Bantams 1 Silkmen 0

Finally a win. After a three game barren steak, we earned the full three points against an uninterested Macclesfield Town. From the off, the visitors didn't really seem that interested in winning, playing five at the back, and stuffing the midfield. The question was, could we break them down? Recent performances has not gone well, and although Jones rattled the crossbar in the first half, there was a lot of huff and puff, and very little imagination. If a team was in need of a goal to break them out of their stupor, it was the Bantams, and as the realisation dawned of how poor the opposition was, an urgency not seen since the Wycombe game began to creep in. Furman and law were beginning to actually run with the ball, instead of aimlessly punting it forward, stretching the Macclesfield rearguard and opening up space. At last, just as the hour mark was passed, the new found confidence paid dividends. A clever passing move saw Boulding holding up the ball on the edge of the penalty box, timing his pass perfectly with the surging run of Furman, who found the bottom corner with a smart finish. The rest of the game passed by easily enough, the Silkmen failing to raise an opening of any real note, and if the Bantams had possessed a little more composure in the final third, the outcome could have been more substantial. Not a classic, but a much needed win. With a couple of other results going in our favour, we managed to climb three places, back into the play off places, and up to fifth. Next up is Aldershot at home, and if we can win that contest, it is followed by the proverbial six pointer next Tuesday, when we visit third place Rochdale. Squeaky bum time has arrived.

Baz Watch- One of the three changes wrought by McCall, our aero dynamic hero was on from the off. But something didn't seem right his Bazship. He seemed some how subdued, not very Baz like at all. Yes he ran around, but there were no flashes of either brilliance, or ineptitude, something the lovable Irishman usually provides in spades. He did pick up his game in the final ten minutes, the usual spell he is on the pitch for, giving us on of his "Sniper in the stands" dives, a nice spin, a half decent strike and a great through ball for a disallowed goal. Might have done just about enough to retain his spot against Aldershot. As average as it gets....5/10

As regular readers are aware, the concession stand offerings at Valley Parade have long been exhausted. So this week I thought I would treat you to a picture of Barry Conlon with hair...








This hirsute Barry Conlon also hails from the Emerald Isle, and is President of FreightWatch USA. He served for seven years in the Irish Special Forces (no, I didn't know there was such a thing either), so just like "our" Barry, you wouldn't mess. He is also prone to missing sitters. You can read more about "Hairy" Barry by clicking here.