Bradford City boss Michael Duff has spoken following his side’s goalless draw with Oxford United
In a high-quality League One clash, Gatlin O’Donkor missed three decent opportunities for the home side and the Bantams saw efforts from Callum Connolly and Kayden Jackson well-saved by Jamie Cumming.
Michael Duff reflects
Duff said: “That’s the best performance since I’ve been here. To dominate the second half against a good team with loads of players that have Championship experience, that’s great credit to my players.
“It wasn’t a 0-0 draw where it was drab. There were lots of chances in the game. You always value a point away from home, it is just that it could have been more. There were lots of times where the ball flashed across the goal and it just needed a touch.
“But from where we were, to where we are now, there have been improvements. They should probably have taken the lead in the first 15 minutes of the game, but once we got to grips with that, the second part of the first half was an even game, and the second half we totally dominated.
“I don’t think many teams will come here and dominate a half the way that we did. It was a good game for a 0-0 – two good teams going hell for leather.
“In the second half we were better in the duels and our starting positions were better. But in our last two 0-0s, we’ve had more than enough chances to win the games.”
Aaron Ramsey’s view
Oxford head coach Aaron Ramsey, meanwhile, said: “It was a really intense, high-quality game with loads to like, especially the way we pressed in the first half. We moved the ball well and carved them open a few times.
“I think we defended really well all day, defended the box amazingly, stayed connected as a team, and the distances were really good.
“We wanted to demand more in the second half because these are the kinds of games where you want to show what you’re all about with the ball.
“First half we did that really well, second half it was to be expected that they would come strong because they’re a good team and are where they are for a reason.
“The conditions were very difficult and I thought Jamie Cumming’s decision-making was very good – I want that from my goalkeeper. And also he came up with some big moments in the game.
“I’m very pleased for ‘Gats’ (Gatlin O’Donkor) that he started the game and showed what he’s all about – his link-up play, he’s powerful, strong, quick. All that was missing from his performance was a goal.
“But no complaints – he’s getting into the right areas and had three really good chances today. On another day he puts them in the back of the net.”