Football

Kenyan Clarke Oduor inspires comeback as Bradford City secure League Two draw

Kenyan left-back Clarke Oduor. (Photo: Bradford/Twitter)

By Sports Reporter | Thursday, December 28, 2023

The draw interrupted Bradford's six-match winning streak, placing them 10th in League Two with 33 points from 23 games. Their focus now shifts to a crucial meeting with league leaders Stockport County on Friday, December 29, 2023.

In an exhilarating Boxing Day clash on December 26, 2022, Kenyan international left-back Clarke Oduor played a crucial role in inspiring Bradford City's impressive second-half rally, securing a 2-2 draw against Morecambe.

The visitors wasted no time taking the lead, with James Connolly capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Adam Mayor's free-kick within the first three minutes. Morecambe extended their advantage when JJ McKiernan tapped in following a skillful play from Jordan Slew on the left wing.

Despite Adam Smith's remarkable saves denying Tyler Smith and Emmanuel Osadebe, Morecambe came close to making it 3-0 before halftime, with Yann Songo'o hitting the post with a header.

📺 REACTION | Goalscorer @Clarke_Oduor was pleased to have played his part as the Bantams battled back from behind to take a point on Boxing Day. #BCAFC | @BradfordLifts
— Bradford City AFC (@officialbantams) December 27, 2023

Bradford City's head coach, Graham Alexander, made halftime changes, bringing on Oduor to replace Osadebe. The second half witnessed an energetic start, with Oduor nearly finding the net early on. His breakthrough came when Bradley Halliday's cross deflected off Tyler Smith, falling perfectly into Oduor's path.

In the 83rd minute, Bradford's persistence paid off as Brad Halliday scored his first goal of the season, leveling the game at 2-2.

Bradford coach Alexander commented on the match, saying, “On another day, we could have grabbed a winning goal, but I have to be pleased with the response the side gave. I was really happy with that. We showed in the second half that we have the confidence to go out and score the goals we did, showing that the belief is high within the side. They believe in each other,” as reported by Bradford City.

The draw interrupted Bradford's six-match winning streak, placing them 10th in League Two with 33 points from 23 games. Their focus now shifts to a crucial meeting with league leaders Stockport County on Friday, December 29, 2023.