The Hotel End

Apologies if already started, couldn't find the topic.

I'm heading up from London, there's some direct trains from Kings Cross to Leeds and then can head from there to Bradford.
Is that the best way?

Cheers

We always lose to Bradford. This must be how Oxford feel when they see us in the fixture list.

£70 return to Bradford from Kings Cross  :-X

Awful record against Bradford in recent times but Yeovil beat them on Saturday so there is some hope.

I just hope we go there and take the game to them a bit unlike last season with Page in charge.

Some of the teams above us have really pulled away from us over the christmas period and we can't afford to be cut adrift anymore particularly as most have games in hand.

Comfortable 6-0 win for the Bantams.

Hilda starts and gets a straight red before the half hour mark. Facey has a shocker.

For those that don’t agree, check out my Doncaster prediction.

The only real piece of optimism that I can see is that Bradford’s home record is pretty poor - we will need to do something that we haven’t done for a while on the road and defend with discipline in numbers and hope they get frustrated and then hit them on the break.

Can't you get a train directly from King's Cross to Bradford Forster Square?

Unleash the Berto on them  8)

Will we see yet another changed line-up?

You would hope the same team would start again, unless Powell and Berto are fit enough to start.

Judging by the size of Berto a 10 min cameo is about all we can hope for.

Of course he will tinker, he cant help himself

Strange. We all commented on Saturday that Berto looked a lot slimmer than had been anticipated due to previous comments. Weight certainly doesn't appear to be an issue, just hope he can get up to 90 minute match fitness sooner rather than later.

We don't always lose there...usually, yes! Won on my first visit a few years back when Doc Deuchs scored...2009?

No, you can't get direct from King's Cross to Bradford. However, hardly dificult ( if not pricey from London). Direct to Leeds...£4.20 rtn from there to Forster's Square - 12-15min every half hour or so!

Staying over. Corn Dolly, just a few minutes walk from ground and Forster's Square station is friendly, good ales and usually the BCFC fanzine for sale. Haigy's on Manningham Rd has since shut down!

Can do much cheaper than £70 if you split tkts!

King's Cross - Donny £45 rtn.

Donny - Leeds £7.70 rtn

Leeds - Bradford £4.20 rtn.

I've got a horrible feeling here..3-0 loss.

What's the name of the pub the old man stumbles out of during the opening scene of the Rita, Sue & Bob Too film? I know Manningham Lane is referenced in that film.

There didn't seem to be too many pubs around the ground last time I went. I guess in part due to the demographics of the surrounding area.

Nice, thanks

Agree with the others that Berto didn't look as bad as expected? Still looked like having a decent turn of pace.

I hope to see:

            Ingram

Facey   Poole   Ash   Buchs

Hoskins Crooks Grimes Foley

          JJOT
                Long

Only changes would be Berto for Hoskins or Powell for Foley if they are fit enough.

No idea!!!  ;D

Out of the away end, walk down Midland Rd towards town. After 5 mins walk at T-junction. Right then immediate left are two CAMRA listed bars (one a Record shop!).
Turning left at junction, over carriage way and up the steps is the Corn Dolly - 7-10 min walk max!  ;)

It’s amazing how one player can give you optimism .
If Hilda plays , anything could happen !
Interesting how JFH immediately played him on the left , I assume so that he can cut in and shoot .
Everyone else has played him on the right and that’s where he did the damage on Saturday .
I wonder if jimmy dare start him though because he may be a defensive liability .

The dilemma is do you start him and take him off after 50-60 mins or bring him on with 30 mins to go?
I'd go for the first option, hopefully he will loose some of the weight he's carrying.

You were wrong there as well! Ok we lost so you got that bit right. Sounds as if you had a disappointing Xmas.?

So after not wanting any changes, do we go with O'Donnell straight into the fire or with Cornell for this one?

Great pub and friendly respectful Bradford fans every time I’ve been - but no NTFC idiots please

There is a direct train from Kings Cross to Bradford. Grand Central at 10.38. Can't see any coming back.

Cheaper to get to Sixfields and jump on a bus?

Good morning Cobblers.

We have been very inconsistent of late and shipping far too many goals. Our home form has been poor this season generally. Although we have managed to win 2 of the last 3 home games, we have still shipped 8 goals in those 3 games with 4-3 Victory over Rochdale, 3-2 Victory over your friends Oxford and a 3-1 defeat to the Posh.

