Plymouth Argyle v Bradford City: Bantams enjoy better view down in Devon

A LITTLE over a year ago, Bradford City took on Plymouth 
Argyle with the two clubs’ Football League status far from secure.

The Pilgrims were just one place above the relegation zone with just seven games of the 2011-22 season remaining, while City were three places and three points higher in the League Two table.

Going into tonight’s fixture, Plymouth are bottom after Saturday’s defeat to Gillingham.

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For Bradford, the intervening year has been much happier with a League Cup final appearance and the chance to gatecrash the play-offs.

Bantams manager Phil Parkinson said: “We were both struggling when we went down there last year and I remember us having a really depleted team. It was a pivotal game and one that left us in a bit of trouble. But look where we are now. We’ve been to Wembley and still in with a chance of making the play-offs. We have to be pleased about that. The key now, though, is pushing on.”

The weekend draw at home to Aldershot, achieved thanks to Alan Connell’s penalty eight minutes into stoppage time, means City need to return to winning ways ahead of a double taste of action in Devon.

After the trip to Home Park, Bradford travel to Exeter on Saturday. In recent years, the Bantams have stayed down south when faced with such a demanding schedule, but Parkinson has this year opted to give his players at least one night at home.

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Parkinson said: “With a few tweaks to our usual travel plans we are trying to keep the lads fresh.”

Connell is pushing for a starting place tonight after coming off the bench against Aldershot.

Last six games: Plymouth Argyle WLLDWL, Bradford City LLDWDD.

Last time: Plymouth Argyle 1 Bradford City 0; March 31, 2012; League Two.

Referee: A Davies (Hampshire).