Bradford City 2 Tranmere Rovers 0

Last updated : 30 September 2006 By Footymad Previewer
Two second-half goals earned Bradford City all three points in a highly-entertaining top of the table clash at Valley Parade.

It was a deserved victory for the Bantams who dominated the match from the moment winger Jermaine Johnson terrified the Tranmere side with a run that started on the edge of his own penalty area and finished in the opposition box.

Sadly for the home fans, the Jamaican international was forced to leave the action after only ten hugely exciting minutes when he pulled up with a hamstring injury.

But City refused to let that early setback get them down and continued to keep Rovers on the back foot.

They enjoyed much more possession than the visitors without even forcing Gavin Ward to make a save of note.

Long-range efforts from Marc Bridge-Wilkinson and Steven Schumacher did however have the former City stopper worried but both flashed wide.

Chris Greenacre, once a target for Bradford, wasted his side's best chance of the half when he thundered a shot against the post after he found himself in plenty of space.

But Bradford did have the lead their adventurous play deserved shortly after the restart.

Lee Holmes showed great tenacity to win a free-kick on the left flank. The tricky winger then picked himself up to supply a tantalising centre that was headed home at the far post by Mark Bower.

Tranmere briefly rallied but City forced their noses further in front after 71 minutes and again Holmes was involved.

The defence could only clear his cross to the edge of the box where Schumacher was on hand to steer home a well-taken, waist-high volley.

Tranmere were forced to push forward to try and get back into the game, but City were then left to exploit gaps at the back and Ward was called on to produce two excellent blocks to deny first David Graham and then Holmes.