Could be a good time to play us. Our defence has been depleted recently with injuries. On Saturday at Yeovil for example, we had to play our 3rd choice keeper and only 1 first choice defender was fit enough to start, and even he, Kilgallon, went off injured at half time.
We are a completely different team under McCall, whereas Parkinson played with a more pragmatic approach and we were hard to break down, McCall mentality is it doesnt matter how many we concede, as long as we score more than the opposition.

The key to our promotion bid is to keep hold of Charlie Wyke and hopefully bring in some quality defenders to shore up at the back.

Good luck for the rest of the season, after Saturday of course, genuinely hope you stay up

Safe journey for all who travel, and for those who enjoy a pre match pint, plenty of friendly establishments on North Parade and Manningham Lane to welcome you

Presuming no new signings come in i'd go for:

               O'Donnell
Facey-Taylor-Poole-Buchanan
Pereira-O'Toole-Grimes-Powell
                Crooks
                  Long

Although I suspect Hoskins will start instead of Pereira.

Smith to play instead of Powell if he isn't fit

Would like to see this selection but suspect it will be less open than this .
Crooks will swap with JJOT and I doubt Powell and Hilda will start together .
More likely one of Foley or Hoskins will start

Bus is £20 plus tkt to game plus Euston to Northampton whatever that is! The only real draw back the buses leave 6fields at approx 9’ish!

Not sure which Bantams lot you mix with , but actual crowd is pretty hostile! They got Demontagnac sent off couple of yrs ago!

I know, I'll be leaving at 0600hrs to get on it...

Obviously the ones in the pub! While you fester on a supporters bus, which actually allows you to experience precisely zilch of Bradford...or meet their fans!

In my experience there was only ever one person getting Demontagnac sent off.

Good old yu ever the good supporter! Suspect you are only there for the beer. Mind you once inside the ground no doubt they will show their true colours!

How are people who aren't getting the supports coach getting there from Northampton?

By car or train I'd imagine!

Others think you are a bit of a twat...I don't!  ;)

Help with the singing though...we appreciate the cardboard cutouts from the front upwards joining in!

Am sure you are right about twats (sic). I don’t think I am alone :-X. You know how it is on here! Not sure if you and your lot should portray yourselves as the Praetorian Guard of the singer section!

I'm sure you came on here (or it could've been the Chron) last season and said the same - then proceeded to give us a pasting!

Really?

Got a good feeling about this game  :o Looking forward to it a lot.

Correct me Buster, they walloped us at Wembley, but I thought last season they had narrow victories.

Of all the times we have played them recently , this is the most optimistic I have been .
We have had a bit of a lift and a few players are coming into form , plus there is the unknown Hilda factor .
They have a lot of players out.
The question is , can we keep them out ?

Single goal victories for Bradford in the last 5 league games against us. 11 games without a win against the Bantams, our last victory up there was 11 years ago.

I hope so Dan; if JFH continues with his team building particularly strengthening the defence we may get something from the game. To me JFH should sort out the defence first. The rest of the team building would follow. Of course a decent striker signed in time for the Bradford game would be great ....

The scoreline may have been narrow 1-2 (the home game I'm talking about) but we were pasted.  It was the game after Sheffield away (about this time last year) and they hammered us in the 2nd half if you recall. In fact it started the rot and was the beginning of the end for Rob Page.

Anyway, I definitely recall a Bantam supporter posting prior to the game that they weren't in the best of form and it being a good time to play them...

The crowd on that side of pitch opposite to us rightly/wrongly had it in for him after 1st booking , the second booking was for a mild offence; the crowd demanded blood and a feeble referee obliged. I hope from your comments that you witnessed the incident! Otherwise your comments are based on sheer prejudice. Demon of course was rightly sent off against MK!

My girlfriends first 'Soccer' game. I felt bad at just how boring it was... we never left our own half in the second half. They well and truly dominated us as per usual.

Absolutely hate playing Bradford!

I think we've got to throw Turnbull straight in alongside Taylor tomorrow. Poole doesn't convince me at centre back and one performance against an impotent Southend attack isn't going to convince me otherwise.

