Bradford City U18’s 1 – 1 Notts County U18’s – Saturday 21st March 2015

As our 5-1 victory over York City mid-week made it five wins in the last five games, we hoped to continue our good form when we welcomed Notts County to Rawdon Meadows this Saturday.

We were awarded two free-kicks in the opening minutes. The first, taken by the right corner flag was comfortably cleared by the Notts County defence and the second, found Ross Kershaw whose header was tipped behind for a corner.

We looked positive in the first 20 minutes, Callum Chippendale’s long range effort forced a low save from the keeper. However, soon after the game became scrappy with neither team threatening the opposition’s goal.

The visitors were first to score in the 17^th minute, a long ball found the Notts County player. Defender Kesi Omolokun was first to the ball, his block hit the hand of the Notts County player, who slid the ball passed Barker in goal. Despite the appeals for offside and hand ball, the goal stood

James Pollard’s 27^th minute header went over the bar and his effort minutes later was scrambled clear by the defence.

Notts County came close to doubling their lead on 37 minutes but Omolokun’s perfect tackle took the ball from the player before he could strike at goal.

It was a scrappy game but well still had chances to equalise. Danny Devine’s effort in the 50^th minute was saved by the goalkeeper and Zander McBurnie 52^nd strike was pushed behind for a corner.

Good link-up play between Sam Wright and Pollard minutes later create a chance for Callum Chippendale but his effort went just over the bar.

We continued to apply pressure towards the Notts County goal but left it late to find an equaliser. James Pollard’s free-kick in the 87^th minute found unmarked Kesi Omolokun who found the back of the net.

The goal spurred us to push on for a winner but we left it too late to find a winning goal. Zander McBurnie’s long range effort was tipped behind in the 89^th minute and Sam Wright had three chances in the dying minutes but his efforts failed to hit the target.

Next Saturday we travel to league leaders Chesterfield for our first meeting of the season. It is set to be a competitive game and one that prove important in the race for the title.