Stuart McCall wants more quality from Bradford
Posted Sunday, February 09, 2020 by PA
Stuart McCall did not know whether to laugh or cry after Grimsby spoiled his Bradford return with a 1-1 Sky Bet League Two draw at Valley Parade.
McCall’s return as manager for a third time looked to be on course for a winning start when a shot by Callum Cooke flicked off Lee Novak’s shoulder to give the home side an 80th-minute lead.
But Grimsby launched a strong fightback and were rewarded two minutes into added time.
Charles Vernam’s low cross was turned home from close range by defender Luke Hendrie, son of McCall’s former Bradford team-mate and friend John.
Hendrie, a Bradford fan, played for them on loan in 2017-2018 and McCall wanted to sign him. But Edin Rahic, chairman at the time, blocked the move a month before sacking the manager.
McCall said: “I don’t think we did enough to win the game. We had 14 shots but only put one on target – but we still should have seen it out.
“We couldn’t ask for any more for endeavour, togetherness, desire and determination. But we just lacked a bit of quality in certain areas.
“But we know the confidence has been a little bit low because of the run of results we’ve been on.
“If we’d got over the line, it would have been a great bonus. But it’s a point nearer to where we want to get.
“I’m naturally disappointed to lose the win going into the dying embers of the game. We’ve got to manage the situation better.
“We had a throw-in with two minutes to go. Throw-ins are an important part of the game, like a free-kick or a corner.
“But our throw-ins were abysmal. I think we gave it away almost every time we had one.”
McCall’s appearance on the touchline ahead of kick-off produced a loud roar from the home fans.
But Bradford could not find a breakthrough in a cagey first half when neither goalkeeper was tested.
The two best chances for the home side fell to players who have not scored for the club.
On-loan Wimbledon winger Dylan Connolly fired over the bar after eight minutes then Jake Reeves, who was signed by McCall in the summer of 2017, drove high into the crowd when he could have played in Clayton Donaldson.
Lee Novak, who was signed by Gary Bowyer on transfer deadline day, flicked on Connor Wood’s cross and Connolly stretched to volley into the side-netting.
Ben Richards-Everton headed wide from a corner before Reeves went close with a curling free-kick.
As Grimsby came more into it, Charles Vernam set off on a dangerous solo run that was halted by a sliding block from Connor Wood in the penalty area.
Cooke looked to have won it but Grimsby deserved their late response and were close to adding another in a goal-mouth scramble before the whistle blew.
Grimsby manager Ian Holloway was delighted to see his decision to switch Hendrie from right back to midfield paid off.
He said: “I talk to the lads about the change of shape and it’s brilliant that when we did it, the one we moved scored.
“That will help the lads believe that I know what I’m talking about. I had to take a risk going 3-4-3 and we got that goal.
“Bradford did really well and I expected them to. But we were passing it, we were moving and looked composed.
“Then they go and light the place up with that goal but I thought we were terrific after. That’s a good habit to get into.
“Take their goal out of it and we looked like we were settling. It was a hectic game.
“We’re a handful. Bradford are talked about as one who could get promoted.
“But if I’m looking at them and looking at us, who’s to say which one could get promoted?”
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