Let’s finish them off says Zola
BURTON’S two-goal hero Calvin Zola hopes his side aren’t left ruing missed chances after Bradford hit back to keep their hopes of a return to Wembley alive.
Zola scored twice on Thursday night and Robbie Weir also netted as twice the Brewers found themselves with a twogoal advantage at Valley Parade but first Nakhi Wells from the spot and then Garry Thompson, kept Bradford in the tie.
In truth, it could have been better for the Brewers and captain John McGrath missed a good chance while Zola could easily have had a hat-trick.
And the Congolese striker, who was replaced in the 67th minute but is expected to be fit for today’s return leg, admits the game could have been dead and buried by now.
“I think we are satisfied with that result, if you had said before the game that would be the score then we would have taken it and we would have been happy with that,” said Zola.
“We looked like we could have scored some more goals but we have a 3-2 win and hopefully we will finish the business at our place.
“My second goal has to be up there and it was a good goal but all goals are very important, it was just very pleasing to score a special goal on a special night.”
Provided Zola is passed fit, Rowett has selection headaches with Billy Kee, Matthew Paterson and Michael Symes all potentially in line to return and partner him.
Midfielder Adam Drury, on loan from Manchester City, and defender Aaron Webster are both in contention to return but Rowett is still without midfield pair Lee Bell, who sits out the third game of his four-match ban, and Jack Dyer, who has an ankle injury.
Bradford boss Phil Parkinson, meanwhile, may be tempted to throw Kyel Reid into action after the flying winger came off the bench on Thursday.
Having been out of action with a groin injury, Reid played half an hour and while it was longer than Parkinson would have liked, he could well be given the nod from the off.
“Kyel hasn’t really trained with us since his injury,” said Parkinson. “He has been doing all his work recently with our physio.
“We had to use him for longer than we hoped, but I think if he hasn’t had any real reaction to that, he’ll be fine.”