Bradford City actually win at Southend United, Happy Christmas!

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Updated: December 17, 2011

One hundred and fifteen die hard Bradford City supporters travelled all the way to Southend on a Friday, probably the same Bradford City supporters that would exist if Bradford City were to drop to Sunday League pub football. This was a night only for the loyalist dedicated of supporters or masochists.

Why, because most people, probably including the majority of the 115 expected nothing but a home win and the last time we ventured there on a Friday night we got hammered 4-0 and it was a night to forget for the whole team and especially Luke Oliver, who became public enemy number one as a result of his performance during last season and actions after the final whistle blew at Southend.

There was no reason to expect anything different on this occasion, Southend were in second place in League 1 and Bradford City one place from the drop zone. The only difference this time was that Luke Oliver appears to be a completely different person to last season.

Add to that the fact that not only have we failed to win away this season in the league, but we had an awful record when it came to travelling to Southend United. Sarfend is simply a place Bradford City do not win. Not quite a bogey team, because our home form against them used to reflect their home form against us.

But it was City that stayed on top throughout the match and deserved their 1-0 victory over the Shrimpers, with Luke Oliver slaying the ghost of Southend past by netting the winner in the dying minutes.

It is a much needed boost for our Bantams and it would seem that things are improving. With the January transfer window coming up, and a bit of patience from supporters with Phil Parkinson, things might just start to look up for a team that at the back at least is starting to look promising.

And for any doubters out there, all of the best managers build from the back. Phil Parkinson looks to be using the same principle.

Admittedly the winning goal came after Parky had made tactical changes by replacing Kyel Reid who looked threatening throughout and taking off Nahki Wells. In an attempt to secure a respectable 0-0 away draw. But there should be no complaints that we did not get the 0-0 draw. A rare away win, sees City fans happy on Christmas Day.

With Lee Bullock, Robbie Threlfall and David Syers set to return soon, this Christmas could have more surprises in store for Bradford City supporters.