Rochdale 1 - 3 Bradford City

Two goals in two second half minutes either side of the hour mark saw Bradford earn the points in a lively encounter at Spotland. Lee Evans reacted quickest to a deflected free-kick to open the scoring with Peter Vincenti scored his sixth goal in seven games just before the break. Devante Cole bundled the ball over the line after a mistake from McNulty to restore Bradford's lead. Ollie Lancashire put the ball into his own net moments later to end any hopes Dale had of getting back into the game.

Ian Henderson was a notable absentee in the Rochdale team after the striker picked up an injury last weekend.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with neither goalkeeper tested.

Bradford took the lead in the 35th minute when a deflected free-kick found Evans unmarked inside the six yard box for an easy finish.

Rochdale searched for a leveller and it duly came four minutes before the break. Callum Camps’ run and shot inadvertently found Vincenti at the back post to slide the ball beyond Williams.

The second half was littered with mistakes from those in the blue of Rochdale.

Lancashire was too slow in releasing the ball with Davies nipping in but firing way off target.

Cole showed real class when he controlled a long ball to bamboozle McNulty although Lillis was equal to his effort.

Lancashire and Rafferty got in each others way as they each tried to clear a loose ball with Evans taking advantage of the situation, again Lillis foiling the Bradford striker.

The madness from the Dale players continued as the hour mark approached, this time the mistake leading to a goal. McNulty was trying to shield a ball out for a goal kick with Davies being too clever, stealing the ball before putting a low cross into the box. Rafferty’s block brought about a great save from Lillis although Cole was on hand to turn the ball over the line from close range.

Dale were rocking as Bradford, roared on by almost 2000 supporters, penned them back.

Cannon was dispossessed on the half way line with the pacey Kyle Reid racing away, McNulty with a good block from his centre.

The resultant corner led to the Bradford third. The initial flag kick was cleared but when the ball was whipped in the from the left, Lancashire headed the ball over his own keeper for a disastrous own goal.

Bradford were enjoying their day out over the Pennines and went close two minutes later. Good work from Reid gave him space to cross. Davies’ acrobatic effort flashed just wide of the post.

Calvin Andrew had a glorious chance to get his side back into the game in the 65th minute when he missed from six yards out. Kennedy’s dangerous cross was fumbled by Williams. Andrew volleying way over with the goal at his mercy.

Hill made a triple change as he tried to change the game in his sides favour with Matt Lund, Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Lewis Alesandra thrown into the action.

The changes stemmed the flow of Bradford attack’s with Cannon, Lund and Andrew all forcing Williams into saves.

Lillis at the other end stayed alert to deny Evans once again whilst his opposite number pulled of a fantastic top corner save to deny Lund deep into stoppage time.

Attendance: 4,534

Rochdale: Lillis, Cannon, Lancashire, McNulty, Kennedy, Rafferty, Allen (Mendez-Laing 69), Camps (Alessandra 69), Vincenti, McDermott (Lund 69), Andrew
Subs: (not used) Diba, Eastham, Noble-Lazarus, Bunney

Bradford: Williams, Darby, McArdle, Burke, Meredith, McMahon, Liddle, Evans, Reid (Marshall 84), Davies (Hanson 68), Cole (James 80)
Subs: (not used) Jones, Clarke, Knott, Leigh

Referee: Mr T Harrington
Assistant Referees: Mr M Coy & Mr C Taylor
Fourth Official: Mr R Wigglesworth