Saturday 04 August, 2001 2001-2 Friendly

Blackburn Rovers At Valley Parade

Sorting the men from the boys

There was a time around 70 minutes into this rather stale pre-season kick about when the qualities needed for success in City's season became painfully apparent.

That moment could have been when Beni Carbone chased an over hit ball, lunged, kept it in play, dribbled and invitingly crossed for his strike partner but more likely it was one of the many times when that strike partner, Gareth Grant, looked unnatural in the game.

Grant played only a half a half but the difference between what was required to emulate the victorious Blackburn side and what would make do was illustrated in his play. While not wanting to bash the boy too much, correction, not a boy. Too long the potential of Grant has given him youth. The man, aged 21, must take responsibility. Every City player must, for the Bantams to prosper.

As it was City looked like a team playing at 60-70%. Blackburn, starting their Premiership line up and making no changes, we're more in tune but they lacked the competitive edge. They scored twice either side of half time and showed well enough to suggest they have a shout of staying up, but they will be more man City than Ipswich in the Premiership.

City on the other hand missed Ashley Ward badly. The big striker's absence left a team lacking direction but his return should see to that problem. The approach play was at time excellent, but confidence to pull the trigger is still needed.

For the record Blackbun's first was a rebound off Gary Walsh after an error by Andy Myers caused a break, their second a neat header. Myers looked shakey at the back, Robert Molenaar's calming influence when he replaced the Londoner later looks set to win the Dutch man a first team role.

Man of the Match

Gary Locke

Did well in the first half.

City Team:

Walsh
Halle Wetherall Myers Jacobs
Locke McCall Whalley
Carbone Jess Blake