I have to agree here about Poole. Seems to look like a centre back when he's in midfield or right back. But doesn't look like a centre back when playing in his actual position! Although he did look very good Southend.

On the positives, just bought my ticket for my first away trip up to Bradford. I really don't know why I put myself through it.

Poole is not physical enough for this league in that position .
It was fine against Simon Cox last week but he will get bullied against better players .
Poole is a cover player in my view .

but why have a player in cover for a position that he can't play in?

My team for the weekend would be:

               O'Donnell

Facey  Taylor  Turnbull  Buchanan

          Crooks   Grimes

     Berto      JJOT     Powell

                  Long

Why Crooks and Grimes so deep? JJOT needs to be Central midfield for this one. Please try again!

Because he’s cover for all the centre halves and cover as a holding midfield player .
I don’t think he is JFH’s first choice in either position and he didn’t bring him to the club .
Don’t get me wrong , he’s a decent enough player and can be influential but there are better players ahead of him .

I would like to see this team take to the pitch but it’s too attacking against Bradford away .
I think Foley will start wide and Berti will be on the bench .

You know full well that Jimmy won't do that! Also, happy to see your preferred side  :)

You do know OCoole's team is exactly how Jimmy set-up his midfield 3 in the last game don't you?

I completely agree with you that JJOT should player deeper and I'd like to see Grimes given a go further forward but Jimmy just isn't going to do it.

Playing Foley over Berto is nonsensical in my opinion.

I don't mind Foley as a player, but he is clearly being played out of position. Yes he probably offers that bit more defensive cover than Berto would but that is not the principal job of a winger. They need to offer a quick counter-attacking threat in our 4411 formation. There's absolutely no way that Foley could match what Berto did to set up Revell's goal on the weekend.

If we want a positive result then we need to set up in a positive manner.

If Berto can't do the 90 minutes, then bringing on as sub could be more effective than starting him because he will be fresh and up against tiring bradford legs. I can understand this reasoning if Jimmy opts for this. I would like to see Berto start and play the best part of 90 though.

I'm inclined to agree with this but if we go down this route then we need to make sure we stay in the game (I know it goes without saying). There would be nothing worse than holding him back as an impact sub then us being 3 down at the hour mark.

I take your point and I too would like to see an attacking option , but it’s highly unlikely JFH will gamble in that way , especially away from home against a good side .
Berto also is not fit and so I doubt he will start .
I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he starts Hoskins and Foley or even plays McWiliams .
On the other hand , our away team selections haven’t worked recently and so he may try something new

You'd hope that playing 3 in midfield and 1 up should allow us to be slightly more adventurous out wide. If Berto cannot start then maybe Hoskins and Powell can play.

Berto has been training with us for over a month now so hopefully it is just match fitness, maybe we could get an hour out of him.

Anyone think Bridge might play?

Fair play if he cannot manage the full 90 but he's got to start. If he's shattered after an hour than we take him off for a more like-for-like replacement in Powell/Bridge/Hoskins.

I would be happy if he just escapes any booking(s).

Nobody predicting a comfortable NTFC win? If not, why not?

They've seen our recent away form.

Anything from this or the Blackburn away games is a bonus.

We normally leave the predicting/projecting up to you.
What's going to happen on Saturday then C78. Win lose or draw?

Lose. 3-0 Your prediction?

Agree, both harder games, I’d snatch your hand off for 1 point from 6 available.

Ticket sales end at 4pm today , but are available tomorrow on the gate. Hefty increase in price tho’ which is the point of the reminder. Wendy is anxiously awaiting yr call .. now!

When you were predicting an end of season total of 5 points either side of 29 after 14 games, I said to you then that I hadn't got a clue as to how the rest of the season would go.
So I'm even less likely to know how well will perform tomorrow with the arrival of 4/5? new players non of whom I've actively watched/appraised before.
I'm addition I'm not and never have been a betting man beyond the odd very occasional horse race.

So I'd like us to go up there, kick ass, and come away with 3points. Beyond knowing that is unlikely I couldn't say.

I very rarely, if ever, predict that we'll win. Part of me is convinced I will jinx the result.

Hopefully with some new faces we might be something of an unknown quantity in the next few weeks and pick up some surprise points!

Sorry to sound so objectively boring!

