Bradford City v Walsall: Sixth-sense partnership is paying big dividends for Bantams

Bradford City winger Mark Marshall is dragged down by Swindon Towns John Goddard (Picture: Tony Johnson).

Namely, how two-thirds of Charlie Wyke’s goals since joining City in January have come via assists from Marshall.

Throw in another couple of efforts by Wyke that have hit the woodwork and there can be little doubt how much of an understanding the pair have struck up.

“It has been great for me to have Charlie here,” said Marshall, who has started in eight of his team-mate’s 11 games since leaving Carlisle United in a £250,000 deal.

“I have assisted four of his six goals and that pleases me a lot.

“He has also hit the post and the crossbar from a couple of my crosses so we have linked up well already. It is nice to know when running down the wing that there is someone as prolific as that in the middle.

“Charlie gets on the end of things, as his six goals already shows. That is a very good start.

“It feels like a sixth sense that we know where the other is going to be. We have a good understanding already. I put the ball into the right area and he seems to be there.

“It is working well so far and long may that continue. Goals make a big difference in a season.”

City return to Valley Parade today looking to extend the only remaining unbeaten record in this season’s Football League, Doncaster Rovers having lost to Plymouth Argyle last weekend.

Marshall believes the fans have played their part in that and is delighted the club have again pegged season ticket prices at last year’s £149 for adults – providing adults buy before Monday. A target of 20,000 has been set and Marshall added: “The crowds have been incredible this season. But if we could get 20,000 next season that would be amazing.

“How can you not want to play in front of an atmosphere like that? Every home game is brilliant.

“That support is a big reason why we have not lost a game at home in over a year. That is unbelievable in any league, Sunday League even. They play a big part.

“Even when we went 1-0 down against Swindon, the decibel levels went up. You feel that on the pitch. The fans didn’t get on our backs, they were trying to encourage us – and it worked, as we won the game.

“It would be great to give them something to turn up for, too, next year – entertaining football and, hopefully, you know what.”