Match Report: Blackburn FC 2-1 Bradford United

Semi final of the Asian Championship beckoned for our first team on Sunday. Once again facing another Blackburn outfit in Blackburn FC. 3 changes were made from the QF. Mo Qasim, Zain Mushtaq & Daniel Eze coming in for Musa Jallow, Mohammed Anas & Muhammet.

First half started evenly with both teams testing the waters out with the first standout moment coming when Blackburn capitalised on a number of mistakes by Bradford. Firstly, conceding a cheap free kick, then not being able to clear the lines which allowed the Blackburn attacker to scuff one past Bradfords keeper. 0-1 Blackburn.

With Blackburn’s tails up and a few number of fans behind them; a moment of brilliance from their winger saw them extend the lead with a mazy run ending with a tidy finish. 0-2.

As the half progressed, Bradford slowly started getting grips of the game leading to several half chances until the brink of HT which saw a definite Bradford United goal stopped on the line by a suspected hand. Penalty awarded after some discussion with the linesman which Umar made no mistake putting away.

Second half from a Bradford point of view was one of the most frustrating ones you would see. Dominated for 40 minutes without the breakthrough. At times playing through Blackburn midfield easily until the final ball. Not sure what a stop start half had to do with that as Blackburn most have broken a record with the number of injuries, cramps & niggles in one half.

Having said this, there was one final guilt edge chance as we threw the kitchen sink at it which was headed over from a few yards out. One of them days. On another day we score 2-3, wasn’t meant to be. It’s been a long slog of a season where we saw us win the District Cup in our first season as a club. Now a rest period awaits as we look to aim to push for a league title in 2024 along with a few cup wins.