but with confidence flooding through the
players, they always looked dangerous and threatening in forward positions.
And with 10 goals in our last 3 games perhaps it isn't a fluke either.
Player Ratings (Out of 10)
Kuipers: Solid return between the sticks with some great shot-stopping and
commandment of his area, kicking and distribution were wayward and slow
however. 6
Mayo: Was solid in the tackle but was replaced by Lynch after a being
frequently outpaced by Bradford's Jermaine Johnson. Passing was sloppy and
inaccurate. 5
Butters: Solid and dependable and strong in the tackle. Centre-forward Eddie
Johnson seemed to win a few early headers but Butters was equally strong on
the deck. 6
Hinshelwood: Much the same as Butters, and they seem to complement each
other well, competent on the floor on equally so in the air. Hiccup with
Kuipers was well resolved. 6
Whing: Solid at the back and was sensible in his forward play bearing in
mind the pressure the home-side were applying. 6
Cox: Perhaps not as influential as in previous games but was always looking
to retain possession and has a killer pass which was proved in his pass to
Revell for the opening goal, he may have got onto the score sheet himself
but for a good stop by the otherwise hopeless Bradford 'keeper. 6
Hammond: Maintained his excellent run of form with a good penalty and by
leading by example throughout. Kept good possession in the middle of the
park. 6
El -Abd: Broke up possession well in the first half and was well-disciplined
in the second following his booking. Offers little going forward but is
vital in the team working cohesively as a unit and his ferocious talking
gives the team a much needed bit of bite. 6
Fraser: Played better than against the Mk Dons but doesn't look a natural
wide-player. He was a vital link however in the several passages of
well-rehearsed play down the right side also involving Whing and Revell. 6
Robinson: Looked confident and is always able to put the defence on the back
foot with his brave running. His relationship with Revell is blossoming and
if he can continue his decent form the benefits could be huge for both him
and the seagulls. 6
Revell: Yet again his endless running frightens defences forcing them deeper
and deeper where he can release some dangerous shots. His hold play is
defiantly improving with every game and his desire can never be questioned.
6 MOM.
Subs:
Lynch: On for Mayo and was equally solid and without being outpaced. Pushing
for a starting birth on the left side. 6
Bowditch: Movement off the ball is impressive and is clearly an intelligent
player and has great control and skill on the ball, great finish for winner.
6Labels: Bradford, League One, Rhys Turrell
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