Mark Hughes has responded to Carlisle boss Paul Simpson’s criticism of referee Ross Joyce following The Bantams 1-0 victory in the first leg of their playoff tie last weekend.
When interviewed by the Telegraph and Argus ,the Bradford manager said he was “surprised” by some of Simpson’s comments post-match regarding the officials. Hughes was somewhat shocked that the Cumbrian had not received any sort of fine after describing referee Ross Joyce as a “homer”. He also stated that ‘if it had been me, I’d have got fined’. There were controversial decisions going both ways, which Hughes decided not to comment on post-match.
The first leg at Valley Parade finished 1-0 to the hosts, with a first half Jamie Walker strike separating the two sides. Everything is still to play for in the second leg this Saturday, with Simpson brandishing it as ‘City’s game to lose’. The meeting of the two sides on Sunday was in front of a League Two playoff record attendance of 20,575, and Carlisle themselves will be expecting their largest crowd of the season this weekend.
League Meetings
The two sides both finished the season on 76 points, with Carlisle edging 5th place due to a better goal difference. During the season, The Cumbrians won 1-0 at Brunton Park, whilst the points were shared after a 0-0 draw at Valley Parade. With two of the best defences in the league, goals will be at a premium and it’ll be no surprise to see Bradford sit back and preserve their lead from the first leg.
Carlisle, who had scored the third most goals in the league this season have somewhat struggled of late to find the back of the net. In the first leg they had just two shots on target and were incredibly wasteful in front of goal. The strikers will need to be clinical as this is a strong Bradford defence who don’t give too many chances away. The same applies at the other end, Andy Cook needs no introduction having been the top goal scorer in League 2 this season. However Carlisle are one of a select few clubs who the 32-year-old striker hasn’t been able to punish. It will be a great battle once again between the two sides in the second leg.
Hughes believes that his side can rise to the occasion once again in their aim to book their place at Wembley on the 28th May. That being said The Bantams go to Brunton Park having not won there since 1985. The ex-Premier League boss has said that ‘there’s absolutely no pressure on us, in my view, as we’re on the front foot’.
Writers View
Both managers have plenty of experience as well as respect for one another and the comments don’t seem to have caused any bad blood between the two. Although criticising the officiating at the weekend Simpson did admit that it wasn’t the reason that his side lost. The two sides meet this Saturday with all still to play for and it will no doubt be a blockbuster. Carlisle will need to find something extra in order to get past Bradford, but the tie is still firmly in the balance.