McDONALD’S MEN TAKE ALL THREE POINTS AS HE SEND 3 WORD MESSAGE TO YOUNG BRILLIANT STAR OUTSTANDING
Kevin McDonald won his first game in caretaker charge of the Bantams, with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Swindon Town.
Bobby Pointon’s first goal in claret and amber five minutes into the second period sealed a narrow but deserved triumph for City at the University of Bradford Stadium.
The first chance of the game went the way of the visitors, as Rushian Hepburn-Murphy drove a low cross into Charlie Austin, but Brad Halliday was there to make a vital intervention as Austin steered wide.
City grew into the opening stages, and Pointon had their first sight on goal in the 12th minute, as he cut inside and let fly from just outside the area, seeing his effort blocked.
Jamie Walker saw a good effort from just inside the box flash wide of the post in the 16th minute as McDonald’s men started to gain a foothold in the game.
Andy Cook also had a headed effort land on the wrong side of the post just before the 20-minute mark, before Pointon went to ground inside the area and cries for a City penalty were waved away.
Swindon went close in the early knockings of the second half, with the game still finely poised, as Tyrese Shade angled an effort in but it spun just wide.
Moments later, in the 50th minute, would come City’s moment. Brad Halliday unleashed a powerful drive which was spilled by Murphy Mahoney, and picked up by Jamie Walker.
He squared for boyhood Bantam Pointon who tapped home for his first-ever Bradford City goal. He wheeled away in delight to celebrate in front of the travelling Swindon supporters.
City immediately looked to add to their lead, and Andy Cook was inches away from extending it. Fed by Alex Gilliead, the Bantams’ top scorer cut onto his left foot and thrashed a long-range effort against the foot of the post.
Swindon needed a goal, and almost had one through Hepburn-Murphy as they came forward looking for an equaliser.
A good ball in met the head of Hepburn-Murphy two yards from goal but Harry Lewis made up a lot of ground to make a brilliant save and keep the ball out.
The hosts looked to stretch their lead further, with Cook again coming close with a headed effort that flew just wide, before substitute Emmanuel Osadebe beat two men on a surge into the area but rolled past the post.
Swindon pushed for an equaliser into added time but it never came, as City managed to see the game out and McDonald’s side took all three points.
CITY: Harry Lewis, Brad Halliday, Liam Ridehalgh, Matty Platt, Richie Smallwood, Jamie Walker (Tyler Smith 81’), Andy Cook, Alex Gilliead, Sam Stubbs, Bobby Pointon (Daniel Oyegoke 72’), Adam Wilson (Emmanuel Osadebe 66’). SUBS NOT USED: Colin Doyle, Ash Taylor, Ciarán Kelly, Chisom Afoka.
GOALS: Pointon (50’).
SWINDON: Murphy Mohaney, Remeao Hutton, Frazer Blake-Tracy, George McEachran, Saidou Khan (Miles Obodo 76’), Dan Kemp, Rushain Hepburn-Murphy, Tom Brewitt, Udoka Godwin-Malife, Tyrese Shade (Brooklyn Genesini 90+3′), Charlie Austin (C). SUBS NOT USED: Lewis Ward, Tariq Uwakwe, Liam Kinsella, Harrison Minturn.
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