Bradford Battered

In an enthralling game at the Kassam Stadium this afternoon, Oxford United ran out 2-1 winners against Bradford City. The score-line flattered the visiting team. It was Oxford’s best performance of the season, as they completely took apart an abysmal Bradford side who resorted to embarrassingly negative tactics under their wily boss, Peter Taylor.

After conceding a soft goal off a corner in the tenth minute, that was eventually scrambled in by Mario Balotelli wannabe, Omar Daley (you know the type: big ego with a certain swagger and nonchalant attitude, equipped with gloves and unnecessarily wearing his socks over his knees), Oxford United were truly terrific. We played with passion, high intensity and great confidence. To Bradford’s meagre two shots on goal, we peppered theirs with eighteen. To their single corner, we whipped in thirteen. Still, with fifteen minutes to go we were somehow still trailing to the woeful former Premiership outfit. Despite this, their supporters were deathly quiet, red-faced perhaps that their outrageously negative tactics were denying a team playing attractive pass and move football. At this point, I had the dreadful feeling that it was going to be on of those awful days when consistent pressure and utter dominance are not enough to win a football match. The final whistle would blow and we would depart dumbfounded at how we had lost to such an inept outfit.

Alas, it was not to be. After virtually everyone in a yellow shirt, including centre-back Harry Worley, had seemingly missed a glaring opportunity, we finally scrambled the ball home on 77 minutes via Steve MacLean. If this was to be MacLean’s last showing for Oxford (his extended loan spell has come to an end) then good luck to him. He has been brilliant for us. Five minutes later, justice was finally done as Tom Craddock managed to bundle home substitute James Constable’s cross. It was amusing how such wonderful football was eventually won through two scrappy goals.

A magnificent showing by the men in yellow. It is fair to say that their mid-season hangover is well and truly behind them. Once again, the Oxford United supporters were outstanding. The resounding reception that the players received at half-time, despite trailing by a goal to nil was a clear reflection of this.

The rest of the league had better take note. We’re ready to take it by storm.

Man of the match: Steve MacLean