I thought we deserved at least a point over the ninety minutes, as we actually created more and better chances, despite the dreadful first thirty minutes. However, the inexperience and lack of leadership in the side cost us again. We really struggle for consistency within and between games, and don't know how to grind out results.
We actually started the game quite brightly, but the reaction to conceding the first goal was poor, with heads going down. For thirty minutes we looked rudderless, with a lack of composure on the ball, and too many individual battles lost. There does not seem to be any capability in the squad to turn the game round on the pitch without Mellon's assistance. However, for all their dominance of possession Bradford only created one good chance other than the goal, which Doohan did well to tip onto the post.
There was a significant improvement after the break, and we had two or three good opportunities after Hemmings' brilliant equaliser. As in recent weeks we were not clinical enough and were hit with Cook's sucker punch, which I did not think we deserved based on the second half display. However, if you only perform for forty five or sixty minutes of a game, you are always going to face difficulties.
Individually, I thought Simeu looked good, powerful and strong in the one v one battles. A bit like Monthe but a better footballer. I thought O'Connor and Turnbull had decent games, despite the goals conceded. The performances of Bristow and McAlear summed up our general inconsistency: terrible in the first half, very good in the second.
Nevitt's limitations are frustrating. You can't fault his effort, and his movement is often good, but on two or three occasions tonight he got into good positions in or around the box but just did not produce the quality when it mattered.
In terms of individual talent, there clearly was not a huge gulf between Bradford and ourselves. However, we simply don't have enough experience and know-how to win games like tonight.
I don't think we will be in serious relegation trouble, as we looked comfortably better than Gillingham, Colchester and Hartlepool. However, I agree it will be a tough season, probably in the lower reaches of the table.
