Bradford City v Milton Keynes Dons - Bantams keen to add goals to string of clean sheets

KEEPING goals out doesn’t seem to be a problem for Bradford City at the moment - scoring them continues to prove a challenge though.
By Phil Harrison
Published 12th Feb 2024, 13:37 GMT
Updated 12th Feb 2024, 13:37 GMT

The Bantams go into tonight’s League Two clash against manager Graham Alexander’s former club Milton Keynes Dons understandably on a high following Saturday’s 1-0 win at promotion-chasing Wrexham.

After their Football Trophy win over Yorkshire rivals Doncaster Rovers and their 0-0 draw at home to AFC Wimbledon, it was their third successive clean sheet.

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But while they are proving obdurate at the back-end, they continue to find it difficult to convert at the other, the last time they scored more than the one goal coming in the 4-2 defeat at home to Crawley Town on January 6.

NO WAY THROUGH: Bradford City's Sam Walker, pictured in action during Saturday's 1-0 win against Wrexham Picture: Ben Roberts/Getty ImagesNO WAY THROUGH: Bradford City's Sam Walker, pictured in action during Saturday's 1-0 win against Wrexham Picture: Ben Roberts/Getty Images
NO WAY THROUGH: Bradford City's Sam Walker, pictured in action during Saturday's 1-0 win against Wrexham Picture: Ben Roberts/Getty Images

The late, late win at the Racecourse Ground came courtesy of a 90th-minute strike from Andy Cook - his 14th goal of the season - and marked only the second time Phil Parkinson’s team had been beaten at home in 2023-24.

The other team to do that were Milton Keynes - then managed by Graham Alexander - who won 5-3 on the opening day of the season.

The Bantams boss was sacked by the Dons board in mid-October after just 16 games in charge and his former club arrive at Valley Parade in good form, their 2-1 win at home to Accrington Stanley on Saturday their third in four games and one which strengthened their hold on sixth spot in the standings.

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Tuesday night’s clash is the first of three home games in a row for the Bantams, with Sutton United scheduled to visit on Saturday before the midweek Trophy semi-final against Wycombe Wanderers.

LATE STRIKE: Bradford City's Andy Cook celebrates his winning goal against Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground Picture: Ben Roberts/Getty Images.LATE STRIKE: Bradford City's Andy Cook celebrates his winning goal against Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground Picture: Ben Roberts/Getty Images.
LATE STRIKE: Bradford City's Andy Cook celebrates his winning goal against Wrexham at the Racecourse Ground Picture: Ben Roberts/Getty Images.

Goalkeeper Sam Walker is hoping the team can give home fans plenty to cheer about.

“I am looking forward to getting back home,” said Walker. “As players, a lot of people love the Saturday-Tuesday games, especially after a win like Saturday’s.

Goalkeeper Sam Walker is hoping the team can give home fans plenty to cheer about.

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“I am looking forward to getting back home,” said Walker. “As players, a lot of people love the Saturday-Tuesday games, especially after a win like Saturday’s.

“We have big back-to-back home games coming up, then we have a great opportunity in the cup.”

Related topics:Graham AlexanderDoncaster RoversAndy CookLeague TwoWrexhamYorkshire