Recalling some highs and lows of Bradford City trips to Gillingham

This weekend will be the Bantams’ first visit to the Priestfield Stadium for four years since a 4-0 drubbing almost saw David Hopkin quit on the spot.

But up to then, the long haul to Kent was a regular date on the schedule with City making the journey in 15 off the 18 previous seasons - winning on only four occasions.

Here’s a look back at some of the highs and lows from one of their furthest fixtures on the map.

October 2018: GILLINGHAM 4 CITY 0

David Hopkin refused to face the media and threatened to resign on the bus back to West Yorkshire after a shocking afternoon.

Fresh from receiving a vote of confidence from Stefan Rupp, the Scot saw his rock-bottom side crash to a fifth straight League One loss.

All the goals came in the second half - after a first 45 minutes dominated by the Bantams without any end product.

They were made to pay heavily for that once Regan Charles-Cook broke the deadlock with his first senior goal three minutes after the break.

City fans joke in the rain during their 3-0 defeat in January 2016 (Image: Thomas Gadd)

Richard O’Donnell saved a Tom Eaves penalty but the Gillingham target man had his revenge with two more goals. Sub Elliott List also scored to leave the shell-shocked Hopkin considering his position less than two months after taking charge.

JANUARY 2016: GILLINGHAM 3 CITY 0

Phil Parkinson was another visiting Bantams boss to leave the Priestfield with a face like thunder.

It was a depressing way to see in the new year in the rain as City found themselves with a central-defensive crisis.

The day had started terribly as Gillingham roared into a two-goal lead inside the first 11 minutes with Bradley Dack scoring then setting up Rory Donnelly.

City were guilty of wasting a series of chances in the soggy conditions - and their mood darkened when Reece Burke had to be helped off after clattering into an advertising board.

Gillingham sub Doug Loft made it three from their only shot of the second half before Nathan Clarke put the lid on a terrible afternoon when he was red-carded for a professional foul deep in stoppage time.

SEPTEMBER 2013: GILLINGHAM 0 CITY 1

City’s last two wins at Priestfield have both been by the only goal - Dominic Poleon in 2017 and Gary Jones four years earlier.

The captain’s ninth-minute finish to clinch their first away win back in League One was a disputed affair, though.

Jones curled a corner towards the near post where it sneaked past home keeper Stuart Nelson.

Garry Thompson, like Cristiano Ronaldo in the World Cup, claimed he had got the thinnest of touches - and even threatened the City skipper with an arm-wrestle on the team coach to decide who should be awarded it!

Omar Daley scores during City's 2-0 win at Gillingham in 2009 (Image: Newsquest)

City dominated the bottom side and Nahki Wells, playing his 100th game for the club, saw an effort tipped on to the bar.

February 2009: GILLINGHAM 0 CITY 2

The Arctic weather had put City’s trip to the south-east in huge doubt leading up to the game.

But it was well worth the effort for Stuart McCall and the small number of travelling fans with an impressive victory to maintain their play-off push.

Omar Daley’s dazzling display on the wing warmed Bantam hearts as he proved unstoppable against another side up there with them in the League Two promotion race.

Daley scored the opener a minute before the break from Michael Boulding’s pass and the striker made sure of the victory when he converted City’s second after being played clear by Steve Jones.

The promotion bandwagon looked to be rolling merrily - but would derail 10 days later with Daley’s season-ending knee injury against Darlington.

February 2002: GILLINGHAM 0 CITY 4

Local lad Danny Cadamarteri enjoyed a debut to remember with a goal and an assist in this romp under Nicky Law.

Cadamarteri began his short-term contract in rampaging fashion as the Bantams clocked up a convincing win to move away from the Division One danger zone.

City had already beaten Gillingham 5-1 at Valley Parade earlier in the season and carried on where they left off.

Mark Patterson scored in his own net, deflecting in an Ashley Ward effort, and then City’s number nine - the subject of increased interest from former club Barnsley - doubled the lead.

But the best goal of the lot came from Jamie Lawrence with a sensational 35-yard chip that soared past Vince Bartram. The midfielder later dedicated his stunner to a deceased pal, who he had helped to bury just days before.

Cadamarteri got the goal his lively efforts warranted in the second half when he was set up by Eoin Jess. He then disappeared to a standing ovation from the away fans, whose journey had been well worth the hassle.