Match Report – Bradford City U18’s 3 – 2 Doncaster Rovers U18’s – Saturday 14th February 2015

After a 3-2 loss to Grimsby Town last week, we knew we would have to defend better to contest with league leaders, Doncaster Rovers.  Two first-half goals from James Pollard and Joe Brennan meant we started the game comfortably and lead 2-0 at half time.

Dylan Mottley-Henry’s lightening pace was evident from the start. Sumali Cissa’s effort on 7 minutes was comfortably saved but showed our intent.

It was a very physical game, both teams had their chances in the opening minutes but we were first to take the lead.  Danny Devine was brought down outside the box on 20 minutes, and the resulting free kick was curled into the top right-hand corner by Captain Jimmy Pollard.

Good link up play between Mottley-Henry and Brennan set up Recce Webb-Foster minutes later, but his shot went just wide of the left post.

Joe Brennan worked tirelessly throughout the half and was rewarded for his efforts when he put us 2-0 up on the half hour mark. Danny Devine’s corner was not cleared by the Doncaster defence and the ball fell to Brennan, whose shot flew in the back of the net.

Doncaster’s two long range efforts just before the break were comfortably saved by Elliot Barker which meant we went in at half time 2-0 up.

We continued to attack the Doncaster goal in the second half and Sam Wright picked out Brennan on numerous occasions. Brennan’s cross in the 50th minute missed Webb-Foster, hit the post and bounced into the goalkeeper’s arms.

We went 3-0 up on the hour mark. Pollard’s long ball found Webb-Foster on the right-hand side, he skipped passed the defence and his cross was met by the Doncaster defender who slid the ball into the net.

Rovers managed to pull a goal back minutes later with a long-range effort from outside the box and in the dying minutes, Doncaster scored again to make the final score 3-2.

Overall it was a very pleasing team performance and the three points were more than well deserved.

Our next fixture is on Saturday 21st February when we travel down to Welbeck Army College to play Burton Albion  then on Tuesday 24th February we entertain Lincoln City down at Rawdon Meadows 2pm kick off.

Watch match highlights here