Going into yesterday's game both teams were looking to continue their winning start to the 26/27 season and for a while it looked like Bradford City were going to do that... until Stockport took control in the second half and totally changed the game.
Stockport started the game well however, after 5 minutes Bradford were the team on the front foot. With heavy challenges flying in front both sides it didn't take long for the ball to find the back of the net, just 9 minutes in Bradford's Katja May found the opening goal from a brilliantly delivered free kick. Going 1-0 up seemed to spur Bradford on a whole lot more, applying the pressure really well winning the ball back in great positions and placing some brilliant set pieces into dangerous areas with the final product not going their way. Things just didn't seem to want to go Stockport's way in the first half, the Bradford pressure was causing some stray passes and the through balls were getting cut out before anything could be made of them, they did have some good chances though where you thought right this is it, we are going to be level however, these ended up just wide or over the bar.
Bradford ended the first half with the lead and things were looking good... until the game totally changed in the second half.
Bradford started the second half where they left off, plenty of pressure on and off the ball and the movement on & off the ball was great too. It looked like Bradford were on track for another goal however, things started to change around the 55th minute mark. It was like the game had been switched on it's head as Stockport made a few changes and begun putting Bradford on the back foot, the substitutes made definitely made the positive impact that Stockport's management hoped for and the goals started to come.
In the 61st minute Stockport drew the game level after a brilliant break forward, a low cross into the box was easily turned past the Bradford 'keeper. Just 5 minutes later the Stockport capitalised on a bit of miscommunication at the back with a great through ball which led to a 1 vs 1 with the Bradford 'keeper who stood no chance. Not long after the second Stockport goal in the 66th minute it looked like they were going to add another goal with a mistake near identical to the one that gave them their second goal however, this time Bradford recovered well. In the 70th minute though Stockport did finally get the 3rd goal again a mix up at the back leading to the perfect opportunity for Stockport to extend their lead. Just 3 minutes later Stockport made it 4-1 with yet another through ball causing issues at the back and eventually finding the back of the net. In the 91st minute Stockport wrapped the day up with their 5th goal of the afternoon leaving the final score 5-1 to the visitors. This time a ball over the top which the Bradford 'keeper came out for before Stockport got on the end of it taking it around her and scoring in an open goal.
All Stockport's goals seemed to come in quick succession and it was like Bradford just switched off once that first goal went in for the visitors. Was it fitness levels? Lack of communication? Who know's but it is safe to say Stockport played the game well with substitutions making the impact needed to change the game around. In the end it is just silly mistakes that ended up providing the game a 180 turn midway into the second half and I am sure the Bradford management will be working on this going forward to stop it happening again.
What I can say though the fight both these teams put up in a physical game was absolutely brilliant to watch and has made me realise just how much I have missed watching the FAWNL in recent years and how I can't wait to attend more games this upcoming season.
What started as a very promising game for Bradford certainly took a turn in the second half and gives them plenty to think about as they go into their away game on Sunday vs Blackburn Rovers. We have seen what they are capable of from their first game against Chorley where they held on to secure all 3 points so can we see a repeat of that performance rather than yesterdays? As for Stockport well they are definitely going to be a team to watch this season, 2 wins from 2 and plenty of goals involved.
Bradford's focus though now turns to Sunday where they will be hoping to put yesterday behind them and show the rest of the league just what they are capable of whilst hopefully picking up those all important points, a consistent performance like that first half and they are more than capable of taking home all 3 points.
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