Stead happy to be sharing the glory after City avoid upset

“Bring on the strikers,” pleaded the near 3,500 Bantams supporters towards the end of the first half as their side trailed 1-0 to Conference neighbours FC Halifax Town.

City were dominating possession at the time, but the non-League outfit were carrying much more of an attacking threat and the Bradford fans were not best pleased.

Part of that upset was down to a formation that provided plenty of width but Jonathan Stead as a lone frontman in the middle.

Part of it must also have been down to the struggles City have had up front since Nahki Wells left for Huddersfield Town in January.

Not only was the Bermuda international a reliable finisher in front of goal, he was also an ideal foil for James Hanson. Without Wells, Bradford have often struggled with Aaron Mclean having so far proved an expensive mistake and Hanson, despite a bright start this term, being troubled by injury for much of 2014.

Which is why Stead arrived from Huddersfield on loan for a second time last month and why Phil Parkinson has had Sylvan Ebanks-Blake on trial recently.

A decision on the former Wolverhampton Wanderers striker, who netted twice in a behind closed doors friendly last week, is yet to be made, but Stead is hoping two goals in as many games can cement his own place in the Bantams’ team.

“When I signed it was all about coming in, playing football and enjoying it,” the loanee told The Yorkshire Post after netting the equaliser in Sunday’s 2-1 Cup triumph at Halifax.

“I need to get a decent level of consistency under my belt along with some goals. At the moment, that is happening so I am happy.”

City’s recent problems in front of goal are perhaps best illustrated by the 13 times they have found the net in 14 league and Cup outings since the start of September.

Stead, however, insists there is enough scoring potential in the squad to soon improve that record. He said: “I wouldn’t say we have a 25 goals a season striker because we haven’t.

“But we do create chances and what we have are front players who are clever and can move the ball. They can share the goals out.

“Filipe (Morais) came back into the side against Halifax and played magnificently well. Billy (Knott) had a chance, too, while Mark Yeates will get goals because he is lively.

“Then there was Billy Clarke, who was the big difference for me after coming off the bench at half-time. His pass for my goal was very clever and they are the sort of chances every striker prays for.

“I am also here and raring to go, just as I was when I first came through the door. That is what I mean by saying we have goals in this squad. Maybe it is better that way than relying on one certain player for all the goals.

“Having the onus on one person all the time can lead to a team coming unstuck. It is all right when things are going well, but there will be a point in a season when they are injured or out of form.

“That is why goals are best shared by all the lads.”

City’s next test of their scoring prowess will come at high-flying Preston North End on Saturday. Stead’s goal at The Shay, together with his impressive strike against Doncaster Rovers the previous weekend, means he should once again lead the line at Deepdale.

A desire to stay in the Bantams’ starting line-up was the reason the Huddersfield-born striker spent much of last week pleading with Town boss Chris Powell to allow him to play in the Cup.

“I only found out late in the week that I was able to play,” said Stead, who netted once in eight appearances when on loan at Valley Parade last season. “I had been badgering the gaffer to allow me to play.

“After scoring in our last game, I was desperate to keep the run going. I want to play as many games as I can, but to score for the second week running was special.

“When on loan somewhere, it can be difficult when you have to sit out weeks when the Cup is on.

“It also gives other players an opportunity to come in and stake their claim. I feel to be playing well and the goals have started to come. I want that to continue and the only way to do that is to be out on the pitch for as long as possible.”

Huddersfield’s decision to allow Stead to play on Sunday –meaning he cannot turn out in the Cup for the Terriers come the new year – was seen by some as a sign that his second spell at his home-town club could be coming to an end.

The man himself, however, insists that no decision has been taken and that his only focus right now is helping Bradford.

“It was a great tie,” he said. “There were a few moans and groans in the first half. Rightly so, as well, we didn’t perform. But we turned it round and everyone was delighted to get through to the next round.”