Squelch

Some last minute pitch preparation was required at Valley Parade as some fierce sleet fell on what was already a heavy pitch. This roller acts as a giant sponge, with the water gathered in a tank at the back just as a lawn mower collects grass cuttings.

Having already attended two games this season that had been called off at the last minute due to the weather, 11yo and I were a little concerned that our journey would be wasted. The pitch was playable though, and the strong wind and sleet weren't enough to dissuade the referee from letting the match go ahead.

The weather did make for a miserable first half though in what must have been very difficult conditions to play in. The sky brightened in the second half but it was the visitors, Fleetwood Town that took the lead. Bradford equalised soon after and grabbed a winner in injury time - a win that wasn't really deserved from the performance but was welcome.