Coward.

1-1, Taylor to score for us.

OK, if you say so C78. (What about a Rico hatrick nine mins either side of halftime? lol).
I want us to win as much as anyone, and for me that ambition is a better quality than trying to predict the outcome of ninety minutes of football.
Doesn't the knowledge of footballing odds lessen the thrill of watching a game of football for what it actually is for you?

Do you thinks we’ll win, lose or draw? Simple question.

After the mauling of Southend, I'm expecting a dominant and clear 1-0 for the Cobblers. O'Donnell man of the match.

Agreed, that's the risk. We need to make sure we are still in the game when Berto is introduced, if we go down that route.

If we start him and its 0-0 after 60-70 minutes than we don't have another impact sub quite like him though. Its a tough call and i can see Jimmy going either way. I certainly dont think either option is 'nonsensical' as ocoole put it.

Putting your neck on the line a bit there aren't you?

Was I?
It wasn't my intention to.
Wanting and predicting are not the same are they?

If we start the Revmeister and Hilda we'll be fine

You sound like a right laugh!

With the additions we've made it makes it interesting but virtually impossible to guess the starting eleven. If the new boys all get in this will be a clear indication of JFHs opinions of the players. That said any new signings should be seen as enhancing the quality.
It would be good to set up an attacking team to have a go at Bradford. Away from home with our recent away form and our record against Bradford it'd be a foolhardy move but a signal of intent. I honestly can't call it but any return from upcoming away games should be seen as a bonus and a step towards safety.

Want it Town, want it, want it.  Gggggrrrrrrrrr, aaaaaarrrrgggghhhhh.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DTbR_LLW0AAT3bx.jpg)

Interesting that Turnbull comes straight in at left back - partick’s fans said that he struggled there for them when on loan. The writing is surely on the wall for Rico and buchs.

Is Bridge injured already?  ;)

Looks to me that we are set up not to lose rather than win. Not convinced this is the right approach against a side with a poor home record.

He's got fallen arches.

Would prefer to start with a natural winger, maybe Powell, but hopefully we can be in a steady position come the second half and make impact subs with HB/Powell.  

I'll get your coat.

Not match fit apparently.

Guessing JFH really doesn't rate Buchs then, hope Turnbull does well if this is the case.

Or we could be going for a crazy 5-3-2 with Facey/Foley as wing backs. Who knows but I'm guessing 4-4-1-1.

Let's get a result today!

Don't think we will lose, gut feeling

Unfortunately I have to take the kids out so I'll be missing this one. I have a feeling we are going to get something from this.

Unless were playing 3 across the back?

I remember similar optimistic views after a good performance at Oxford. Look how that turned out.

Part timer!

A small wager on Hilda 1-0 @ 170/1

On as sub after 62 mins, nets the winner in the 78th.

You heard it here....

Turnbull at left back . Righto .
Doesn’t say much about Buchanan and even less about Smith .
Typically unadventurous line up that will probably get stuffed .

I like it Was, I like it.

That's the spirit

The Revmeister on the bench. He should be the first name on the Team sheet..

Oldham losing

Facey is quality..We've started off brightly..

I wonder if Bingers has gone today. He lives up that way. He turned up on here a few weeks ago.

I hope so cj and Was were beginning to worry..

They're both worriers, make no mistake.

No defender again I see. Hope he's alright.

Got to get Hilda and the Revmeister on

Sack 'em all!!!

I dont worry...

Sorry all. Flash Scores said we'd gone 1-0 down. I take full responsibility.

Nor me.
Where is Defender? Sounds like we need him now.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Yessssssssssss. Get in JJ.
Just before half time as well!

Sorry Was and cj. It was the good doctor. He'll take full responsibility I'm sure.

Simple routine..Grimes corner nodded in from 5 yrds out by JJ..

Get in !!!!

Get in there!!!

I'll take one nil. Hildas not on the pitch so I still get paid

I'm ironing don't blame me..

  ;D

0-1 HT

???

;D updated

Tim reckons we're playing a team of midgets.
1-0 up, second half should be a stroll..

Oh I wish you hadn't said that.

Get in, come on boys!!

;D
If the midgets come out strong, Jimmy can always put Bucs and Hilda on to counter them with like for like.

