Things have felt very surreal surrounding Bradford City since they appointed Mark Hughes as their new manager on Thursday, but high-flying Mansfield soon brought City fans back down to earth. Goals either side of half time sealed the victory for the Stags, as City now sit 12 points off the playoffs with just 12 games left in the season.
Following the huge reception Mark Hughes received on entering his dugout, it was his side who created the first opportunity of the afternoon.
Alex Gilliead, who in the previous two games has played as a left wing back, received the ball out wide. Gilliead managed to skip past three Mansfield defenders before feeding Andy Cook. Despite being under pressure from Elliott Hewitt, Cook managed to fire an effort towards the near post, forcing Nathan Bishop into an early save.
However, despite all the positivity surrounding Valley Parade, another defensive error allowed Mansfield to take the lead right before half time.
A long ball was played into City’s half, but Matty Foulds misjudged the flight of the ball, and flicked the ball into the path of Rhys Oates inadvertently. Oates carried the ball into City’s penalty area, before sweetly striking the ball into the top left corner of Alex Bass’ net.
The home fans were looking forward to how their side would respond in the second half following Mark Hughes’ first half time team talk. Although, City conceded again just three minutes after the interval, in poor fashion once more.
Stephen McLaughlin played a cross into the area. On a number of occasions, the City defenders were beaten to the ball by Mansfield attackers. Eventually, Jamie Murphy fired an effort into his own team mate, before Matty Longstaff mishit the ball past Bass, even with two City defenders attempting to block the shot.
City kept pushing to find a way back into the game, with Andy Cook twice calling Bishop into saves, but Hughes’ side couldn’t find a way past the Manchester United loanee.
The feeling at the full-time whistle was considerably less volatile than what it has been in previous weeks at Valley Parade. The fans seem united by Mark Hughes’ appointment, and they understand he must be given time to repair things on the pitch at City.
Hughes stated after the game that there were elements of the game that he did and didn’t like, and that he now has a better understanding of what he is working with. It will be interesting to see his team selection and tactics in City’s next game, at home to Swindon Town, who currently occupy the final Playoff place.
