McDonald blames '˜missed chances' for Bradford defeat

Pool managed eight shots on goal to the Bantams’ 18, but the manager believes his side deserved more from the game.

McDonald said: “It was very frustrating. I don’t think there was much in the game apart from one quality finish. When you finish with quality you normally win the game.

“We created enough chances in both halves but we didn’t finish any of them.

“They created two chances and put one of them in the net. That’s why they came out winners.

“It could have been different but we need to take our chances. We made their keeper work, but I thought he (Ben Williams) played really well and we couldn’t get past him.”

In a scrappy game of little quality, Pool were left to rue a huge moment on the stroke of half-time.

Mark Yeates saw his effort tipped on to the bar by Williams on another tough afternoon for the Pool attackers.

McDonald added: “Bradford played the long ball and look for the knock-downs, and I thought we dealt with that well. The one time they passed and moved they scored from it.

“There wasn’t much football played. Neither side got the ball down and it became a long-ball game.

“We tried to win the second balls and created chances but they punished us.

“It’s always difficult to come back from 1-0 down and that’s why it’s important to score first.”

Pool’s frustration was complete deep in stoppage time, when defender Will Aimson was sent off for a second bookable offence, which didn’t please his manager.

McDonald said: “It was disappointing, to be honest. He made a silly tackle in the first half, when he should have stayed on his feet.

“And then he tried to take a quick free-kick and got involved with the lad. Will has maybe pushed him out of the way.

“He’ll have to take that on the chin and he’ll now miss Tuesday night’s game.”