Always enjoy the hospitality at Winterton, and I had bugger all else to do, so I thought I d nip over the bridge to see City Juniors agen Bradford City Juniors. I know there's a report on the OWS but I thought I d give you my own inimitable view. Some of the names maybe mixed up but I am using my memory of the numbers with the corresponding names on the OWS as a source of ID. To be honest, from my visits to Ferriby and other visits to Ideal in the past, there were possibly only 3 or 4 I didnt recognise anyway. After 30 minutes, the signs were all there for a walloping as City eased into a 3 - 0 lead aided by some woeful defending from a young Brad City team. Yes, I know that both teams were young being Juniors like, but that said, City seemed to have a bigger sense of maturity about them. Excellent come back from Bradford in the second half though as they fought well to get beat 3 - 2 in the end with City guilty of not making the most of there early dominance and hitting the cross bar three times (I think) over the 90 minutes. Anyway: 1) Joe Cracknell - Never really had anything to do as City dominated throughout the match but was left exposed in the second half as Bradford rallied and City tired. 2) Sam Topliss - I am sorry Sam (if you are reading this) but you didnt really do anything that memorable to be remembered for. In the same way, you also did nowt wrong so hey thats a positive. 3) Max Clark - England Junior international I believe and looked younger than some of the others. Despite his unmistakable resemblance as a 'mini-McShane' at left back, he looked confident in defense making some strong well timed tackles and getting forward well throughout in support. 4) Jules Gabbiadini - Between him and Douglas Wilson they ran the midfield. Always strong in the tackle and held play up well. 5) Fraser Papprill - Strong and assured at the back and bravely got up with no real problems after a full-on point-blank shot in the face from 5 yards whilst charging down an indirect free-kick in the area. In the mould of Sonny Bradley and at that age group he was head and shoulders. 6) Jordan Holt - Not a classically built Centre Half but effective alongside Fraser. Somehow I feel he may end up being more effective in an Ashbee type holding midfield role some day. 7) Tyler Collishaw - For me he nicked MoM from Douglas Wilson. A tricky winger who time after time beat his defender with ease, and despite some good crosses was let down by his collegues in the finish. First time I ve seen him. Look out and look forward to more! 8) Dougie Wilson - Seen him in a cameo a couple of times with the reserves as sub and he always does what he is asked when called upon. At this level he is a star without doubt. Stong in the air and on the ground, up-and-down in support of both attack and defense and very good distribution he stood out in the midfield. 9) Danny Chambers - Reminded me a little of a young Ryan Kendall in his play, and on this occasion did nothing wrong. He, and Lewis Clarkson seemed to work well as a front two. Ultimately, I hope he develops better than Ryan and seizes any opportunities that are presented. 10) Lewis Clarkson - Seemed to tire from about 60 mins on, unless injured of course. However, until that point he was always a threat with his nippy runs behind some static defenders. Also seemed to hold up the ball well for on running support from midfield and fellow striker, Danny Chambers. Eventually replaced by Joel Sutton, who ultimately turned out to be a similar, but possibly younger but less efective version of Lewis. I am sure that Lewis knows where the goal is though, to coin a well used phrase. 11) Paul McElroy - I ve heard good things but as a winger on the opposite side to Tyler Collishaw, his contribution on this occasion was dwarfed by his afore-mentioned collegue. Eventually gave way to Jack Barlow towards the end when we were hanging on for the narrow win. A word for Jack Barlow, whose number I cannot remember I am afraid. I have now seen his play three times and he looks good. Unless he is returning from injury, I dont really understand why he didnt start this game but even in the short time he was on the pitch, his influence was obvious to see. If Paul Duffen did nothing whilst he was at City, he helped bring this kid to the club which I think will prove to be a stroke of genius. If he were still at Grimsby, I think he would have already have been ruined by too much first team exposure in the lower leagues!!!
Thanks for that Mussie. I've still not seen Max Clark, but as the youngest player in the England youth squad and still only 15(I think), he must have something about him. How far off do you think Jack Barlow is, he must be about 17/18 by now?
i reckon Barlow is at least two seasons off the first team, although i d like to see him in the reserves. he looks younger than 18 no 1. maybe just 17 perhaps
Just checked and he was 15 when we signed him in October 2009 and he was only 14 when he played in a pre-season game that summer, so he probably is only just 17.
He didn't play in a pre season game for the senior side at 14 did he? For us or for Grimsby? 17 is a good age to start getting noticed though, I've heard good things about him and Gabbiadini - his father (who I think played for Derby?) - still runs a hotel in York I think.
Barlow is the most arrogant young footballer i know.. sadly to say i know him anyone. what a complete and utter bellend he is.
its nice to hear about promising home grown talents finally coming through the Hull system. nice report mussie
Would like to know how my nephew Jack Fisher went for Bradford City,please.Hes my sisters boy he was 18 on October 15th, born in leeds unforunately and Chelsea is his favourite team.Blonde haired plays at the back, i have already told my sister he should play for City when we are back in Premier Lewague
do you know what number he wore? To be honest, their defense was very poor. The best player was number 10 and he looked like Tarrabt
No sorry i dont know what number he is.But thanks anyway, i will get in touch with my sister.At present nothing on the Bradford City board.
I have never met the boy but used to speak to his old man and his Grandad quite a lot last season . Both top blokes so it's a bit disappointing to hear Jack is above himself already.
