Bradford 1 - 0 Hereford Match Report

Saturday 24th October

League Two

City's results at home this season have not always met the performances they have warranted, but today they managed to beat a poor Hereford side without ever really hitting top gear themselves.

It was all Bradford in the early exchanges, with Chris Brandon collecting a short corner from Gareth Evans but wasting a decent crossing opportunity, and it wasn't until Kenny Lunt dragged a left-footed shot wide that the Bulls looked like even threatening the home goal.

Michael Flynn threatened throughout with his impressive long-range shots, and although his effort of his weaker left foot trailed into the arms of Adam Bartlett in the 28th minute, he did create the opening goal when allowed a shooting chance on his stronger foot, crashing a shot off the post that was greatefully turned home on the rebound by Evans in the 41st minute to open the scoring.

Other Bradford chances had come to Brandon, whose well hit 25-yard drive sailed wide, and Scott Neilson, who flicked nicely around his marker before hitting a low shot that was claimed by Bartlett.

The other noteworthy moment in the first half came when Steve Williams should have done better with a header inside the visitor's box, but mis-directed his effort to Lee Bullock, who needlessly handled instead of conceding a goal kick, ensuring he walked the rest of the game on a tightrope as a result of the yellow card that followed.

In the second half Brandon saw a shot parried and cleared and Flynn registered a half volley after his own free-kick had come back to him but the second half in general lacked quality.

Simon Eastwood gave the Bradford fans a heart-in-the-mouth moment when tripping as he attempted to collect a mis-hit clearance from Bullock, and although he slipped as he attempted to claim the high ball the ball bounced off the top of the bar and was cleared by his defenders, although he did later make amends by smothering at the feet of King who had squirmed his way past Williams deep inside the the Bradford area.

James Hanson and Neilson both had the ball in the back of the net for City before seeing their efforts ruled out for offside, and when the former did manage to finally spring the Hereford backline, latching onto a cross from Jon Bateson, Bartlett produced a fine save to tip over and keep his side in with claims of a point.

However, that equaliser would not come for John Trewick's men and Lee Morris' diving header after he had beaten Williams to a cross went out for a corner, and City, reduced to ten men following the dismissal of Bullock for a second yellow in the 82nd minute, survived an anxious end to the game and clung on for all three points.

BCTID MOM: Despite his silly red card for which he only has himself to blame, Lee Bullock had a very impressive game, especially in the first half when he was virtually faultless.