Oxford United v Bradford City: Gilliead and Bantams seek happier returns

The Bantams made three trips to the Kassam Stadium last season, including two in the depths of winter, and returned empty-handed each time.

A 1-0 defeat in the league was followed by the cruel postponement of January’s Checkatrade Trophy tie just a few minutes before kick-off, something that meant Stuart McCall’s men had to make the same journey a week later only to be knocked out 2-1.

The sense of annoyance and frustration was tangible but one man at Valley Parade last season spared those two latter visits was Alex Gilliead, his previous appearance in the Trophy for Luton Town earlier in the season meant the wideman was ineligible. But, like those who did endure the two journeys, the Newcastle loanee is determined to make his mark tonight.

“Those games are gone now,” he said. “We know this will be tough but we have enough in our team to get good results, as we have shown already.”

Gilliead managed just ten appearances for City last season but this time around he has already made a big impression.

Asked if supporters were finally seeing the wideman at his best, he said: “I can’t just say, ‘I will do this and do that’. I need to be doing that out on the pitch.”

Last six games: Oxford United WLDWDW, Bradford City WLDWWW.

Referee: C Sarginson (Staffordshire).

Last time: Oxford United 2 Bradford City 1; January 31, 2017; Football League Trophy.