Bantams boss reminds defenders of main role after lapse

Alexander was fuming with the late equaliser they handed Newcastle under-21s in the EFL Trophy.

Lewis Richards needlessly brought down Guy Bloomer beside the City box, allowing Josh Donaldson to level two minutes into stoppage time from the resulting free-kick.

It was the third game in a row when the Bantams have conceded after giving away a foul like that.

The lack of defensive discipline at key moments is a big frustration for Alexander.

“We’ve got to understand what we are,” said the City boss. “We’ve got our number on our back and we need to know what position we are.

“If it says defender, then we’re defenders first and foremost. I don’t think we’ve got that right just yet.

“We need to improve that side of it because I don’t believe the goals we’ve conceded have come from massive spells of pressure from the opponent.

“It’s not a case of we’ve been under the cosh and it was inevitable.

“We’re not concentrating and focusing on what we have to do for our basics.

“All the other good stuff after that will help us win games. We just have to guide the players and give them the support they need to improve those certain instances when we’re letting ourselves down.

“Ultimately, it’s really hurting us.

“We look like a team that can score goals. We’re getting into great areas and creating a lot of opportunities.

“We can improve on the clinical edge but for me we win that game 2-1, 2-0, 3-1, 3-0 – we certainly don’t draw 2-2.”

The playing style Alexander wants encourages the defensive players to push forward and get more involved in the attacking moves.

But he has stressed to the squad that doesn’t mean taking short-cuts with their main role of stopping goals.

Alexander added: “We speak to the forwards about their defensive responsibilities; how they press and how they stay connected with us.

“But ultimately, they are there to finish off or create chances.

“It’s the same at the other end with defenders. We want them to be part of the build-up to the attacking play but you’ve got to do your number one job first and foremost.

“Unfortunately, at the minute we’re not quite getting that right.

“It’s still early in the season but there are things we have to improve quickly if we want to take advantage of the quality that we believe that we have.”

Striker Olly Sanderson has scored in successive games (Image: Tom Pearson)

Alexander had cooled down by the time the players were back in training yesterday - and was pleased to see them hold up their hands over where it went wrong.

"I believe we have the characters to revel in an environment where we take responsibility and accountability.

"We are here to try and make people better and create a winning culture.

"We're certainly not in the case of trying to make them feel bad about themselves. 

"But sometimes there are things you may not particularly want to hear but need to."

Olly Sanderson’s second goal in consecutive games is set to earn him a first league start alongside Andy Cook against Carlisle.

Alexander paired the on-loan Fulham striker, who also had a header ruled out for a push, with Jamie Walker on Tuesday night.

“I thought him and Jamie linked up really well and brought the rest of the team into it.

“They created really good openings for us. You want them to get the results for their endeavours.

“Two goals in two games for Olly is really encouraging for a young player to come into a new environment.

“We’ve been patient with him, as in he’s been on the bench and come on in spells. He started and I thought he looked lively and sharp.

“It was a good finish and he also had a great header disallowed. I just think it’s a normal league challenge and should be a goal.

“But at the minute we’re on the wrong end of those.”

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