Bantams boss demands proper response against Morecambe

Saturday’s miserable defeat at Harrogate was their third on the trot away from Valley Parade.

They head for Derek Adams’ Morecambe tonight needing an instant pick-me-up before the dissenting voices grow again.

Defensive injuries have hit hard but Alexander is not looking for excuses at the Mazuma Stadium.

“I know we’ve had our injuries and stuff but I’m looking at good players out on that pitch,” he said.

“Whatever (problem) it is, you’ve got to overcome it if you want to be successful.

City have lost their last three away games in the league (Image: Tom Pearson)

I’m not going to prove it now by talking, we have to show it on the pitch. That’s where the truth lies.”

Morecambe are still chasing a first win in League Two but moved off the bottom on goal difference with Saturday’s draw against high-flying Notts County.

Matty Platt’s first goal since turning down a new deal at Valley Parade in the summer thwarted the Shrimps but the Lancashire side have picked up after losing their opening five games – and will be keen to put one over City again.

Alexander added: “Have you ever seen a team in League Two not pumped up against Bradford City?

“Like I said, why are we surprised if players and crowds give 10 per cent more against us? That’s how it is.

“We have to be better than that or we’re not going to be the successful team we want.

“We can’t be surprised by an atmosphere or an uplift from opposition players. It’s going to happen.

“We’re the biggest supported club in this division. Everyone is going to be motivated against us.

“Every opponent at this level is competitive, fit and organised and well-coached.

“We’ve got enough to fix at our end before we’re looking at what the opposition have to do.

“We’d had a really strong start to the season. We’ve obviously had to change a lot of the players but that doesn’t give me or the team an out.

“We have to be better than we were on Saturday. We let ourselves down and we let the great support down again at Harrogate.

“There are going to be loads of games like that this season and we have to do better.”

Brad Halliday was substituted at half-time in Saturday's loss (Image: Tom Pearson)

Alexander has selection – and potentially formation – calls to make with current player of the season Brad Halliday among those whose place is under threat.

He was subbed at half-time and replacement Jay Benn impressed as the Lincoln loanee pushes for his first league start.

“He’s been very good since he came in and shown a really positive attitude,” said Alexander.

“He’s been good in training and has obviously played a couple of games now.

“He’s quick and has got a great delivery. It’s good competition between him and Brad for that slot.

“He put in some great deliveries. We’ve just to keep trying to get on the end of them and get in those positions.

“But we expect a marked improvement from the whole team because if we don’t, it will be a similar affair.”