Bradford City 1 Fleetwood Town 0: McCall calls for repeat performance from Bantams in play-off decider

Stuart McCall urged his Bradford City squad to reproduce the intensity of Thursday night's first leg victory over Fleetwood Town when the two sides battle for glory again on Sunday.
Bradford City boss Stuart McCallBradford City boss Stuart McCall
Bradford City boss Stuart McCall

Rory McArdle's towering header gave the Bantams a slender advantage at the half-way stage in the tie, in a match dominated by the home side at Valley Parade.

McCall's men now only require a 19th draw of the season at Highbury to clinch a place in the League One play-off final at Wembley later this month.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The boss said: "Naturally we're pleased with the performance. The tempo, the intensity and the desire was good.

"You always see games where teams are on top and the other team scores on the counter. That was in the back of our minds.

"We've got to go re-create tonight's performance on Sunday. It's still very much to play for."

Billy Clarke hit the post in the first half for Bradford, who had the majority of the chances in front of a boisterous home crowd.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

David Ball had the best of the visitors opportunities in the first period but cleared the bar from 25 yards and hooked wide.

It looked like Bradford's efforts would go unrewarded until McArdle met Tony McMahon's corner at the near post and gave Fleetwood goalkeeper Alex Cairns no chance.

McCall added: "We know Macca's set piece deliveries are excellent and it's not surprising to see Rory score, he attacks the ball so well.

"We've had five clean sheets in a row now at home and if we get one there on Sunday we're there.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"'We were strong defensively and a threat going forward. We take the positives and the experience we have into Sunday.

"We've had some outstanding atmospheres this season but the noise tonight was terrific.

"The best form of defence is attack if you can be forceful going forward and that's what we aim to do on Sunday.

"The lads have been terrific when things have been expected of them and tonight is another one of them. They've relished it."