Friday 15th August, 2008last year, mid-August
The things we think and do not say - Macclesfield Town vs Bradford City - League Two 2008/2009 preview
Let’s try that again.
Bradford City are the favourite to go up from League Two this year after bringing in a clutch of quality players to add to a strong squad that finished last year.
It never happened.
That strong squad recorded City’s first opening day win since 2001 last week when Notts County were beaten 2-1 at Valley Parade. The first game of the season is always tough and as up for it as the likes of Omar Daley - impressive on the right wing - was that day the Magpies were equally as motivated to get a good start. Every first day win is good.
What about the first round of the cup? Move on. Minimise.
Stuart McCall was part of a City team that won promotion to the Premiership after losing the first game of the season at home to Stockport County so Peter Thorne’s two goals will not have convinced the Gaffer that City are assured promotion - just that they are three points nearer it.
But when, where will the next three points come?
Rhys Evans retains his place in goal despite that night - I thought we were not mentioning that night… -but McCall may look to the axe elsewhere. Paul Arnison does not deserve it by TJ Moncur may get a chance over him.
Right wing? Moncur? What is going on Stuart?
Graeme Lee, on the other hand, is immense and keeps his place as - one suspects - will Matthew Clarke - He has had better nights… Mark Bower never used to give the ball away as often as that. Paul Heckingbottom is playing well but and the fact that Chris Brandon is in training but not match fit will probably mean that Kyle Nix keeps his place.
He was quiet in the second half. He is a great player but so easily falls out of plans.
Lee Bullock and Paul McLaren will continue in the middle although their was a worry as they lost the control of the midfield they had after an hour in the first game.
Faded. The middle of the field was open and he just ran straight through them. They are both pushing thirty, maybe they don’t have the legs. Minimise. Move on.
Last season’s player of the season Joe Colbeck - he is not tainted - is expected to make a first start ahead of Omar Daley on the right wing and Peter Thorne will return up front alongside Michael Boulding who makes his first league start with Barry Conlon dropping to the bench.
But Barry did things and Boulding was so… nothing. He is great - I’ve seen him be great - but he needed to do more that night…
McCall looks to continue the good league form and build on the win over Notts County.
Return us to hope Stuart.
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