Matty Platt says Bantams look better since formation change

The Bantams have scored 11 goals in the three-and-a-half games since Graham Alexander switched to playing three at the back again and two up front midway.

Platt has netted twice in the last three games – after failing to break his duck for the club in 65 previous attempts.

And the centre half reckons the different shape is making a real impact at the top end of the pitch with Andy Cook’s partnership alongside Tyler Smith.

“We’re playing a little bit of a different formation now,” said Platt. “It’s 3-5-2 as opposed to 3-4-3 (under Mark Hughes).

“We’re playing a little bit longer and going more direct. I think it gives our quality at the top end of the pitch a bit more to work with.

“We know as defenders that it’s not nice when you’ve constantly got balls coming in, especially with somebody like Cooky up there who’s battling for everything and is really good with his body.

“He can turn people like he did at Forest Green to win the penalty.

“It’s a good balance with them two up front. Tyler can run in behind and Cooky can challenge for the first ball and it’s been working well as of late.”

Platt has been the subject for plenty of banter in the dressing room after his sudden goal rush.

Having failed to score once last season, getting two in a week has brought the inevitable comments from his teammates.

“It’s obviously been a long time coming to get my first one and then to score the second pretty quickly afterwards, I’ve been joking it’s like London buses.

“You wait ages and they come two at a time.

“I did get a little bit of stick after scoring one at last. But it’s something I’ve been wanting to work on.

“I had a good few chances to score last year, hitting the woodwork and there were a couple of good saves.

“It was definitely something I wanted to improve on and it’s good to see that I’m starting to put a few in the back of the net.”

It took until April last season when Sam Stubbs converted against Rochdale for a City defender to get their name on the score sheet.

But with Platt’s double and Ciaran Kelly and Lewis Richards both scoring in the EFL Trophy, the boys at the back are starting to make a contribution.

Set-pieces, in particular, are beginning to pay off after a long barren run.

Platt said: “We wanted to improve as a team for and against from corners. If we can stick a few in and keep it nice and tight at our end then it’s only going to benefit everyone.

“We went through a spell when we were leaking a few goals as well, so to get back-to-back clean sheets is huge for us as a team.

“It gives us a nice platform to build on and provides us all with a bit of confidence. Hopefully we can keep that run going.

“We’ve had a good couple of results and haven’t been conceding too many as of late.”

Ash Taylor can play against Liverpool under-21s in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy round of 32 tonight.

But he then faces a one-game ban for the Salford clash at the weekend after his red card for a professional foul at Forest Green.

Platt added: “I think he got unlucky with the first ball. He got a good connection on his clearance but unfortunately it went straight into the lad, which put him through.

Jon Tomkinson has made only one start against Manchester City under-21s (Image: @ManCity)

“Ash was focusing more on keeping the clean sheet than he was on himself. Fair play to him for that.

“He’s unlucky because I thought he was great.”

City are well stocked for cover at centre half.

 Sam Stubbs is keen to get back in after losing his regular slot in the last couple of weeks and Jon Tomkinson wants to make up for lost time after being given very limited minutes.

The American’s appearance against Manchester City under-21s in the group stages remains the only start of his loan from Norwich.

His only other action was a few minutes from the bench in the Grimsby home game nearly three months ago.

“We’ve got a lot of quality in the building with Stubbsy, us three who played the other night and Jon as well,” added Platt.

“Jon’s been unlucky with his lack of game time but he’s doing all he can in training. He’s training well and he’s keeping his head down.

“I’ve been there myself and it’s tough when you’re not getting that chance. But I’m sure if he keeps doing the right things then it will come.

“Every footballer has been there. It’s happened to me.

“All you can do when you’re not in the team is train as hard as you can and show the manager what you can do.”