Another win
Bradford City 0The Reds earned a massive, hard-fought win away at Bradford by a single goal as Marley Watkins headed home a George Williams cross to make it five league wins on the bounce.
Barnsley came under attack throughout the match from long balls forward and a physical presence from the Bradford attack, but withstood all the pressure thrown at them and managed the game superbly to keep their 1-0 lead.
The majority of the play from the home team came down the right hand-side through Mark Marshall, but full-back George Williams coped with him superbly and ensured the Reds kept a well-deserved clean sheet.
The Reds started the match in dream fashion as George Williams put in a superb in-swinging cross which evaded the Bradford defence, finding the head of Marley Watkins who gave Barnsley the lead.
The conditions at The Coral Windows Stadium were difficult under foot as both teams slipped on a few occasions due to the heavy rain.
The Reds looked like the dominant team after the goal with Watkins coming close again just a couple of minutes after the goal. The Reds striker went on a mazy run into the Bradford box, cut inside and curled just wide. Watkins
was involved again moments later, as he headed down a long ball to Ashley Fletcher who again, fired just wide.
Bradford did fashion their chance of the half through new signing Jamie Proctor, but Davies got down low and saved well.
George Williams starting his second consecutive game at left-back was having a half to remember, as he put in more than one strong challenge on Bantams winger Mark Marshall, before then blocking a shot on the line from
Josh Morris to keep the Reds in front.
The defence was holding firm for Barnsley, but it was dealt a blow as Alfie Mawson suffered an injury and had to be substituted. Marc Roberts came off the bench to replace him and won multiple headers, towering over the Bradford frontline.
Sam Winnall picked up a yellow card for a late challenge right at the end of the half, but as the half-time whistle went, the Reds took a 1-0 lead into the dressing room.
The second half began with Adam Davies being called into action instantly as Josh Morris had a free kick which he smashed towards goal, but Davies got down and saved excellently to deny an equaliser.
Shortly after his save, Davies miss-kicked into the centre of the pitch leaving Jamie Proctor with an open goal to aim for but his effort went wide to the relief of everyone in a Barnsley shirt.
Ashley Fletcher, a nuisance throughout the whole match, showed his battling qualities again to get himself a chance on goal but the on-loan Manchester United forward could only find the site netting from a tightening angle.
As the game was heading towards it’s conclusion, Davies was again called into action. Tony McMahon tested the Reds stopper from 25 yards but Davies flew to his top left hand corner and tipped his effort wide.
With Bradford throwing constant balls out-wide to Mark Marshall, George Williams had a busy evening at left-back but dealt with everything. After his first half clearance off the line, he then managed to get in front of his man
three times to clear the ball when a goal looked certain.
Just moments remained as Josh Scowen entered to field to huge cheers from the fantastic and vocal Reds faithful, to replace Ashley Fletcher. Scowen was instantly into the action as he had a low shot inside the area but half-time substitute Nathan Clarke slid in to deny him.
It looked like Davies had one last effort to deal with as McMahon had a free kick on the edge of the box, but his effort went wide.
As the full-time whistle went the Reds fans behind the goal went into raptures, securing a fifth consecutive win for Lee Johnson’s side.
XI: Davies (GK), Bree, Long, Hourihane (c), Winnall, Brownhill, Watkins, Fletcher (Scowen 82'), G. Williams, Mawson (Roberts 18'), Isgrove (Khan 90+2').
Subs: Townsend (GK), Abbott, Templeton.
