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Gabe’s Verdict: Bradford

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Ben Alnwick doesn’t get a good score



Very poor. At fault for both goals, more notably the first. Distribution was appalling and looked shaky all afternoon. I would not be surprised to see a Howard return next week. A day to forget.

Derik Osede (6)

Another consistent display from the Spaniard. Stood his ground well but more importantly defended cleverly. Fits in well with the partnership of Beevers and Wheater. His pace saved us on numerous occasions and is needed with the immobility of Beevers and Wheater.

Mark Beevers (7)

Struggled to deal with the intense movement of the Bradford front line but grew into the game. Dominant in the air, as usual and his gritty defending kept Bradford at bay in the second half.

David Wheater (8)

Similarly to Beevers, Wheater struggled in the early ages due to the pace, directness and intensity of the Bradford front line but defended well and made some game wining challenges. Also, he scored a crucial goal to get us back into the game. A colossus.

Dean Moxey (2)

Dreadful. Lacked everything, willingness, width, passion and he certainly can`t defend. Another bad day at the office, the Wanderers faithful are really starting to lose their patience with him, I can sense it.

Tom Thorpe (7)

Delighted with Thorpe today. He doesn`t possess the same charisma and enthusiasm that Jay Spearing has, although he put one hell of a shift in today. Like the majority of the team he struggled in the early stages but he was patient and got a foothold in the game. Unnoticeably, he broke the play down efficiently and won every second ball. A well enough equipped player to replace Spearing in this tough spell.

Liam Trotter (2)

Here we are again! A good performance the week before but a dire one the week after. Offered absolutely nothing, trudged around the pitch with no real threat or directness. Couldn`t cope with the athletic Josh Cullen and unsurprisingly got took off within the first 10 minutes of the second half.

Josh Vela (6)

The first half went and again Josh Vela was non-existent. I’m thinking at half time, ‘What is Josh Vela contributing to this team?’ Second half came; he brought intensity back into his play. He ran his socks off and played a part in both goals.

Filipe Morais (6)

Not as effective as usual but again ran his socks off against his former club. Always gives us an option down the flank. Hoping to see him with more of the ball against Sheffield United.

Gary Madine (8)

Excellent performance from Madine today. Scored a great goal and it was great to see him run his socks off for the team. Won everything in the air and you can see a gradual improvement in the link up play between Madine and Le Fondre, promising.

Adam Le Fondre (6)

His work rate is top class and his passion for the club and the fans is second to none. Again, didn`t really have a clear cut chance to ponder at but he will have his chance. Gradually his fitness is improving and the Sheffield United game looks a great chance for him to show the fans what he can do.

Substitutes

James Henry (9)

Completely changed the game for us. Scared the Bradford defenders to death. Carried the ball forward and pushed the whole team up the pitch. Provided a great cross and assist for Gary Madine`s header. He must start against Sheffield United.

Viv Solomon-Otabor (6)

Brought pace and power to the team. Drove at the Bradford defence and could have scored with a strike from 20 yards out. Another great option to bring on later in matches with the pace he brings to the team

Star Man- Phil Parkinson

My god this man is working wonders. With a team that was continuously losing and conceding late goals to score two goals away from home in the way we did it was unbelievable. He has brought belief and he`s completely rejuvenated the club. Bradford`s loss not ours.

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