Bradford City boss Graham Alexander unhappy with flat display in comprehensive defeat at Mansfield Town
Bradford City manager Graham Alexander said his side's display in today's comprehensive 3-0 defeat at Mansfield Town was an uncharacteristically flat one.
A Rhys Oates brace and a header from Lucas Akins sealed Stags' third win in a row over the festive period against a Bantams side that had won five of their previous six as they target automatic promotion.
Bradford did have a good shout for a penalty turned down at 2-0 when Lucas Akins arm seemed to block a shot, but otherwise they were well beaten on the day.
“It was an uncharacteristic display from us,” said Alexander.
“First 15 minutes I thought we looked really dangerous and had opportunities to take the lead, but that then petered out.
“They scored a goal out of nothing really when we were under no pressure on our goal in the game.
“It gave them and their crowd a boost and knocked our confidence a little bit.
“I think we played into Mansfield's hands at times and when you give cheap goals away you give your opponents something to protect, and they protected it well.
“I thought our performance was flat and we didn't seem to know how to answer what was going on in the game.
“Then second half we played like it was 0-0 when we needed a goal to get back in it.”
On the Akins penalty shout, he added: “We should have had a penalty, I heard the ball smack his arm.
“At that stage if we'd scored that it could have been 2-1, then you have an opportunity and momentum.
“But then we gave an horrendous goal away which takes the game away from us, though we did have chances after that.”