Having a Ball

December’s Events Have Got Everybody Excited

The festive period has been busy for the Bantams

  What a frenzied fortnight of football.

   Seasons with City are never straightforward, and, so far, this season has been a roller coaster ride of excitement, drama and passion. The past two weeks have been no exception.

   Proceedings began with a bang on Tuesday 11^th December, when the Bantams beat a full strength Arsenal side to progress to the next round of the Capital One Cup. The euphoria, emotion and incredible atmosphere will live long in the memories of the people of Bradford and were unlike anything that we’ve seen at City in a long time.

   As the week progressed, things continued to fall in City’s favour (depending on your opinion of the cup runs, of course). After being removed from the F.A. Cup for fielding Curtis Good, the club won their appeal and were reinstated in the competition. The possibility of extra fixtures wasn’t exactly welcome, but, nevertheless, it was still good to be back in the cup. Things just kept getting better.

   The Bantams’ run of success seemed to be continuing, after they acquired a two-goal lead at Southend. Unfortunately, though, it was a cushion that could not be retained: two late goals from the hosts meant that the prize was just one point. It wasn’t ideal, by any means, and many were worried that our promotion hopes may be beginning to take a battering, but, at the end of the day, it was better than walking away with nothing.

   Tuesday saw Bradford take on Brentford in the F.A. Cup replay. Kyel Reid made his much-anticipated return and found the back of the net, as did Alan Connell, but 3 Brentford goals in extra time secured victory for the League One side. Few City fans will have qualms about the manner in which their side left the cup, though-the night was a great experience for City’s younger players, and the loss promised to ease the congestion of midweek ties.

   The following day’s Capital Cup draw handed Bradford two games with Aston Villa, much to the delight of many City fans. With the worst goal difference in the Premier League, Aston Villa are certainly beatable. The interest from Sky Sports will generate further income and it’s set to be another sell-out at Valley Parade.

   Finally, the Accrington game added another 3 points to the mix. Admittedly, it wasn’t City’s finest performance (In parts, the defence seemed quite shaky.), but Reid really upped the tempo and we were treated to two great finishes, from Thompson and Connell.

   The best bit? Now, we’re just 6 points off of the top spot!

   From beating you-know-who and enjoying a ninth successive penalty shootout victory, to snatching the three points after Connell’s late winner against Accrington, it’s all happening for the Bantams. At the moment, City boast such a strong squad with a very commendable “Never say die” attitude, and it’s really leading them onto some great victories. Let’s hope for another 3 points against Rochdale.

   Long may this thrilling run continue.