Photo: John Rhodes
Bradford (Park Avenue) face York City today, who head into the fixture after suffering back-to-back defeats.
Bradford’s Yorkshire counterparts were swept aside by Spennymoor Town in midweek, just days after losing to AFC Telford United.
Mark Bower will be hoping to face a deflated York side, who trail Bradford by eight points in twelfth place. He is a well-known figure among York supporters after enjoying two loan spells at Bootham Crescent during his playing career. It will be the second consecutive game to pit the Bradford boss against one his former clubs following the visit of Darlington in midweek.
The two sides last met in January and the Citizens came out on top thanks to strikes from veteran forward Jon Parkin and winger Amari Morgan-Smith.
Bower will be hoping for a different result today but is aware that York boss Sam Collins may ring the changes after recent defeats:
“I know they’ve tinkered with formations this season and after losing to Spennymoor they’ll probably be looking to change things.
“It’s a great one for our lads. It’s great to go to a club like York, where there should be a decent crowd in, and play with no pressure. We can go and enjoy ourselves, express ourselves, and if we play the way we’re capable of, we give ourselves a chance of getting a result.”
GUIDE TO THE OPPONENTS:
The Gaffer:
Sam Collins
The 41-year-old was handed the reigns following a spell as caretaker manager. A former centre-back, he made over 200 appearances for Hartlepool United and also represented Huddersfield Town, Bury, Port Vale, Hull City and Swindon Town. Collins also enjoyed a spell with Bradford City as a coach, where he worked to develop the club’s young professionals.
One To Watch:
Sean Newton
The 30-year-old is the club’s captain and is an integral part of Sam Collins’ squad. A versatile defender, he joined the club from Wrexham in 2017 following a successful loan spell. He began his career with Chester City and has represented the likes of Droylsden, AFC Telford United, Stockport County, Lincoln City and Notts County throughout his career.