Bradford v Port Vale preview

Bantams without duo; Vale close to full strength

Last updated: 10th November 2009  

Bradford v Port Vale preview

Adams: Seeking semi-final spot

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Bradford are missing two key players for their Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie against a near full-strength Port Vale.

The Bantams will be without striker Gareth Evans and midfielder Lee Bullock for the northern section quarter-final.

Evans sustained a foot injury in Friday's FA Cup defeat at Notts County and is not expected to be available.

Leon Osborne replaced Evans and could be in line for his second start of the season, but Michael Boulding scored in the 2-1 defeat at Meadow Lane and is also in contention to partner James Hanson.

Bullock returned to the starting line-up against Notts County after a one-game ban following his dismissal in the recent home win over Hereford, but received his fifth yellow card of the season and must now sit out another suspension.

Veteran striker Peter Thorne (hamstring), Simon Ramsden (calf), Omar Daley (knee ligaments) and Stephen O'Leary (broken foot) remain sidelined.

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Micky Adams will be looking to celebrate his two-year contract extension by landing a semi-final spot and edging closer to a trip to Wembley.

But to do that his side will have to put in a much better performance than they gave against Stevenage on Saturday, with the non-League outfit grabbing a deserved late equaliser in their FA Cup first-round clash to force a replay.

On-loan duo Lewis Haldane and Jamie Guy are eligible to feature, but it remains to be seen whether midfielder Doug Loft (calf) will be risked despite his return to training last week. Geoff Horsfield is still out with a groin problem.

Adam Yates came in at right wing-back to score the opener against Stevenage - his first-ever goal as a professional - and he should continue, while Adams faces a dilemma over whether to recall Louis Dodds following his omission.

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