Second half kicks off no changes

I've had to break out the bourbon already.

should be 2 up..ahhhh Taylor

Come on we need a second..I can't take us holding on 1-0 an entire half..

THE LONGMEISTER!!!!!!!!

Hi all - end of an era eh ? No Buchanan or Maloney for the first time in years. It has sounded promising from the first minute in attack. And after a few unsure moments from our new goalie he made a great save in first half. The new Concrete R.O'D !

Great goal dribbles around 2 defenders and rounds the keeper..

0-2

World beaters!

Yesssssssssss. 0-2.

Longs the greatest striker in the World....Behind the Revmeister of course

Don't you just love The Floydmeister!!! He's the greatest manager in the world!!!

Of course.

Get the Hoskmeister off and The Hildmeister on for the last 20

Bury losing..I think if Oldham lose and we win we're out of the dropzone

And Martin Smith is the best co-commentator in the world. Knowledgable and passionate and funny.

The Hildmeister will wreak havoc, mark my words.

Rosie O Donnell and Turnbull have both played solid so far

Morning all from down here! On me summer holidays on the Sunshine Coast but nothing stops us real supporters from logging on our iPhones. For the chaps who are there score line aside does this feel like a new dawn from what you’ve seen so far with the new faces? Hoping for a finale from Revs and Hilda. Note with interest no Rico, Waters started for Cambridge by the way. Not scored so far. Come on lads Bradford 2-0 away from home, I’ve got a nose bleed.

I wish I could get the commentary in the county time forgot Sean.

Get some fresh legs on Jimbo

Powell on for the Hoskmeister

2 up and still pressing..its great to see..

The Revmeister and Hilda coming on soon apparently. Here we go.

Sounds like some real last ditch defending.
C'mon boys.

Rosie makes 2 great stops then its cleared off the line followed by by them hitting the bar..

Mrs O for the Toole.

The Revmeister's on!

Both come on...

Why so late 88mins are on the clock

5 mins added

The Revmeister can strike at any time>

1-2 drat

Come on boys hold on, would be a massive 3pts

Cmon boys.
60 secs.

I blame Revell!

Where's your fcuking whistle red?

;D

1-2 FT

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS

Big win. We owed them that and 3 unexpected points....

Great three points!

Yes!!! We've got this league in the bag!

Making the hard games look easy. Great 3 points!!

Great win
Well done lads

An impressive result in a game I expected nothing from.

Superb result.

Where’s that easier games to come thread ....,
Top stuff lads and apologies for my pre match prediction

No idea where the ref got all that extra time from but that's a huge 3 points..

Well done boys!!!

Awesome result, ready for a massive game against MK next weekend.

Up the Teyn!

Excellent win in very difficult conditions. Great to see us win a battle for once. We had much more physical presence today and really looked up for it. Not pretty most of the time and we should never complain about other teams timewasting after today!

Superb result.
Up next.
Hard win against the franchise next week, followed by another easy 3points at Blackburn in a fortnight.

Fantastic result, stuff the mongs next saturday and swap places with them ;D

Excellent result boys, well grinded out!

should that be  ' ground'

Bit harsh, to be fair it’s the best strategy in football. For example, instead of our illustrious owners buying players in the window, fold the club. Then buy Wigan, move them to Sixfields, call them Northampton Latics and hey presto top of the table by the end of the transfer window. Beat that for a business plan KT!

Good feeling was fully justified. That was completely deserved  :D

Well played Dan.

Dan our man on the spot...

Oh dear

Another oh dear

Yet another ‘oh dear’

Yes a lot of wrong predictions..whats your point?

Anybody?

People were wrong. Wow!

Not me. I rock. You tell them Everbrite.

Well Hilda might have got a red for the little slap on the face he delivered - you could see the short fuse

But great to see us physically more than match them and totally up for it.

Great result at a ground which has been a bit of a graveyard for us in recent seasons.

Terrific result, well done lads. Had to work all day at a franchise show , so it put a massive mile on my face getting those goal alerts.Really looking forward to MK now,with the chance to leap frog them.

Absolutely... and the singing was first class from the off and you took the game to their fans. Good to see!

All the moaners now back to being Jimmy in? Worse than Arsenal fans.

