Match Preview | Bradford City (H)

18 August 2023

Bradford City are the visitors to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium on matchday four of the 2023/24 Sky Bet League Two campaign.

It was a well-earned point for the Shrimps against Notts County in midweek, with Michael Mellon coming closest to breaking the deadlock on two separate occasions.

The Bantams took the lead against Stockport County on Tuesday night and held on until the 80^th minute before Isaac Olaofe equalised with around 10 minutes to play.

In the last outing between the sides back in May 2021, Derek Adams’ men ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Liam McAlinden and Cole Stockton respectively, cementing our place in the League Two play-offs.

The Opposition

City are one place above Morecambe in the table going into Saturday’s fixture, with both teams having one win, one draw and one defeat on the board after three games.

It was an opening day defeat away to Crawley Town for Bradford, followed by a 2-1 home win against Colchester where Mark Hughes saw his team come from a goal down to claim all three points.

Hughes took over from Derek Adams at the University of Bradford Stadium in February 2022. He has since taken charge of 72 games; Winning 30, drawing 20 and losing 22, and boasts a point-per-game average of 1.53.

Key Players

Prolific scorer Andy Cook is a proven threat in front of goal, having scored 186 goals in 487 professional appearances to-date. Out of his 31 goals last campaign, the forward netted 28 times in the fourth tier, which landed him a place in the EFL Team of the Season for League Two as well as the division’s top scorer.

34-year-old Kevin McDonald joined the West Yorkshire side on a free in the summer following a spell at Exeter City. One of the more experienced players in the City squad, the defensive-midfielder has 41 Premier League appearances under his belt for Burnley and Fulham. McDonald is back in professional football after a lengthy spell on the side-lines in 2021 following a life-saving kidney transplant.

New arrival Alex Pattison is the early front runner in terms of goals scored for Bradford City so far this season, with three in four appearances across all competitions. The central midfielder was part of the Wycombe Wanderers team to win promotion at Wembley in the 2019/20 play-off final against Oxford United.

Mark Hughes’ Pre-Match Thoughts

Speaking to BradfordCityAFC.com, City boss Mark Hughes says he expects a tough test from the Shrimps.

He said: “It sounds cliché, but it is true - there is no such thing as an easy game.

“Any club that has experience at a higher level will be tough, as they have guys who understand how to get out of this league.

“Morecambe’s approach will not change because of who they are up against, so we should set out as we always do - to focus on ourselves and recognise where in the game we can edge in front.”

Meet The Officials

Lewis Smith will take charge of Saturday’s game; Linesmen Richard Woodward and Oliver will as well as fourth official Matthew Sowerby complet the official’s line-up.

Born in Lancashire, Smith is into his second season as an EFL official and taken charge of three games so far this campaign, in League One, Two and the Carabao Cup.

Listen Live!

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For just £2.50, you can enjoy full match commentary with an audio match pass – click here for more information.

Match Reports

Report | Morecambe 3 Bradford City 0

19 August 2023

Three goals without reply saw the Shrimps run out comfortable winners over Bradford City at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.

Two Michael Mellon goals either side of half-time as well as a second half strike for JJ McKiernan gave the home side a thoroughly deserved three points.

It took 13 minutes for either side to gain a real sight on goal, with Clarke Oduor firing an effort from distance, though the ball flew over the Halo Terrace.

Moments later, Tom Bloxham delivered a cross into the mix from the right, Eli King met it, but the connection was lacking and failed to test Harry Lewis.

Following a flurry of corners in quick succession for Derek Adams’ side, it was a free kick which led to the opening goal.

Former Bantams man Yann Songo’o was brought down on the edge of the area, up stepped Michael Mellon who curled the ball low and hard into the bottom-left corner midway through the first half.

In the dying embers of first half added time, Mellon advanced forward in search of his, and Morecambe’s, second of the game, but he could only fire wide while under pressure from a City defender.

Half-time: Morecambe 1 Bradford City 0

Mark Hughes’ men carved out the biggest open chance in the second half and came inches away to an equaliser; Matthew Platt met the corner at the back post, only to see his attempt deflect beyond the far post.

The resulting corner presented Richard Smallwood with a chance, but his swinging effort flew wide of the far post.

After excellent defending to keep the visitors at bay, the Shrimps netted a second with just over 20 minutes remaining on the clock. JJ McKiernan played a neat one-two with Mellon before striking across Lewis and into the back of the net.

Despite the two-goal cushion, there was no let off in Morecambe’s defensive resolve, who produced two big blocks in as many seconds to keep City at bay.

The Bantams saw a big chance go begging with around 11 minutes of normal time to play. Pattison created space for Tyler Smith, who picked up possession and curled an effort over the bar.

The home side were rewarded once more and extended their lead four minutes from the 90; Kevin McDonald tripped a Morecambe man in the box, and Mellon converted from 12 yards, sending Lewis the wrong way.

Despite a couple of late half chances, the Morecambe defence stood firm and ran out comfortable winners.

Full-time: Morecambe 3 Bradford City 0

Morecambe: Moore, Love ©, Bedeau, Rawson, Songo’o (Stokes, 89’), Bloxham (Slew, 82’), King (Davenport, 70’), Mellon, McKiernan (Taylor, 70’), Mayor, Senior (Tutonda, 82’).

Subs not used: A Smith, C Smith.

Goals: Mellon (22’, 86’), McKiernan (68’).

Bookings: Songo’o, Senior, Mellon.

Red cards: None.

Bradford City: Lewis, Platt, Smallwood © (Pointon, 70’), Cook, Pattison, Oduor, Smith (Derbyshire, 83’), Stubbs, Kelly (McDonald, 46’), Oyegoke (Halliday, 69’), Richards (Ridehalgh, 69’).

Subs not used: Doyle, Osadebe.

Goals: None.

Bookings: Smallwood, Pattison.

Red cards: None.

Attendance: 4,713 (1,600 away).