Motherwell started out with the following line up: Twardzik, Law, Hammell, Laing, McManus, Pearson, Lasley, Chalmers, Clarkson, Maclean and Moult, with the latter playing as main striker.
The first half was a close run affair, with McManus hitting the bar and Laing having an effort cleared off the line. Just before half time Bradford took the lead with a well worked goal, starting with a ball over the top of the defence. Twardzik was caught out and the ball was slotted home. Half Time 0-1.
The second half started with the same line up but over the course of the second 45 minutes Ainsworth, Thomas, Moore, Ferguson, Leitch, Watt and significantly Kennedy were introduced to the fray. Interestingly, again there was no sign of Marvin Johnson.
Bradford dominated the second half and deservedly scored two more goals with a cheap back post header and a fine shot following a free kick. 'Well were out of it for long spells with the midfield capitulating rather easily. The game was a bit competitive at times with Josh Law taking a sore one very early and a Bradford player being leaving the pitch on a stretcher. Bradford made good use of the wings which we failed to do. We were all easily brushed off the ball by a competitive Bradford side. Our main threat in the first half came from set pieces and in the second half we didn’t trouble the Bradford 'keeper at all.
All in all a good work out for 17 players which will have given Ian Baraclough plenty of food for thought. Kennedy was named as a substitute which may indicate he’ll put pen to paper soon. We will however need to strengthen the engine room. There are a few weeks before the season starts in which to bring in some reinforcements in defence and midfield.
Motherwell: Twardzik, Hammell, Laing, McManus, Pearson, Lasley , Chalmers, Law, Clarkson, Moult, MacLean
Motherwell 0 Bradford 3
Subs (all used) Thomas, Watt, Moore Kennedy, Ainsworth, Leitch , Ferguson