Well done boys great win, looked up for it from the start, reminded me of the Oxford performance.
Hoskins looked lost and WTF was the keeper doing for their goal, Facey looked Good, as did the lad from Cov a massive upgrade on Buchs.

Crikey yu were there?

Excellent result.

Totally deserved win, making Bradford look very ordinary.

As for their goal need to see it again, but first impression is that defensively we switched off, being caught out by the quickly taken free kick.

I thought Hoskins did ok, and this was evidenced by the effect of his substitution - with Powell suddenly becoming the weak link, with Bradford taking advantage of this, and it was the only time we looked vulnerable

Do you normally back the manager when we lose and want him out when we win?

Breaking news

Football fans are happy when their team wins.

Just got back,

6 O'donnel - Some great saves but got caught out twice with low freekicks, was lucky in the first half but the second one was also a quality strike. Overall looks like a quality signing.

7 Turnbull - Was surprised to see him start at left back but he looked class and was surprisingly good on the ball composed and great distribution for out level. He nipped in in front of his man and started
   an attack a couple of times today.

7   Poole - A lot better today , actually looked like a man at CB.

7   Ashley Taylor - Had a decent game , was lucky in the first half when he got tore a new one by one of their lads but the cross just went through everyone.

8   Shay - Looks decent , him and hoskins were talking all game and marshalled their wing through out.

7   Grimes - Same as Poole , actually had some bite today. There were a couple of times where they seemed to ghost passed him on the break in the first half but a big improvement defensively. Set
     peices were decent also.

7   Crooks - Full of running today , seemed a lot fitter and involved than he has been in previous games I have watched.

7    Foley - Filled in on the wing comfortably today, had his man on toast several times in the first half.

7   Hoskins - Really solid performance defensively , with a decent attempt in the first half also.

9   O'toole - Was MOM in my opinion , I lost count the amount of times he comfortably held of his

8  Long - Took his goal well and could have had another.  He seems to have luck when he drifts wide , but he seems to come short every time when there were a few flick ons he could have got if he was
               on the shoulder or on his bike gambling on the flick on.

--------------------------------


5 Powell - Disappointing tbh , didn't look 100% fit . They had a lot more luck down that flank once Hoskins went off.

5 Perriera - Was all over the place  ;D ;D, gave the ball away cheaply when ever he touched it and was involved in some and flailing near the corner flag.

6 Revell - Didn't really have a  chance on the ball. We had resorted to hoofing it where ever by the time he was on, You could see him getting frustrated at hilde for waiting the ball.




Over all I think we played really well and completely controlled the first 15-20 mins of the game.  If we were more clinical we could have been 2-0 up at the break. WE did lose are shape completley after the substitutions but did well to see the game out.

Great win, well deserved, not a smash and grab, Long is full of goals with the right service, works well with the powerhouse and General JJ, also some payback for the abysmal Wembley debacle.  Now for the plastics next Saturday!

I can't think of more than one that wanted him out. It would appear you're stirring it..

Smashin' afternoon - VP is my local match, living in Leeds. Pint and lunch with our good Bradford friend and sometime commentator on here - Idle Bantam - and then sat next to the Bingers boys at the match. Very astute and knowledgeable young men - might just have got it from their dad . . . . . comments welcome!
BTW, now only 13 points behind Pompey in lowest play-off place, with 18 matches to go. Who knows . . . . ?

Having not made an away game since the cup replay at Scunny, I felt I needed to bring the singing voice  ;D for the record I thought out support was fantastic today. Well done all.

I have seen some ridiculous tables published about how successful we have been since JFH brought in his own players .
The turnaround is down to the attitude of the players .
We are far more resolute and working much harder throughout .
Credit has to go to the coaches for that because everyone is giving 10% more and there is less coasting going on .
Some of that is greater confidence but we seem to be mentally stronger .

I'm getting excited that we might actually give those f***tards from Peterborough a game for once.

Bantams fan: "393 Northampton, made far more noise than our 19,000 and most other fans this season. Guessing they enjoyed our cheap ale, fair play to them."
My voice is slightly "horse" as well...  ;D

The plaudits continue: "On another note, our fans were dreadful today, I'm not having the performance as an excuse as at kick off it was like a library and it's been the same all season. Northampton fans were fantastic throughout always singing regardless of how poor the game was, and they're or were 3rd bottom, that's support, our fans only make noise to moan at our players, embarrassing."

