| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's 20:24 - Mar 21 with 5446 views | durham_exile |
Now one look at the fixture tomorrow and we would see a league Two clash between two sides vying to get promotion to League One. Nothing spectacular in that, the game is only worth three points and defeat either way doesn’t signify the end of the road for one of these teams in that aim.
Or does it?
Football has this amazing knack of throwing up a game at the optimum possible time.
An International break so Sky Sports + have the rights to screen it at 3pm (steady Ed), the opportunity for the Bantams to offer a fiver a ticket including the hordes of Colchester fans (1000) who will travel to Valley Parade. A crowd of 22,000 plus in the University of Bradford Stadium AKA Valley Parade, the largest since the stadium was rebuilt, bigger even than our game there in March 2023 when I sat amongst the 20,383 to witness a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Bantams.
Earlier in the season a 99th minute equaliser from Jamie McDonnell gave us a deserved point against Bradford at the JCS.
But tomorrow it will be something special. Bradford have just lost to Gillingham and Tranmere both 1-0 and lost their 10 successive home victories on the trot record. We are unbeaten in 13 games and looking for our 6th successive victory (we last won 10 in a row between December 2005 and February 2006 and we know what happened in May 2006).
But forget about everything prior to this Saturday because it means nothing, we have won nothing yet. The important thing that matters is that we have 9 cup finals to play and only then can we look at the league table for the final reckoning.
Saturday 22 March 3pm Bradford Away – Sky Sports+
Friday 28 March 7:45pm Grimsby Home - Sky Sports+
Tuesday 1 April 7:45pm Gillingham Away - Sky Sports+
Saturday 5 April 3pm Notts Co Home
Saturday 12 April 3pm Newport Away
Friday 18 April 3pm Crewe Home – Sky Sports+
Monday 21 April 3pm Doncaster Away – Sky Sports+
Saturday 26 April 3pm Salford Away
Saturday 3 May 3pm Barrow Home
They can be the most important games since 2006 and DC and NC know that we are on the margins of achieving something special this season but it will not be defined by Valley Parade (although a victory will continue to shorten our promotion odds at the bookies).
Now DC is right to play down the game and to heap praise on the Bantams (but not too much). A big crowd can be intimidating for the Away contingent, but equally it can become a pressure cooker for the Home team. For long periods of that game in 2023 the stadium fell silent as Colchester threatened the Bantams goal and the tension was palpable. As I wrote earlier big crowds can also be a hindrance to the home side.
When we won at Sheffield Wednesday some years ago, the crowd became hostile to their home side as we demolished them 3-0.
One man who must stand strong tomorrow is the referee Mr Will Finnie from Luton. No homers please.
League Two table top seven:
Walsall 37 69
Bradford 36 66
Wimbledon 37 63
Doncaster Rovers 37 63
Notts Co 37 61
PV 36 61
COL U 37 58
The truth is that over the past three months we have crept under the radar and have not only closed the gap on those above us, but also have indicated that we have the right to be there amongst them.
Psychologically three points at Valley Parade gives us 61 points and places further pressure on those in the automatic positions. Graham Alexander knows all about pressure, he has seen it all in the game but so have the Cowleys. George Lapslie will also be a leading light for the Bantams tomorrow as will Sam Walker who might put his back out picking the ball out of the net!
The Bradford weather will be 14 degrees Celsius with light showers and light winds and some sunshine. The pitch will be challenging but we know all about that!!!!
It is unlikely that DC will make any changes to his starting XI:
Macey
Egbo Kells Flanagan Hunt
Read Iandolo
Anderson Payne Edwards
Taylor
Subs:
Smith Gordon Simpson Tucker Aboh Thorn Jolliffe
Much has been made of Bradford’s injury woes, but do not forget we are without Teddy Bishop, Samson Tovide and KVY and Jamie McDonnell is away on International duty.
It is possible that we might have Anthony Scully on the bench tomorrow, but we will see.
Now I have a ticket for the game, but it is unlikely that I will be able to make it. Sadly, I am unwell at present (and have been for some little time) and neither of my sons are available to drive me to the game. It is likely therefore that I will have to content myself with watching on Sky Sports +.
