Salford City proved too much for Bradford City today as the Manchester-based side dominated proceedings. Even though just three points separated the sides before the game, Salford City looked leagues ahead of Bradford City in reality.
It took Salford just seven minutes to punish the Bradford City backline as Luke Burgess tapped in his first goal of the season. 13 minutes later, Ian Henderson doubled the lead for the home side as Salford’s quality shone through.
Burgess, on the cusp of half-time, then doubled his season tally and effectively ended the game putting the hosts three goals to the good. Bradford City did show glimpses of a goal threat but were, once again, largely ineffective in the final third.
Salford City Defeat Bradford City
Salford Boss Richie Wellens: We Should Have Scored More
Richie Wellens highlighted his team’s dominance in the post-match interview. Salford put in a much-improved performance after a poor showing against Bolton last time out. Luke Burgess took all the plaudits as Wellens states he could play at a higher level in the future. The 21-year-old midfielder was a constant threat against Bradford as they struggled to contain Salford.
Wellens said he was pleased how his side quickly adapted after the defeat against Bolton. He said: “I have to say the players on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday trained really well, they took on a lot of what we give them. I think we could have scored more, we could have had eight or nine today.”
The win puts Salford City a single point behind Colchester United who occupies seventh place.
Stuart Mccall: Don’t Write Us off Just Yet
Another defeat piles the pressure onto Stuart McCall and the Bantams. Bradford City didn’t lay a glove on Salford today, and the powder-puff Bantams look to be in serious trouble.
A lack of confidence, goals, and quality are all evident. With five players injured, McCall laments City’s bad luck, however, he is adamant that the team, once fully fit, will perform to higher standards. However, there are still reservations about the ability within McCall’s team.
The ageing trio of Clayton Donaldson, Lee Novak, and Billy Clarke are struggling to make an impact for McCall’s team. Consequently, without a strong January transfer window, Bradford City will likely be fighting off relegation.
McCall also alluded to the fact that some more players may be injured for the upcoming game against Leyton Orient.
Therefore, speaking to the official Bradford City site, McCall wants to see the fringe members of the squad step up and prove themselves:
“When you are thin on the ground you need players to stake their claim for places. The lads who are coming in need to grab their opportunities and they have another chance to do that on Tuesday.”
The defeat leaves Bradford City just two points above the drop zone and seven points away from the play-off places.
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