Well done the guys at the back...  ;)

I did notice these kind words on the football forum haha. Well done to all for joining in with us  ;) I've got no voice at all  ;D

I thought the team was outstanding today. Absolutely outstanding. Keep this level up and we will stay up comfortably. Roll on the next game.

Agree with that DC, even had this old git happy clapping along with them   :)

Another Bantam fan: "Also thought their fans were decent good following and at least sang unlike the majority of visiting fans we’ve had the mojo over them for a lot of games so they were due one."

Fantastic day out. Headed off at 6am to play the Bradford fans' team up there in the morning in a charity game for the Burns Unit. A 3-1 win got us all off to a good start.

Bantams team were top class, inviting us back to the pub for some pints before helping us get parking right near the ground and some more drinks at a Latvian bar nearby.

On the pitch for the Cobblers, the best away performance since Oxford. Every player was battling and it was refreshing to see us both attack and press the ball away from home. Fully deserved win, and the fans were superb throughout. Noticed there were a few hoarse voices with the fans' team lads when went back for some more beer with the Bantams post-match.

Yesterday was everything that was good about being a lower league fan - a great day out, a good laugh with the opposition, and seeing your team go for it. Lovely :)

Good morning Cobblers.

A fully deserved victory for your boys yesterday. Your lot were definitely up for it more than our lot seemed to be yesterday.
I predicted a few days before the match that you were playing us at a good time for you. Despite being 5th in the league, there is a lot of unrest amongst our natives, especially with poor performances at home this season, unbelievably our 7th home league loss at VP despite being in the play off positions all season, and also whether McCall is getting sufficient backing from our German owners at the moment.

Our defensive and keeper injury list was bad enough yesterday before hearing that Charlie Wyke was also missing and left most fans fearing the worst yesterday. Fair play to you though, you took advantage and dominated all the physical battles thats for sure!

Your fans that made the trip were excellent throughout and outsung a very subdued home following.
Good to meet up with CobblersBob for a pint beforehand, and thats the first time he has got one over me result wise since we met!

Good luck for the rest of the season. I see no danger of you being relegated
 

The hoarse voices were definitely because of the early start. And the northern temperatures combined with my effort/athleticism levels in the morning. 100% not the extensive range of cheap beer on offer.

Easily away trip of 17/18 so far. And topped any last season for myself too.

With regards to the game itself, credit where credit is due, Grimes bossed it from the middle again yesterday. Looking forward to seeing Turnbull play again. Physically imposing, fast and can play a bit. Facey looks an absolute gem of a find too so far.

Get him off!  I think he visits every forum with his 'good time to play us' routine, then comes back the next day when they lose so that he can say 'told you so' coupled with insincere magnanimity whilst listing all the reasons (excuses) why they lost!

Either that or he's a very friendly chap!

Maybe but I’d rather read his post than another Bed’s rant (who always tends to be a little quieter after success on the pitch - obviously we would have not conceded that 90th minute goal if we had more seats 😉 at six fields)

Behave yoursen, Its about building up our club in every department so we can finally stand on our own two feet and be able shake off the shackles from those who are using the club as a way to a means without giving 2 5hites for its future after they've sucked the marrow from what's left of our sun bleached bones....
Hope that helps.....
Great win yesterday that should set us up nicely for the ups and downs of a long relegation dog fight.
Didn't go yesterday but will be at Blackburn 😉

Dear Buster - let me put you right on this one - Idle Bantam is a very genuine  footy fan and a lifetime supporter of his local club, together with his lovely family. I walked to VP with him and his 89 year old dad and mid 20's daughter yesterday, and it's a delight and privilege to know them all. Idle Bantam first contacted this page after the atrocious post-match behaviour by a few of their knob-head fans following the match on the anniversary of the tragic fire at VP, when so many Cobblers fans had contributed to the support fund and laid their scarves on the memorial.
We have remained friends ever since - even through the debacle at Wembley -  and I look forward to many more years of banter and friendship.
So please don't EVER accuse him of being anything less than genuine in his comments. Thanks, and best regards. UTC - and UTB!

Careful Bob, there's a theory that being overliteral is a sign of dementia...  :-\

Jeeez! Flippant about dementia as well. Goodbye.

