Gary Bowyer talks up Dylan Connolly after Bradford beat Carlisle

Posted Sunday, September 22, 2019 by PA

Gary Bowyer praised the performance of winger Dylan Connolly after Bradford came from behind to beat Carlisle 3-1 in a full-blooded contest at Valley Parade.

Both sides finished the match with 10 men as Carlisle midfielder Jack Bridge was sent off in the 33rd minute for two yellow cards and Bradford defender Ben Richards-Everton was dismissed in the 62nd minute for a reckless challenge on Jack Iredale.

Carlisle, who were looking for a third consecutive away win, went ahead in the 14th minute courtesy of Olufela Olomola’s effort.

Bradford equalised in the 30th minute through Harry Pritchard before Kelvin Mellor made it 2-1 five minutes before half-time.

Substitute Zeli Ismail put the result beyond doubt in added time with Bradford’s third goal with a fierce close-range effort after Clayton Donaldson created the opening.

Bowyer was delighted with the pacey Connolly, who joined Bradford on loan from AFC Wimbledon on transfer-deadline day, in particular.

He said: “I am old fashioned and I grew up watching the greatest winger in John Robertson.

“Dylan is growing in confidence every game, every minute he gets to play. He was a constant threat straightway, but he knows he needs to do better with his end product and he wants to score some goals.

“We had a setback when we lost to a good Cheltenham side in midweek, but we got on the front foot straightway today and played with spirit, fight and passion throughout the 90 minutes against a good Carlisle team, but there is a lot more work needed.”

Bowyer said he thought both red cards were “a bit harsh” and hinted Bradford might appeal Richards-Everton’s dismissal.

Carlisle manager Steven Pressley said: “I thought in the first 30 minutes or so we played our best football of the season. We were terrific with the ball and on the counter attack and our shape was excellent.

“Then we lost a goal which was disappointing and to lose Jack Bridge was frustrating. Then we lost another goal from a set-play and we cannot continue to do that.

“The defenders have got to take responsibility. Attacking and defending set-plays in League Two is crucial. The biggest disappointment was the second goal.

“There were so many positives in the performance, but you cannot lose goals from set-plays.

“In the second half we got into some good positions in the final third, but we did not make the most of them.”