Looking Forward to Bury #BvBC

Bradford City are soon back in action as they make the short trip across the Pennines to face Alan Knills in form Bury. City got back on track with a thumping 5-0 win against Oxford and will have to repeat that performance against the Shakers who are currently unbeaten in 7 games.

The victory at the weekend pushed City up to 16th in the League Two table, level on points with Burton in 13th place and just 4 points from Cheltenham in the final play off position. City have now won 3 of the last 4 games and have seemingly turned the metaphorical corner. Bury meanwhile, have started the season well, sitting pretty in 3rd position, 4 points clear of the chasing pack. Bury have fared better away from home though, winning 5 of their 7 games compared to just 3 at home. They have, however, only lost 1 game at home and will still provide an extremely tough test for the Bantams.

Bury will be looking to finally get a long awaited promotion this year after having being there or thereabouts for the past three seasons. Alan Knills has worked wonders since joining them a couple of years ago, saving them from relegation, losing out in the play offs having missed out on automatic promotion on goal difference and then just missing out on the play offs last season. There is only one connection between the clubs at the moment as ex City midfielder Steven Schumacher plays for the Shakers. He signed for the club on a free transfer in the summer having being released from Crewe and has made such an impression that he is now captaining the side.

Bury have added to their ranks recently with the emergency loan signing of Stockport keeper Owain Fon Williams. He has been brought in to replace Cameron Belford the previous number one who has picked up a serious injury. Fon Williams was Stockports Player of the Year in their first season back in League One and is highly rated at Edgeley Park.

Bury could be the first game this season where Peter Taylor is inclined to make no changes, following the stunning 5 goal victory over Oxford. Taylor may be forced into a change, though, with the possibility of James Hanson missing out due to his sending off at the weekend. The club have appealed the dismissal after studying the match footage and Hanson is adamant that he did not deserve the red card having not thrown an elbow.

Despite not having much to do against Oxford, Lenny Pidgeley will keep his place in net following a confident performance.

The back four should remain unchanged after impressive performances from all four at the weekend. Rehman will again captain the side from right back, with Luke Oliver and Steve Williams in the centre and Luke O`Brien completing the back four.

Similarly, the midfield should remain the same, with Tommy Doherty and Tom Adeyemi in the middle. Lee Hendrie and Leon Osborne will complete the midfield, although Syers could replace Osborne if Taylor wants to give the side a more solid look.

Omar Daley will continue his free role up front following two good goals at the weekend and will be hopeful of continuing his partnership up front with James Hanson. If Hanson`s ban is upheld, it is likely that Jason Price will be given a start over Louis Moult. Moult will e hoping to get more time on the pitch, having scored his first senior goal at the weekend.

Following Daleys brace at the weekend, manager Peter Taylor told the official website “I said to him at half time that he owed me a goal. I thought he should have scored in the first half, but then he scored two goals and that shut me right up! I’m pleased for Omar though because he is desperate to score goals for the team. He has shown today exactly what a threat he can be when he gets it right.’