Bradford City have kept a third consecutive clean sheet, drawing 0-0 at Oxford United to extend their unbeaten league run. The result on Saturday 24 October was their third goalless draw in four games under manager Michael Duff and their eighth League One shut-out of the season. This latest draw, following a 0-0 stalemate at Burton Albion on Tuesday 20 October, is part of a five-match unbeaten sequence of two wins and three draws.
Goalkeeper Jon McCracken now leads the Golden Glove race by four clean sheets. The defensive unit, including on-loan Blackburn Rovers defender George Pratt, has been central to the team's form. Pratt, who has started the last seven league games, highlighted the collective effort behind the record.
"I think that comes from everybody, though, not just from myself," said Pratt. He added that the appointment of Duff is helping him develop the aerial and proactive aspects of his game.
Duff made two changes to his front three for the trip to Oxford, with Kayden Jackson and George Lapslie replacing Jake Beesley and Bobby Pointon. Both Jackson and Lapslie had significant chances to break the deadlock but were unable to convert. The manager later described the overall performance as the best of his tenure so far, while stressing the need to turn chances into wins.
Bradford City now sit third in the League One standings with 21 points from 11 games, just one point behind leaders Stockport County. Their record of six wins, three draws and two losses is built on a league-best defence, with only five goals conceded against ten scored. Their recent form shows two wins and three draws from the last five, with only five goals conceded all season. This defensive record is the best in the division, a key pillar of their success.
The team's next challenge is a key home fixture against Huddersfield Town on Saturday, 31 October. Huddersfield currently sit second in the table, setting up a key encounter at the top of League One.
More detail at Yorkshire Post
