Then it was the 10.10 from KX to Leeds and we arrived into Bradford at 1pm. It was straight to the Cron Dolly a superb pub, and the beer was soon flowing.
At 2.40 time to leave and head to the ground, we didnt see many other Brighton fans about, but the away end was reasonably full (I would guess at around 500).
It was a suprise to see Kuipers in goal, apparently Henderson injured himself when the team trained in Halifax on Friday afternoon. No other changes.
Bradford started the game brightly and Kuipers made his first save
after about 10 seconds, a reasonably comfortable catch just under the crossbar. We gradually got into the match and Revell had our first chance, he placed the ball round the keeper but also the post.
Just minutes later and Cox puts Revell through and this time he flicks the ball past the keeper and it rolls into the net. Great finish.
Bradford then had a couple of chances, Windass hit a corner on the volley and Kuipers brilliantly palmed the shot out. So half time and 1-0 to the Albion.
El-Abd and Windass had a set too as the teams walked off, El-Abd lost his cool and was yellow carded as was Weatherall for Bradford who also joined in. I missed it all as was already out the back of the stand using the facilities!
Second half and I said to Liz it would be nice to grab a vital goal early on as we did at Huddersfield, and lo and behold Hammond puts Robinson through, the defence back off, and Robinson tumbles in the box. Minimal contact, but it was a penalty. Hammond cooly slots the penalty in just inside the post.
So 2-0, can we now go on for a goal feast.
No! as Bradford (unlike Huddersfield) showed battle, committment and spirit and less than 10 minutes later Mayo has apparently handled a cross and its a penalty to them.
Windass scores and that was his 200th league goal. Bradford continue to pile forward, Hinshelwood superbly chips the keeper, unfortunatley its Kuipers, who just manages to scramble back and clear it off the line.
Then they have a corner, Whing somehow heads the ball off the line, but they score from the clearance, a low shot from 20 yards giving Kuipers no chance.
Bradford ease up slightly after getting back to 2-2. We suddenly find more of the ball and Cox almost snatches 3 points with a dipping shot tipped over by the keeper.
We launch another attack, Bowditch sets Revell free on the right wing, he runs towards goal, puts over a great cross about 2 inches above the pitch and Bowditch steams in to slam the ball into the net.
The 500 of us behind that goal go mental, Revell just lies on the pitch arms in the air, the other players mob Bowditch. We play out the remaining 2 minutes and 3 added minutes with no danger, Cox, Revell and El-Abd all holding up play superbly. What a great match, what a great win!
3 away win on the spin. Come on!!!
Kuipers - 7 some good saves
Mayo - 6 caught a couple of times, but was marking their speedy danger man
Butters - 7 great battle against Windass
Hinshelwood - 7 backed up Butters well
Whing - 7 solid display, more defensive but Bradford put on lots of pressure
Hammond - 8 has found his form, some great passes and starting to lead the team
El-Abd - 7 another "dont mess with me I'm mad" display
Cox - 7 involved in all the crutial moments
Fraser - 7 much better game, showed some good touches
Revell - 9 my MOTM, deserved his goal and set up the winner
Robinson - 7 another good game
Lynch - 7 (for Mayo) showed his class again
Bowditch - 7 battled hard and a great finish under pressure