Bradford City manager Graham Alexander was left optimistic after their defeat at Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup last night.
The Champions League side won 4-1 which was only Bradford’s second loss of the season.
Second Best
Bradford City’s Carabao Cup journey ended with a 4-1 defeat to reigning champions Newcastle United at St James’ Park last night, yet the League One side left with heads held high. Facing a Premier League giant, Graham Alexander’s men displayed resilience, earning plaudits from their 4,900 travelling fans.
Newcastle struck first through Joelinton’s 12th-minute strike, with William Osula doubling the lead not long after. Bradford battled back and their reward came in the 65th minute when Andy Cook’s thunderous shot sparked incredible celebrations in the away end. However, Joelinton’s and Osula’s both completing a brace which sealed Newcastle’s victory. Despite the loss, Bradford’s performance and £350,000 prize money signal a bright future with the club currently sitting top of League One.
Positive Signs So Far
Bradford City have made an excellent return to League One following their League Two promotion last term, showing hard determination under Graham Alexander. Nine games into this season, the Bantams are top of the table with six wins and two draws and a singular loss. Highlights so far include a hard-fought 1-1 draw against promotion contenders Wigan and a 3-1 away victory over Cardiff City. New signing Jake Young has brought attacking spark, complementing Andy Cook’s reliable goal-scoring as he continues his recovery from an ACL injury. With an average of 6,500 fans filling Valley Parade, the atmosphere has been electric all season and supporters are hopeful for a push towards the top half of the table as the season progresses.
Still Upbeat
Speaking to the media Alexander said:
“You have to hold your hands up and say we ran into a better team.
“We started well and had the first real opportunity of the match with Bobby Pointon’s shot. After that, they scored two in quick succession, which stuck the knife in us a little bit. We responded well to that challenge, though.
“In the second half, we wanted to hold them at bay and then bring on some attacking threat later on.
“They deservedly won the game, but we are delighted for our players, they kept pushing until the end, remaining a threat, and we scored a very good goal with Andy’s strike.”
Writers View
Graham Alexander is right to be positive as Bradford City have adapted seamlessly to League One. With only one loss thus far, the Bantams will do doubt be targeting a play-off finish.
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