Bradford V Torquay at Coral Windows Stadium : Match Preview

07 December 2012 10:01
Bradford V Torquay - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Parkinson has decisions to make

Bradford boss Phil Parkinson faces several selection dilemmas for his side's home clash against promotion rivals Torquay.

Parkinson, who has no new injury or suspensions problems, made five changes for the midweek Johnstone's Paint Trophy win at Port Vale and was rewarded with an impressive team display.

Goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin excelled in place of Matt Duke, while winger Garry Thompson and midfielder Ritchie Jones were also outstanding as the Bantams reached the JPT northern area semi-finals.

Defenders James Meredith and Rory McArdle, plus midfielder Will Atkinson were left out of the squad altogether in midweek, while strikers Nahki Wells and James Hanson and midfield pair Gary Jones and Nathan Doyle all started on the substitutes' bench.

Winger Kyel Reid (groin) and striker Zavon Hines (ankle) are making good progress, but are unlikely to return before Christmas, while Andrew Davies (knee) is looking at a New Year comeback.

Fellow defender Luke Oliver (Achilles) is out for the rest of the season.

Torquay defender Danny Leadbitter is set to line up for the Gulls with Joe Oastler serving a one-match ban.

The 22-year-old was set to feature in their Devon Bowl clash with Liverton United on Tuesday but manager Martin Ling withdrew him from the squad as he is in line to replace the suspended Oastler.

Captain Lee Mansell will serve the final game of his three-match ban which means Brian Saah, this week voted the Torquay fans' player of the month for November, will continue to wear the armband.

Torquay's back-to-back victories after a disappointing run moved them up into eighth place in npower League Two and a third successive win would see them leapfrog their hosts and move Ling's men into a play-off position.

Source: PA