The faithful might be happy with that, I have been to 7 games this season and everyone has been a drawn encounter. I am very disappointed though not to be at VP.
The U’s can win tomorrow and will win tomorrow. 2-1 with Lyle Taylor on the mark with an Edwards classy long-range effort.
We do not need to fear the Bantams. A degree of respect yes of course, but we are there to show that we are not making up the numbers but deserve to be there on merit.
For those travelling, safe journey, enjoy the game and I will be cheering on the U’s from darkest Durham.
Don't forget your blue and white scarves.
Up the U’s
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 21:08 - Mar 21 with 2727 views | gerry_us |
So sorry to hear we won't see you tomorrow.
Please be aware I will give the referee all the attention you would if present...!
Looking forward to a match with a great atmosphere; well; better than Harrogate anyway!
Stay calm watching the telly tomorrow Peter. Wishing you well mate and hope the U's do it for us all tomorrow, but in all honesty I would settle for the draw...but who knows? |  | | |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 21:14 - Mar 21 with 2721 views | durham_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 21:08 - Mar 21 by gerry_us |
So sorry to hear we won't see you tomorrow.
Please be aware I will give the referee all the attention you would if present...!
Looking forward to a match with a great atmosphere; well; better than Harrogate anyway!
Stay calm watching the telly tomorrow Peter. Wishing you well mate and hope the U's do it for us all tomorrow, but in all honesty I would settle for the draw...but who knows? |
Gerry thank you for your kind words.
I hope you enjoy it tomorrow and that we do win the game.
A draw favours Bradford. A win for the U's sends out a clear message that we mean business and that we have momentum at the best time of the season.
I predicted a play off position in August but win tomorrow and top three is assured.
I would take that.
Safe journey and cheer them on for me.
My point about the ref is I've seen them intimidated by a Partizan West Yorkshire crowd and an incensed Alexander the not so great.
Up the U's | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 21:47 - Mar 21 with 2685 views | wessex_exile |
Best wishes Durham, hope you're feeling better soon. A Col U win will be just the right tonic! |  |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 22:45 - Mar 21 with 2633 views | durham_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 21:47 - Mar 21 by wessex_exile |
Best wishes Durham, hope you're feeling better soon. A Col U win will be just the right tonic! |
Thanks Wessex.
The Cowleys are presiding over something very special.
Three points tomorrow is just the tonic required. | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 22:52 - Mar 21 with 2629 views | oxfcolu |
I was intrigued about Anthony Scully as they announced him being close to a comeback. I found a selection of clips of his best moments in games in the past and he used to look pretty impressive. He could be one to watch in our final run of games. |  | | |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 23:05 - Mar 21 with 2627 views | durham_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 22:52 - Mar 21 by oxfcolu |
I was intrigued about Anthony Scully as they announced him being close to a comeback. I found a selection of clips of his best moments in games in the past and he used to look pretty impressive. He could be one to watch in our final run of games. |
Scully has been plagued with some serious and long term injuries.
Having had some metalwork removed he has been training with the squad
Tomorrow might be too soon for a comeback especially on a heavy pitch but he might be available for the vital final matches.
I hope that Bishop and Tovide will be back soon.
And McDonnell will be back after the International break.
Up the U's | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 06:25 - Mar 22 with 2545 views | noah4x4 |
Two full CUSA buses departing 0830.
Dozens by car.
Some by minibus
Many by train
Rubber Duck, we got ourselves a Convoy!
One downside is no alcohol served to away fans inside the Stadium. It’s also another enormous uphill walk from where the buses stop for the stadium, then a further distance to an away friendly pub. Yet again, somewhat away fan disabled unfriendly.
£5 a ticket, but a £1.50 service charge per ticket , I think they are bankers not bantams.
However, their 20,000 at £5 is less revenue than our 6,000 at £ 17. With our capacity limit of 10,000, we couldn’t drop to £10 without the club losing money. Also compare populations. Bradford has over 500k, Colchester under 200k. Illustrates how reducing ticket prices is a gamble unless local population is significant. We have tried it with Armed Forces etc and it failed. |  | | |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 06:38 - Mar 22 with 2535 views | wessex_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 06:25 - Mar 22 by noah4x4 |
Two full CUSA buses departing 0830.
