Promotion pushing Bradford City comfortably saw off a struggling Chesterfield side this afternoon, to go unbeaten in six league games and record their second win in two.
New boy Alex Jones started for the Bantams, after signing from Birmingham City for an undisclosed fee earlier this week. The striker was involved right from the off with his new side getting a good hold on the game. The Bantams looked strong in the first 20 minutes and it was a man who’s been causing havoc for numerous opposition defenses recently, Mark Marshall, who opened the deadlock with 22 minutes on the clock.
Marshall skipped down the right-hand side and made his way into the box, before firing an inch-perfect shot into the far corner to the dismay of a helpless Ryan Fulton. This was a second goal in two games for the tricky winger, who has been like a new player this season under the influence of manager Stuart McCall.
The Bantams then doubled their lead later on in the half when on the stroke of half-time man of the match Josh Cullen went on a probing run before squaring the ball to Jordy Hiwula, who couldn’t miss. Young Hiwula has been criticised by fans for his ability to finish at times this season so will be pleased to have now scored in consecutive games.
Chesterfield came out looking more lively at the start of the second-half but couldn’t break down a sturdy Bradford defense led by captain Romain Vincelot. The Spireites had very few chances throughout the game and Bradford did well to nullify the threats of the dangerous looking Rai Simons, Reece Mitchell and #9 Ched Evans.
Evans, who has been linked with a move to Valley Parade himself, looked a threat to the Bradford defense but was isolated with little support throughout the game and couldn’t muster up an individual goal which would’ve given his team a sniff. Bradford were quieter in the second-half but saw the game out, ensuring a 2-0 victory and that all important three points.
Following the match, fans of both sides have tonight been reacting on Twitter
Bradford fans went home happy and the relief was clear to see on social media after two draws in their last two home games.
Happy days #bcafc
— east bierley bantams (@eastbbantams) January 7, 2017
Well played city! #bcafc @Pulse2MDL
— David ‘Nova’ Nowakowski (@NOVASCARSON45) January 7, 2017
Men against boys at times today #bcafc
— Vaughan Jackson (@V_Jac) January 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/domwolski/status/817789707719426049
Fans also seemed in a positive mood after a lively debut from new signing Jones and they will be hopeful that he can get off the mark soon.
Feel like hiwula and jones up front could be class for us #bcafc
— Izzac (@i_izzac) January 7, 2017
Impressed with Jones today. Good first touch, can link play and has pace 👍🏻 #bcafc
— Daz Wheelhouse (@DazWheelhouse) January 7, 2017
I like the look of Jones, lot of movement up front and created a lot of space, solid debut #bcafc
— Dan (@CuppaBrew) January 7, 2017
https://twitter.com/BCFCGav/status/817762683860746241
Jones’ opposition striker, Ched Evans, has been linked to Bradford in recent weeks and the Bantams faithful gave him mixed reviews after his performance.
Ben seemed to have been impressed with the performance of the lean number 9…
One thing today confirmed is that I'd take Ched Evans in a heartbeat.
Even in that awful Chesterfield side he looks a class above! #bcafc
— ßen (@BCAFCBH) January 7, 2017
And Chris…
https://twitter.com/Chrisrhodespoke/status/817795990476517376
But not Susie…
Wish we'd stop talking about Ched Evans. He's not the right man for my club…#bcafc
— Susie Bantam. 💙💚❤️🖤💛🧡 (@susiebantam) January 7, 2017
Many fans of the West Yorkshire club were also quick to praise the ever consistent Josh Cullen, who put in yet another man of the match performance. The little midfielder re-signed on loan until the end of the season earlier this week and it’s already looking to be a fantastic bit of business.
Cullen different class today. Last 5/6 matches he's been outstanding #BCAFC
— Gavin Coonan (@gavincoonan) January 7, 2017
Cullen is another level! So glad we have him all season 🙌🏼 2-0 cmonnnnn #bcafc
— Chris Winn (@cwinn90) January 7, 2017
Don’t get carried away now Andie…
When is the josh Cullen statue going up? #bcafc @JoshCullen8
— Andrew Higginson (@AndieHigginson) January 7, 2017
As for Chesterfield fans, the mood was low following defeat and the side really need to pick up three points next time out against fellow strugglers Coventry City to lift spirits around the club. They’ll also be hoping that Bradford can do them a favour and beat Shrewsbury Town, who sit one place above the relegation zone on the same amount of points as the Spireites.
https://twitter.com/tomspireite95/status/817781420684963841
Some fans were even calling for the sacking of manager Danny Wilson.
https://twitter.com/DanPaynes/status/817777420484902912
Cheerio Danny #timetogo #shopatlidl #spireites
— ASJD (@ASJD30) January 7, 2017
The victory keeps Bradford in the play-off places and confidence will be high after two wins in just five days. As for Chesterfield, they stay in the relegation zone and will be hoping for a much needed three points in their next league game at home to Coventry City.
