Matchday Memories: On This Day 2001 – See Sky Blues Bash Bradford On SKY Live!
Sky Blue gaffer Nilsson
On this day (23rd December) in 2001 troubled Bradford City were the visitors to Highfield Road. The Sky Blues, managed by full back (recent CCFPA recruit) Roland Nilsson who had taken over earlier in the season from (now fellow CCFPA member) Gordon Strachan, were doing OK in the higher reaches of Division One. The Bantams from Yorkshire had beaten the Sky Blues (CCFC’s nickname-sakes before Jimmy Hill) at Valley Parade in the third match of the season in late August by the odd goal in three. That day Jay Bothroyd had got our 76th minute late consolation goal, so revenge today would be sweet!
Lee in the Sky Blue
This was a Sunday night game under floodlights televised live by Sky and the Sky Blues dominated throughout and should have scored six! As it was the four goals they did get came (without reply) from a brace by Lee Hughes either side of the break, a goal of the season ‘cracker’ from David Thompson in between and a ‘cherry’ on the pre Christmas Cake from (David’s now fellow CCFPA member) Julian Joachim.
David in the Sky Blue
Lee’s first on 41 minutes was set up by a fairly recent Association recruit Youssef Safri. Thommo’s piledriver from outside the box came two minutes later to confirm a 2-0 half time lead. Lee Mills (another newish CCFPA member) was fouled in the box four minutes after the restart and his first namesake Mr Hughes gleefully put it away!
JJ‘s goal, a smart shot on the turn, came nine minutes from the final whistle to make it 4-0 and a good day at the office. Bradford’s boss Jim Jeffries quit after the game taking responsibility for another poor show from the visitors.
CCFC 2001-02
Thanks to CCFPA’s Mike Young for sourcing the images.
