đź“ť Match Preview: Bradford City vs City

Exeter City will be looking to build on last weekend's stunning Devon derby win on Saturday as we make the long trip to face Bradford City at the Utilita Energy Stadium.

It will be the first time the two sides have met since March 2013 where City ran riot at St James Park in a 4-1 win.

Ahead of the match, Exeter City manager Matt Taylor said: "We've had a good weeks training and kept it pretty simple.

"If we thought Plymouth was a big game then Bradford is as big a game, possibly sixteen thousand people there and two good teams going at it."

THE CONTEXT

The Grecians come into the match second in EFL Sky Bet League Two having picked up 29 points from their first sixteen matches of the season. City sit just a point behind league-leaders Crewe Alexandra, but have played a match more.

As for Bradford, they sit sixth in the table with 27 points from 15 matches and could leapfrog the Grecians with a win on Saturday.

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BRADFORD CITY'S VIEW

Manager Gary Bowyer had the following to say about the Grecians in his press conference:

"We are looking forward to what should be a very entertaining game between two good footballing sides. We have seen some areas of their play we feel we can exploit, which we will obviously be looking to do."

PREVIOUS MEETINGS

Exeter City 4 Bradford City 1: March 16, 2013

A positive day for the Grecians saw them race to a two goal lead when Matt Duke let a Craig Woodman corner slip into the net before Lawson D’Ath headed home. After the break, Kyel Reid netted for Bradford, but goals from Scot Bennett and John O’Flynn ensured the Grecians would take all three points.

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Bradford City 0 Exeter City 1: November 17, 2012

Jamie Cureton’s goal was the difference between the two sides as the Grecians picked up a well-earned three points at Valley Parade. Matt Oakley nodded the ball down to the striker before he swept home to score just before half-time.

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THE STADIUM

Utilita Energy Stadium (25,136) 

The Utilita Energy Stadium (still known locally as Valley Parade) has officially been home to Bradford City since the club was formed in 1903. However, it was previously home to Manningham FC, which became Bradford City when they switched codes from rugby to football, since 1886.

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The stadium itself has undergone major transformation since the fire disaster in 1985 which tragically claimed 56 lives. It is now an all seater stadium, and one half of the stadium looks considerably larger than the other. The Kop end is a relatively new two tiered stand which is huge and is joined to the Co-Operative main stand.

City fans have been allocated tickets for the East Stand in Midland Road.

TICKET NEWS

MATCH DAY COVERAGE

As usual, we’ll have the match covered across our social media channels and we’ll have a post-match interview with manager Matt Taylor as he reflects on the result. You can also tune into BBC Radio Devon to listen to commentary as well.

TRAVEL GUIDE

GRECIAN TRAVEL

The coach will depart from Unit 1 nightclub at 6:45am for a fare of ÂŁ40.

Other pick-up points include: Honiton Road park and ride (by Miller and Carter Steakhouse), junction 28 (Cullompton services). Junction 27 (Tiverton), junction 25 (Taunton.) All other pick-ups by prior arrangement.

The easiest way to buy is online, or on your mobile using the club’s ticketing system. For more information or to book please contact Chris Woolcott on 01392 250250 or John Bishop on 07904036334 or by email at: john.bishop760@btinternet.com (after 6pm). Alternatively, drop into reception at St James Park to book.

ROAD

Follow the M5, M42 and M1 to Rooley Lane/A6177 in Bradford, and then take exit 3 from M606. Continue on the A6177, before following the Manchester Road/A641 and A6181 to Lupton Street.

There are parking restrictions all around the stadium, including permit only areas. There is a paying car park on Midland Road, or Tesco is a short walk away where three hours free parking is permitted.

RAIL

The journey from Exeter St David’s to Bradford Forster Square is scheduled to take a total of five hours and 13 minutes, with one change at Leeds. Fans are advised that there are no trains that will return on that day.

TICKETS

Tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here. Tickets can also be purchased from the club shop until midday on Friday, November 3. Please note that prices will rise by ÂŁ5 on matchday for adults. 

  • Adults: ÂŁ20
  • OAP & students: ÂŁ15
  • Juniors under-16: ÂŁ10
  • Under-11: ÂŁ5 (when purchased with adult tickets)

Advance Discounts? Yes, however, adult prices increase by ÂŁ5 on matchdays

Ambulant: Pay age related price and carer free

Wheelchair: Pay age related price and carer free. Please purchase at tickets.ecfc.co.uk, or in the club shop.

Matchday Purchase available? YES

PUBS/FOOD

There are a number of away friendly pubs near the Utilita Energy Stadium, all of which cater to different needs. Please note, however, that some bars require club colours to be covered and some do not allow children.

Recommended venues close to the ground include the Bradford Arms on Manningham Lane, the 'Corn Dolly' on Bolton Road, and the New Beehive on Westgate.

AWAY FANS' GUIDE

Click here to find out all you need to know about visiting the Utilita Energy Stadium.

TOTAL DISTANCE

The distance between St James Park and Bradford City is 287 miles and should take around four hours and 57 minutes.

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