Football: Bradford City 0-2 Rochdale

Ian Henderson netted two late penalties for Rochdale as they saw off struggling Bradford City at Valley Parade. Henderson was tripped inside the box but dusted himself down to send Richard O’Donnell the wrong way with seven minutes left to play. Stephen Dooley then drew a foul from O’Donnell after the Irishman picked up on a short back pass from Lewis O’Brien; Henderson opting for the opposite corner, but the result was the same as Keith Hill’s side ended a run of five league games without a win.

The Dale boss made six changes from the side that lost to Doncaster last weekend. Goalkeeper Brendan Moore was given a first league start in over 12 months whilst Ryan Delaney was recalled to the starting after returning from International duty with Republic of Ireland U21. Stephen Dooley, Matty Done, Jordan Williams and Callum Camps were also given the nod.

In glorious autumnal sunshine in West Yorkshire, Rochdale created the early chances. Firstly, Matty Done’s disguised shot was bundled around the post by O’Donnell and from the resultant corner, a well-worked training ground routine saw Camps’ low strike well saved at his near post by the keeper.

Jordan Williams’ running gave the Bantams defence no time at all to settle although he will feel he should have done better when Dooley played him through; the former Barrow man’s weak shot was easy for O’Donnell.

Done, who was playing in a more central midfield position was frustrated by a flying save from the Bradford stopper.

For all Dale’s good work, it was almost undone when the defence didn’t clear a corner ball; Henderson clearing off the line when Miller had a clean strike at goal.

Dale had a couple of half chances prior to the late flurry of chances. Henderson having two headers saved by O’Donnell; the second a super one handed save.

Bradford, who have only won once at home all season in the league, struggled to impose themselves until late in the game when Moore had to be at his best to preserve the clean sheet.

Eoin Doyle’s flick found Miller, but Moore was equal as he managed to turn the shot over the bar.

Doyle had a shot that deflected wide whilst Miller saw a driven shot well tipped away by Moore as the hosts looked to edge in front.

The opening goal of the game came in the 82nd minute when Henderson jinked into the area and was tripped with referee Ben Toner pointing to the spot. Henderson slotted into the bottom left corner with O’Donnell guessing the other way.

Staring down the barrel of another home defeat, Bradford had two glorious chances to level the score as the clock ticked down. Miller was played in by Doyle, but the former Bury man was left frustrated by Moore who stood firm.

In stoppage time defender Ryan McGowan powered a free header over the crossbar when he really should have hit the target.

With time almost up in stoppage time, Henderson got the chance to double his and Dale’s goal tally; again from the penalty spot. Callum Camps’ acrobatic clearance looked simple for Lewis O’Brien to pass back to O’Donnell, but the ball was short and Dooley capitalised. As the Irishman made his way into the box, he fell over a leg of the goalkeeper and another penalty was awarded. Henderson again sending O’Donnell the wrong way.  

Rochdale: Moore, Rafferty, McGahey, Delaney, Ntlhe, Rathbone (Wilbraham 78), Camps, Dooley, Done, J Williams (MJ Williams 82), Henderson (c)
Subs: (not used) Lillis, McNulty, Inman, Clough, Cannon

Bradford: O’Donnell, Mellor (Knight-Percival 17), O`Connor, McGowan, Wood, O’Brien, Wright, Payne, Miller, Ball (Jones 68), Doyle (Bruenker 85)
Subs: (not used) Sykes-Kenworthy, Isherwood, Gibson, Goldthorp

Referee: Mr B Toner
Assistants: Mr G Fyvie & Mr A Khan
Fourth Official: Mr C Ward

Attendance: 15,875 (657 from Rochdale)