I’m not being flippant about dementia Bob, I’m genuinely concerned, about you.  I need you to do something for me Bob.  I need you to stay away from this IdleBantam character.  He’s no good for you Bob.  Sure he may have introduced you to his sweet old dad and walked with you to the match but thats all part of his evil plot Bob. Next thing you know he’ll be inviting you in for a cup of tea with an offer to show you his Bantam memorabilia (except they call it a brew up there Bob, remember that, it’s one of the ways to tell them apart). 

Trust me Bob I’m telling you this for your own good.  Just because half their kit is claret doesn’t mean they can be trusted.  A friend of mind was lured in and almost converted in the same way.  He was innocently walking back to his car after the match when this cunning Bantam supporter offered him a chip – with GRAVY Bob, can you believe that.  Within 12 months my friend was a black belt in Ecky Thump and couldn’t even finish his breakfast unless it included black pudding – I’m talking about with his cornflakes Bob.

Fortunately, we saved him before it was too late.  He has since formed an awareness group for those less fortunate.  They call themselves the ‘North of Watford Team’ or NOWT for short.  Let me give you their number Bob, or at least let me make you aware of the signs to watch out for.  Pidgeon droppings on the back doorstep, a whippet kennel in the back yard, or signing off your posts with UTB. 

Oh no Bob, I think it may too late for you!

Welcome home Abraham Anstruther!

Should have started your story with this.

Lost me there CJ - Abraham Anstruther?

Great post by you Buster - keep it up!

Here is a link for Abraham Anstruther - what a name, you couldnt invent it!    https://goo.gl/Tg4jtr

Buster wrote a great post, tinged with irony, even fake sentimentality. Buster is well within his rights to challenge the apparent sincerity of IB's comments. Unless of course you are also being 'ironic'!!  Incidentally I don't believe there was 19000 at the match. One stand was empty and large pkts of empty seats all around.

From the Bradford forum;

Fair play to Northampton cobbled together (no pun intended) with loan signings bloody massive side physically they cane and executed their game plan played the conditions better and took their chances.


Also thought their fans were decent good following and at least sang unlike the majority of visiting fans we’ve had the mojo over them for a lot of games so they were due one.

Our noise non existent very flat at the moment even the k block (coke must be s*** at mo we need to get behind the team booing does t help but neither does shoving KP up front

On to the next game

Of course there weren't 19,000 there! The Valley Parade capacity is around the 21,500 mark. The Dallas stand was of course empty. In addition, must have been several thousand seats in the Kop, Mainstand and corner unoccupied. Bradford City have just shy of19,000 STHs (discounted prices, I'm sure you are aware) who are counted into the attendance (19,300).

14,500 nearer the mark I'd say!  ;)

Quite the best display this season eclipses the Oxford game if only based on determination, grit and hard work.  We were first into the tackle and closed them down very quickly which was so good to see. Bradford quite simply weren't able to settle from the off. I like the idea of Turnbull playing at left back where he did ok; more importantly on set pieces he transferred to central defence which was a clever strategy by JFH;why didnt we experts spot that earlier in the week! The look of sheer commitment displayed by Foley on Saturday was representative of the team selected. It was again very good to witness!
So the moral is hard work, commitment, grit and get at 'em will eke out rewards.

JJOT was great , hated by the Crowd and not bullied by the Bradford players. He gained quite a few free kicks too and was instrumental in our general overall play. All the players played well including Facey who was facing a direct and skillful winger as did Turnbull and O'Connell. On the day I thought he (O'C) might have saved their goal it but in viewing the highlights maybe he was out of position or left his right post too exposed? In any case his earlier saves, anticipation and kicking was good. No point in highlighting individual players as one and all rose to the occasion. Also well done to JFH for  selecting the side on the day as I would certainly keep it for MK match. The victory and manner of it answers many of his critics on here too!
Just a word of warning on the upcoming game with MK - some seem to think its a gifted 3 pts. It wont be as they are in a desperate situation, but if we display the same level of performance we stand a good chance of victory.

Thanks  8).

The singing and support was top notch , but I liked the way 'you' took the 'fight' to Brad fans at various times in the game. Got the boys in blue scurrying up the aisles! Enjoyed it - every minute too.