Bradford City @ Deepdale 15/11/2014

**themaclad** · 13-11-2014, 19:57

Given we have four international call ups this game could have been called off this weekend, however given the fact there would have been a seven week gap between home league games they are playing it. Also the fact there is likely to be a large away following to fill the coffers.
City's form has been patchy of late although they got back to winning in a hard fought cup tie at Halifax last Sunday. You know you will be in for a hard game against the Bantams they are slightly direct although without Hanson and the nippy McLean, they may play slightly differently. For a side who depend on aerial prowess they let in a lot at the back from set pieces. One of the best games at Deepdale last season great atmosphere as well.
North End will be changes as Browne, Wiseman and Robinson are not available, need to start picking up points in the league again.

**themaclad** · 15-11-2014, 20:16

It's no coincidence that North End's current run of poor league form is down to one factor the yellow ball. Rochdale, Swindon and now Bradford City have deposited the yellow peril into the net more than we have or it may be down to the fact that we seem to have lost a bit of form.
You know what you get when you play the Bantams, they are direct, work their socks off and don't give you a minutes peace on the ball. You have to be at full tilt when you play them, today North End were for the main were distinctly off the pace.
City started on the front foot and apart from a Gallagher shot just before half time did not threaten Pickford's goal. City won corner after corner, had free kicks in dangerous positions which they wasted. But as day follows night you knew they would be successful with a dead ball kick and sure enough a corner from the right duly arrived at the back post for McArdle to head home off the unguarded post. By half time City should have been out of sight but weren't.
North End started the second period brightly with Pickford making a double save from Garner and Humphrys as the home side threatened to get on top. The pressure didn't last long as Bradford started to win thousands of corners at the other end, North End had their luck poor finishing and some good defending kept them out.
Five minutes from the end the home side leveled, neat work by Robinson skipped around a couple of defenders to pass to Garner who slid the ball in. Looked like they gained a point but no within 30 seconds Yeates had curled in the winner from 20 yards.
Pickford performed heroics keeping King's shot out and Robinson and Garner should have hit the target with very good chances, but it's three defeats in the league and next up are league leaders Bristol City. Suspect a tough week on the training ground lies ahead.

Preston North End 1 Bradford City 2 Att 10300

**St Charles Owl** · 16-11-2014, 04:32

Your form seems to be boom and bust this season, needs a bit more consistency!! The gap below you has disappeared and the whole playoff scene has tightened up.

**themaclad** · 16-11-2014, 10:24

Will be an interesting season, in a way not to worried about a dip in form all teams get them and I'd rather have ours now than at the end of the season as with last year. Long way to go yet but we have a worrying trend of not beating the top sides.