Salford City v Bradford City - Bantams out to turn around away-day form

Last week’s victory over third-placed Plymouth Argyle has created “a really good vibe,” according to defender Kelvin Mellor.

That, though, was at Valley Parade. Today, they are seeking a first win in 13 away from home.

“There has been a really good vibe around the training ground,” said Mellor, who returned from injury against the Pilgrims.

“We did well against Plymouth, dug in and dealt with their threats comfortably. There were a lot of positives and we were all very pleased, so it is now up to us to keep it going.

“We know our away form has not been good enough and Saturday has to be the start of us turning that around.”

Fellow defender Ben Everton-Richards is baffled at the contrast between the Bantams’ home form – the third-best in League Two – and their away results.

“I don’t think anyone can put their finger on it,” he said. “We do everything right before the away games. We analyse the other team and prepare properly.

“There’s nothing different.

“If we can go and apply ourselves like we did against Plymouth, win the first and second battles and take our opportunities, then we’ve got every chance.”

McCall’s solution, as ever, will be to attack.

“We tell them to express themselves in the final third,” said McCall, whose predecessor, Gary Bowyer, was criticised as over-cautious. “We want people to try and create and win games. We know they will make mistakes and lose the ball and after that it’s how you react. But don’t ever be frightened at trying a shot or beating a man in the final third.”