Thus far, the biggest cheer of the day has greeted the sight of Alex Ferguson after Everton's 2 injury time goals snatch a draw from the jaws of United victory. For once there is a buzz in the stadium, and not just because of the fate befalling the red side of Manchester. Even the flags are back in the Cheadle End! Just goes to show the effect a win can have on supporters as well as players.
What's nice is that there is a decent crowd today (4277), with a fair number from Bradford. Throughout the game there has been a bit of noise around Edgeley Park, the first time in a long time that that has happened.
Sadly, we've only got a point from the game, when a little bit of composure (at both ends) would - and probably should - have seen another 3 points in the bag. Sadly, Bradford easily weathered the County pressure (if not the torrential downpour), and took the lead just after half time. A hopeful long ball caught the County defence at sea. A slip by the to this point solid Assoumani saw the Bradford player clean through on goal. One square ball across the 6 yard box later, Bradford were 1-0 up against the run of play. Cue wild celebrations in the rain for those in amber & claret; rueful shakes of the head for those in blue & white.
However, County - rather than buckling - pressed for the equaliser. Donnelly, Proctor ( who to be fair did well when replacing the woeful Conlon), Vincent & Tansey all had efforts either charged down or narrowly wide. As time wore on and County's final ball became slightly more desperate, the breakthrough came. A brilliant short corner caught Bradford out, and Griffin's pinpoint cross enabled Donnelly to bundle the ball home. A deserved equaliser and more to the point, the first goal at home for a long time.
After that point, Bradford seemed to settle for the point while a bouyant County pressed for a winner. Again, a frustrating lack of movement and poor final ball tended to end promising moves.
For once, County recovered from going a goal down and showed real character. It helped that the crowd - although frustrated by the slow final ball - kept behind the team. Assoumani made a single mistake in the whole match and got punished, but didn't let that get to him. Vincent was excellent in the "defensive midfield" role and rightly won man of the match. The only disappointment was Conlon: his substitution was greeted by cheers such was his obvious lack of effort.
On the train home I'm encouraged by the performance, if a bit disappointed over the final result. At least I can now say I've seen a goal for County at Edgeley; just need that elusive win now...
-- Post From My iPhone
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