Eamon O'Carroll lauds Bradford Bulls in win over Barrow

At 26-12 and cruising, the Bulls set up a nerve shredding final 24 minutes of the contest as Eribe Doro saw red following an alleged headbutt on the 56th minute.

Just two minutes later, Barrow sliced through the Bradford defence for a converted try to reduce the score to 26-18 with just over 22 minutes of the match remaining.

But Bulls responded heroically and offered an attacking threat of their own to eventually seal the win.

Speaking after the match, O’Carroll said: “Of course, I’m really happy with the result, but I’m even more pleased with the way the team stuck together after going a man down.

“We could have felt sorry for ourselves and dropped our heads, but we didn’t and that shows progression.”

He further added: “It was a big test for us (going down to 12 men) to see where we’re at as a group.

“At points, we didn’t manage it particularly well, but I thought we showed real spirit and grit to actually go and score some points as well.

“Sometimes it’s not about the performance in these types of moments, instead, it’s about seeing the game out and sticking to a plan, which we did at points to get the victory.”

Chester Butler (on the ball) was key in helping Bulls to grind out a victory (Image: Tom Pearson)

Lee Gaskell and Jordan Lilley combined in the half-back roles on Sunday for the first time since the opening day defeat at Wakefield, and O’Carroll spoke of his delight to have the returning Gaskell.

He said: “It’s nice to have both of my halves on the field together; hopefully we can keep them both fit for a period of the time.

“The longer they get to play together, the better we will be as a group.”

Lee Gaskell showed glimpses of brilliance on his return (Image: Tom Pearson)

Not only did O’Carroll welcome back Gaskell to the starting lineup, but he also had Chester Butler and Jayden Myers to call upon once again to his delight.

He said: “Having all three of them back was a huge boost for us because they’re all very capable players.

“We’ve clearly missed Gasky this year, there’s no hiding that. It’s exciting to think that we can start looking at different combinations within the group now that he’s back.

“I think he (Gaskell) was great today, but we all know that he can be better and that’s only going to arrive with more game time.

“Chester and Jayden, they were also very good today and they’ve given us a big boost in terms of competition for places.

“We’re glad that we can call upon them again.”

Keven Appo was named Man of the Match for Bradford on Sunday, and deservedly so, as he covered every blade of grass for the hosts.

And O’Carroll heaped praise on to the powerhouse post match, when he said: “I’m extremely happy for Kev.

“He’s performed extremely well in the last couple of weeks, and he deserved his opportunity from the start today.

“It’s important now that he continues in the same manner after this break we have.”