Dozens by car.
Some by minibus
Many by train
Rubber Duck, we got ourselves a Convoy!
One downside is no alcohol served to away fans inside the Stadium. It’s also another enormous uphill walk from where the buses stop for the stadium, then a further distance to an away friendly pub. Yet again, somewhat away fan disabled unfriendly.
£5 a ticket, but a £1.50 service charge per ticket , I think they are bankers not bantams.
However, their 20,000 at £5 is less revenue than our 6,000 at £ 17. With our capacity limit of 10,000, we couldn’t drop to £10 without the club losing money. Also compare populations. Bradford has over 500k, Colchester under 200k. Illustrates how reducing ticket prices is a gamble unless local population is significant. We have tried it with Armed Forces etc and it failed. |
Bearing in mind they have 15,000 season ticket holders who have already bought a ticket and won’t get a refund. Bradford have opened up another block of seats for U’s supporters, so there could be 800+ of the Faithful there today - brilliant turnout! | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 10:51 - Mar 22 with 2414 views | burnsieespana |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 06:25 - Mar 22 by noah4x4 |
Two full CUSA buses departing 0830.
Dozens by car.
Some by minibus
Many by train
Rubber Duck, we got ourselves a Convoy!
One downside is no alcohol served to away fans inside the Stadium. It’s also another enormous uphill walk from where the buses stop for the stadium, then a further distance to an away friendly pub. Yet again, somewhat away fan disabled unfriendly.
£5 a ticket, but a £1.50 service charge per ticket , I think they are bankers not bantams.
However, their 20,000 at £5 is less revenue than our 6,000 at £ 17. With our capacity limit of 10,000, we couldn’t drop to £10 without the club losing money. Also compare populations. Bradford has over 500k, Colchester under 200k. Illustrates how reducing ticket prices is a gamble unless local population is significant. We have tried it with Armed Forces etc and it failed. |
Durham sorry to see you are not well and hope you soon feel better.
As regards watching g the game I won't be as since I stopped watching live we have gone on this incredible run. Just think if it continued until season end?
My season started dreaming of a non relegation fight, then moved on to a top 10 finish then became outrageous of us getting into a play off spot and now it knows no bounds!
Thanks for the travelling faithful giving the boys so.much encouragement.
Up the U's |  | | |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 10:52 - Mar 22 with 2414 views | durham_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 06:38 - Mar 22 by wessex_exile |
Bearing in mind they have 15,000 season ticket holders who have already bought a ticket and won’t get a refund. Bradford have opened up another block of seats for U’s supporters, so there could be 800+ of the Faithful there today - brilliant turnout! |
Safe journey to all the travelling faithful.
The walk to the ground from where I normally park is challenging distance wise.
Should be a great day.
Enjoy the game.
Up the U's | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 12:53 - Mar 22 with 2318 views | durham_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 10:51 - Mar 22 by burnsieespana |
Durham sorry to see you are not well and hope you soon feel better.
As regards watching g the game I won't be as since I stopped watching live we have gone on this incredible run. Just think if it continued until season end?
My season started dreaming of a non relegation fight, then moved on to a top 10 finish then became outrageous of us getting into a play off spot and now it knows no bounds!
Thanks for the travelling faithful giving the boys so.much encouragement.
Up the U's |
Burnsie thank you for your good wishes
This could be a very special season for our club.
Enjoy.
Up the U's | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 12:56 - Mar 22 with 2316 views | durham_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 12:53 - Mar 22 by durham_exile |
Burnsie thank you for your good wishes
This could be a very special season for our club.
Enjoy.
Up the U's |
A message to all the Bantams supporters this afternoon in what could be a record crowd.
You're only there for the Col U.
Up the U's | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 13:02 - Mar 22 with 2313 views | Moor_Pinot |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 12:56 - Mar 22 by durham_exile |
A message to all the Bantams supporters this afternoon in what could be a record crowd.
