Oldham Athletic 2-1 Bradford City: Match Report and Player Ratings

Oldham, as custom in recent games, started the stronger of the two sides on the back of a 12 game unbeaten run, and they showed their confidence in just the 7th minute of the game when in form forward Jonathon Forte finished smartly after a perfect nod down from strike partner Ibehre. Oldham continued to pass around well and were rewarded with a fantastic second goal when Jones finished off a good run with a smart finish from outside the box. Bradford did give themselves a way back into the game on the stroke of half time though when Holliday finished smartly on the half volley after Hanson’s knock down.

The second half was a much more competitive affair as Bradford came into the game, however they did rely on numerous fantastic saves from goalkeeper Pickford to deny Oldham a third. Bradford fans may feel they deserved a penalty mid way through the second half after numerous handball claims as the ball bounced around the box, but those appeals were waved away by the referee. Despite late pressure from the visitors, Oldham did see out the game to ensure a 13th game unbeaten in a row, Bradford may feel they deserved more though after a much better second half performance.

Oldham Athletic

Rachubka- Good fast throws and sound catching. 7.0
Kusunga- Calm first touch and fast down wing. 7.5
Dieng- Nervy at times but good tackling. 7.0
Wilson- Strong in the air and good tackling throughout. 7.5
Mills- Fast down the wing with great crosses into the box. 7.5
Winchester- Good vision and energy as well as very calm on the ball. 7.5
Jones- Great on the ball and fantastic run and finish for Oldham’s second. 8.0
Kelly- Good passing and runs on and off the ball as well as strong covering at the back. 8.0
Forte- Calm finish and good pace and runs throughout. 8.0
Philliskirk- Great touch and reading of the game. 7.0
Ibehre- Strong hold up play with good strength and clever knock down for Forte goal. 7.5

Substitutions

Poleon- Looked quiet and rather lazy after coming on. 6.0
Dayton- Didn’t get into the game much after coming on. 6.0

Bradford City

Pickford- Good kicking and handling as well as 3 fantastic saves to keep Bradford in the game. 8.5
Darby- Covered okay but lost marker on number of occasions. 6.5
Sheehan- Consistent tracking back and blocking despite seeming to play out of position. 7.0
Liddle- Decent passing and control throughout. 7.0
Hanson- Good flick on and strength as well as great knock down for goal. 7.5
Yeates- Aggressive heading and strength, fast down the wing but no real final product. 7.0
Stead- Nice control and touch but fell down too easily at times. 7.5
Kennedy- Good passing and runs on and off the ball. 7.0
Routis- Poor passing and touch before being subbed after just 40 minutes. 6.0
Mcardle- Tough in tackles and good tracking but was sent off before end of the game. 6.5
Holliday- Good finish on half volley and very impressive first touch. 7.5

Substitutions

Meredith- Came on very early, defended well. 7.0
Clarke- Looked energetic and created a couple decent chances. 7.0
Knott- Didn’t make too much of an impact but played okay. 6.5
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