COLKETT GETS MAIDEN GOAL
CHARLIE COLKETT’S first senior goal denied Bradford City the three points at Valley Parade, and while the Bantams are the only unbeaten team left in League One Stuart McCall felt his side still deserved more against Bristol Rovers.
After the game was temporarily suspended during the second half due to a drone flying over the stadium, James Meredith headed home for the hosts before substitute Colkett’s late goal made sure the points were shared.
Despite his side dominating large parts of the second half, McCall was frustrated after being denied a first win in five matches, but pleased with the overall performance.
“You can’t legislate for a slip in our box that’s cost us a goal. I thought we were terrific at times in the second half and it was a joy to watch at times,” he said.
“We were so dominant and then their goalkeeper has pulled off a Gordon Banks save right at the end, but you have to give Rovers credit for their performance. They came here and had a go at us.
“I’d be a lot more disappointed with the draw if we hadn’t played like we did in the second half. The lads are just gutted that they haven’t managed to pick up the three points.”
Bradford went ahead shortly after the game had been restarted once the drone had been cleared. Mark Marshall’s low shot deflected up and Meredith found himself with a free header at the back post.
However, Colkett responded soon after being introduced from the bench as Ellis Harrison capitalised on a slip from captain Romain Vincelot and set up the Chelsea youngster to smash home the equaliser.
Whilst good chances for the away side were few and far between, bar Matty Taylor’s effort that dropped just wide, Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke was pleased with his side’s resilience and reserved praise for goalkeeper Kelle Roos after he denied debutant Haris Vuckic with a superb save in the 98th minute to earn his side a point.
“Kelle has produced a fantastic save for us at the death and he’s been great ever since he arrived. His kicking’s been great, his handling’s been great, and it’s a point-saving stop for us,” said Clarke, whose side sit 21st in the table.
“It took tremendous character from our players to come back and take a point from the game.
“We were under siege a little bit in spells but in the final 15 minutes it was really end to end, they could have nicked it and we could have nicked it.”
Discussing youngster Colkett, Clarke added: “Charlie’s come up with a great strike for us near the end, he’s made a massive impact for us but we’re bedding him in slowly because he’s only a baby in footballing terms.
“We’ll look after him but if he keeps having that kind of impact he’s going to be great for us.”