Bradford City Ease Past Rochdale with 2-0 Win
IN A time of change at Mbanq Valley Parade, it was reassuring to see some things remain the same.
City eased their way into the new season with another home win. The fortress, freshly spruced with the Midland Road seating and a new sponsorship name, looked as strong as ever on day one.
The starting line-up boasted four new faces, but City's defensive solidity was evident from the outset.
A clean sheet on debut marked an ideal start for Sam Walker, who was hardly overburdened. For a team that bagged goals for fun on their way to three figures in points in the National League, Rochdale offered minimal attacking threat.
The security of a second City goal came midway through the half as Aden Baldwin showed Dieseruvwe how it should be done with a clinical conversion from Connolly's corner. It was a well-placed header at the back post from a spot-on delivery.
City changed the front three – with Bobby Pointon making a belated appearance for the in-form Swan – but there was no dip in tempo. Nick Powell, another coming off the sharpest of pre-seasons, was fuming with himself not to add another goal. He was twice denied by the same post from chances created by Adam Phillips and Sarcevic.
A Procession Towards the Rochdale Goal
City totalled 49 touches in the box – three times that of Rochdale – and registered 24 scoring attempts. Alexander has talked of the need to score a lot more for what they create but this looked a decent start.
Bigger tests are to come, beginning with the League One curtain-raiser against a Peterborough side who cannot be anywhere near as poor as their last trip in February.
But you’ll take this for a hassle-free easing in to proper football again.