You're only there for the Col U.
Up the U's |
You be well please good friend. |  |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 13:07 - Mar 22 with 2310 views | durham_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 13:02 - Mar 22 by Moor_Pinot |
You be well please good friend. |
Thank you Pinot.
Hope you enjoy the game today. | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 14:02 - Mar 22 with 2261 views | wessex_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 13:07 - Mar 22 by durham_exile |
Thank you Pinot.
Hope you enjoy the game today. |
Spot on with the starting XI Durham, no changes from the Fleetwood game. Scully is on the bench, but no Samson. | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 14:06 - Mar 22 with 2250 views | durham_exile |
Wessex good to see KVY on the bench too.
Whilst I love Samson, today is one of those games where the Bradford players would manhandle him and get under his skin.
We will have him back and the others in time for the last few games.
Today, no nonsense just get at them and show no fear. Up the U's | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 14:25 - Mar 22 with 2218 views | Witham |
Good result for us in the midday kickoff. Get well soon Durham |  | | |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 14:26 - Mar 22 with 2216 views | wessex_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 14:06 - Mar 22 by durham_exile |
Wessex good to see KVY on the bench too.
Whilst I love Samson, today is one of those games where the Bradford players would manhandle him and get under his skin.
We will have him back and the others in time for the last few games.
Today, no nonsense just get at them and show no fear. Up the U's |
Meanwhile in other news, Notts County and Crewe draw 0-0. That'll do nicely! | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 14:39 - Mar 22 with 2202 views | noah4x4 |
The little fibbers!
Bradford website says no alcohol for away fans.
We arrived at13:50, too late to climb up the hill to the pub. Then we discover Timothy Taylor Landlord being served on the concourse!
Let’s hope match progresses in same positive vein….! | | | |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 15:24 - Mar 22 with 2175 views | durham_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 14:39 - Mar 22 by noah4x4 |
The little fibbers!
Bradford website says no alcohol for away fans.
We arrived at13:50, too late to climb up the hill to the pub. Then we discover Timothy Taylor Landlord being served on the concourse!
Let’s hope match progresses in same positive vein….! |
Enjoy the liquids Noah.
Taylor is too isolated up top and we need support for him.
Simpson, Thorn, Gordon or Scully are options
Up the U's | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 15:38 - Mar 22 with 2150 views | durham_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 15:24 - Mar 22 by durham_exile |
Enjoy the liquids Noah.
Taylor is too isolated up top and we need support for him.
Simpson, Thorn, Gordon or Scully are options
Up the U's |
We've just conceded a really soft goal.
Having watched the replays we were too complacent trying to clear what looked an innocent advance.
Still brilliant work from Payne and Anderson scores.
Great stuff | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 15:44 - Mar 22 with 2130 views | durham_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 15:38 - Mar 22 by durham_exile |
We've just conceded a really soft goal.
Having watched the replays we were too complacent trying to clear what looked an innocent advance.
Still brilliant work from Payne and Anderson scores.
Great stuff |
DC needs to think about half time subs.
We have the quality on the bench
So far two soft goals conceded
But plenty of time left
Up the U's | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 15:57 - Mar 22 with 2078 views | durham_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 15:44 - Mar 22 by durham_exile |
DC needs to think about half time subs.
We have the quality on the bench
So far two soft goals conceded
But plenty of time left
Up the U's |
Vital that we score the next goal.
Taylor too isolated.
Too risky to give Scully 45 minutes.
Gordon, Thorn and Simpson all possible options
Come on the U's | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 16:06 - Mar 22 with 2050 views | durham_exile |
| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 15:57 - Mar 22 by durham_exile |
Vital that we score the next goal.
Taylor too isolated.
Too risky to give Scully 45 minutes.
Gordon, Thorn and Simpson all possible options
Come on the U's |
Attendance 23,381
No mention of the faithful though.
Must be close to 1,000 | |
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| Bantams to experience avian flu at the feet of the imperious Super U's on 16:17 - Mar 22 with 2030 views | wessex_exile |
Walker pulls off a blinder against Owura and we don't even get the corner? | |
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