'Town should be above Bantams'

From the Telegraph & Argus, first published Thursday 3rd Mar 2005.

Local lad Chris Brandon has cranked up the hype for Saturday's derby by declaring: Huddersfield can finish above City.

The former Park Avenue midfielder is still sore about the result at the Galpharm in December when Owen Morrison netted the only goal.

Brandon's Huddersfield are hunting revenge at Valley Parade with a win that would reduced the gap between the two West Yorkshire rivals to one point.

Brandon, who hit a post in the first derby clash, said: "The lads are really confident of making up for last time. A draw would have been a fairer result and we're determined to get our own back.

"Bradford's home record has not been the best, although form goes out the window in these games.

"But we want to finish the season as strongly as we can and I don't see why we can't end up above Bradford."

Brandon, who still lives in Bradford, admits the banter was flying during the first derby clash. And he is ready for more to be dished out at the weekend.

"There was a lot of stick going around on the pitch. It's part and parcel of the game but was a bit more noticeable that day.

"I had a couple of run-ins with one or two Bradford players but it was so hotly contested that you expect that sort of thing. Everybody wants to win and emotions run a little high.

"The atmosphere was absolutely superb and that's what you want to play in week-in, week-out. It doesn't matter where the two teams are in the table, it's about bragging rights of being the best team in the area."

Brandon is as excited as the fans about Saturday - his first chance to play a professional game on the City turf. But he feared he might have blown it after being sent off recently.

"I was absolutely gutted in the dressing room afterwards because I thought it would have been a three-match ban. My first thought was that I'd be out for the derby.

"To miss the biggest game of the season would have been unbearable but luckily I was just banned for the one.

"I've been to Valley Parade as a supporter a few times but it will be a massive buzz actually running out there on the pitch.

"It's going to be a new experience for me. I played there in a County Cup final when I was about 17 and scored a couple of goals but I've not been as a professional.

"I took a lot of ribbing after Bradford won the first game because my family and friends are City fans. It would be nice to get my own back at their place."

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