WE’LL STILL FINISH OK VOWS STU
BRADFORD City manager Stuart McCall insisted his side can still finish the campaign strongly despite a tenth home draw of the season, which saw them miss the opportunity to move up to third place in the League One table.
The Bantams are still unbeaten at Valley Parade this season but were held to a draw by Gillingham in a thoroughly entertaining fixture, which saw Charlie Wyke score on his Bradford debut following a move from Carlisle on transfer deadline day, believed to be worth £250,000.
And despite dropping yet more points at home – the draw was Bradford’s 14th of the season overall – McCall remained defiant that his side can remain in the thick of the promotion race as the season hots up.
“It’s a disappointing result and Gillingham got what they came for, but I don’t think you can say anything about the performance, it was excellent,” he said.
“I think we were just a little bit unfortunate that things didn’t fall for us, but the application and quality was good.
“I’m naturally disappointed – as are all the lads – but if we keep playing as well as that we can finish the season strongly, I truly believe that.
“If anyone thinks we’re going to settle for a point playing at home, they must be living on the moon.”
Wyke’s first goal for Bradford came just 60 seconds after Gillingham took the lead courtesy of Josh Wright’s fantastic effort from the edge of the box, before Tony McMahon put the hosts ahead after Billy Clarke’s free-kick was tipped onto the post by Gills keeper Stuart Nelson.
However, Gillingham started the second half with greater purpose and grabbed a deserved equaliser when Deji Oshilaja took advantage of a mix-up in the Bradford penalty area to rifle home.
“The hosts finished the stronger of the two sides and came close to a winner when Wyke’s header was cleared off the line but the Gills held on for a point which head coach Ady Pennock said they fully deserved.
“It was an unbelievably entertaining game and I thought we were first class,” said the 45-year-old. “We came with a good game-plan and we worked hard all week – I thought it was a thoroughly deserved result. “Everything about the performance pleased me. “We carved them open a few times and they’re a very good side who will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season. “We started well, got the ball down in good areas and deserved the point we fought so hard for. “They wore the shirt with pride and I’m sure our fans are very proud of them in return.”