Same old story for Port at Bradford
BRADFORD PARK AVENUE...2 SOUTHPORT .............................. 0
IT was a familiar story at The Horsfall Stadium on Good Friday where Southport’s failure to convert a number of good first half chances proved costly and Bradford came out strong in the second period and ran out 2-0 winners.
Brad Wade made his league debut in goal in place of Tony McMillan.
There was no sign of what was to come at half time.
Chances were created but very few tested the home ‘keeper to any great extent.
Tyler Walton, Niall Watson and Jack Bainbridge all had the chance to put the visitors out of sight but it was not to be but we felt it was only a matter of time.
That proved not to be the case.
Port conceded a poor goal in the 49th minute when they failed to clear their lines and Lewis Coulton put the home side on the front foot.
Having taken the lead, Bradford’s confidnce grew whilst Southport fell back into some errant passing play.
Walton and Charlie Munro did both go close but with every Southport player pushed forward it was Bradford who sealed the points with a breakaway goal in the 92nd minute, Myles La Bastide firing home.
It was a very disappointing afternoon all round and a despondent Liam Watson gave his views after the game.
“We weren’t taking our chances and gave away the softest goal I’ve ever seen. I don’t think there was a lack of commitment or effort, it was just a lack of quality,” he said.
“We had more of the ball, eight per cent of the game, in the first half and never took the chances. But then we’re a little bit brittle and were easily picked off.
“You can see the confidence is draining and everyone is low.
“That’s one hundred per cent expected but all you can do is get your head up, chest out and go and grind out a win.
“We had to throw Jordan Archer straight back in and go Saturday/Tuesday, and that’s not ideal. We are lacking in the forward areas. Connor came on and had a go but we probably need to be a bit more brave.
“All in all it’s just a really poor day in that we’ve got nothing out a game we should have.
“We just have to take it on board, bounce back and go and get a result somewhere.
“There’s no use crying over knocks, most teams are going to be carrying knocks. What we need to show is a little bit of a stomach and have a right, proper go.
“We have to stick together and get through the rest of the season.
“It hasn’t been a great season, I’m the first to admit that, on and off the pitch. We just have to get enough points to make sure we’re not looking over our shoulder.”