Jackett’s warning
KENNY JACKETT urged his Portsmouth players they need to tighten up in defence to launch a promotion challenge.
A header from Matt Kilgallon (below) 10 minutes from time was enough to earn the Bantams victory.
Jackett said: “Overall, if we play like we did, we will earn points. What we have to do is be more resilient and harder to play against.
“We need to find a formula to stay in games.
“We have created chances and looked like we are capable of getting points. We have conceded 20 goals and if we want to get near the top we need to concede less.
“Shrewsbury and Wigan have only conceded nine goals, so we are already 10 behind them.”
Bradford manager Stuart McCall admitted his side had been fortunate.
“We certainly didn’t deserve to win,” he said.
“I was disappointed with our performance, especially in the first half, but that’s football and the three points are massive.
“We were lethargic and didn’t have a real tempo about us, but I can’t knock the desire and we found a way to win.” TONY MOWBRAY believes his Blackburn side enhanced their promotion credentials with a goalless draw at Wigan.
Rovers played for the last half an hour with only 10 men after Elliott Bennett (above) was sent off just before the hour for his second bookable offence.
Try as they might, Wigan – who hit a post through Gavin Massey – could not break them down and force a winning goal that would have sent them top of the table.
“I thought we took the game to them, and played on the front foot,” said Mowbray. “It was everything we worked on building up to this game.
“It was a good game between two top teams in this league, with the same aspirations.” Mowbray also STEVE LOVELL reckons Gillingham’s win can help get him the job permanently.
Caretaker boss Lovell saw Josh Parker’s double and a Tom Eaves effort earn the Gills victory.
Lovell said: “I want the job and know what I can do.”
Rotherham, who had Joe Mattock sent off, got back in it through Kieffer Moore, but boss Paul Warne said: “There were a few players who underperformed.” PHIL BROWN hailed his Southend side’s steel as they recorded a first away clean sheet of the season.
Simon Cox’s strike ensured a second win on their travels.
Brown said: “The whole team played well. It wasn’t just the togetherness of the group, but the spirit and the collective work rate.”
Walsall boss Jon Whitney complained: “It’s individual errors that have cost us.” LEE CLARK knows he is fighting for his Bury future.
Ben Whiteman netted the winner to condemn the Shakers, who had Eoghan O’Connell sent off, to a fourth straight defeat.
Clark said: “It’s not a great run that we’re on, but I’m working hard every day. I believe I’m the right man to turn it around.”
Doncaster boss Darren Ferguson said: “It can be difficult against 10 men.” KARL ROBINSON hailed the talent of his Charlton hero Ricky Holmes.
The winger struck with a stunning late free-kick.
Robinson said: “He is a maverick. He is out there, but we love him because he does those type of things that make him so great. I am proud of the players.”
AFC Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley said: “I can’t fault the boys. They have given me everything.”