CLARKE KEEPS CITY ROLLING
IT MAY not have been the prettiest win but Bradford will take cagey victories every week if they can keep their current run of form going.
Billy Clarke’s first-half finish was the difference at Chesterfield, as the Bantams made it 11 games unbeaten this season.
The win also saw them move into the top two and manager Stuart McCall admitted that while it was far from perfect, he could have few complaints.
“It was disappointing not to come in at half-time being more goals up but we were very good and it’s another clean sheet,” said McCall.
“I thought we played some good stuff and moved the ball quickly, it was the final ball which let us down again at times.
“We’ve had lots of chances and I think it should have been more comfortable but we’ve managed the game well so I’m pleased with a lot of aspects of the match.
“Billy Clarke has been terrific, he’s a team player and you’ve got the pace of Jordy Hiwula to stretch the defence too.”
Timothee Dieng went close to opening the scoring with just over 15 minutes gone, but his long-range effort flew past the post with Ryan Fulton beaten.
Mark Marshall then worked his way past two Chesterfield defenders but his dangerous ball across the box was just out of the reach of Hiwula.
But the Bantams broke the deadlock moments later with Clarke firing into the roof of the net after being given too much space from a short corner.
Kristian Dennis nearly levelled the game less than five minutes later but his 25-yard free-kick was acrobatically turned over by Colin Doyle.
Bradford came close to extending their lead early in the second period but Hiwula’s close-range effort was saved well by Fulton. Chesterfield, who had scored in every home game before Bradford’s visit, kept looking for a way back into the game but tame headers from Connor Wilkinson were all they could manage.
Marshall fired wide when he should’ve sealed the game in the closing moments before Josh Cullen’s effort was blocked inside the six-yard box, but Bradford had done enough for the three points.
“I think we’ve been beaten by the better team. They looked very strong, very committed and you can see why they are fancied in the league this year,” said Chesterfield manager Danny Wilson.
“It showed at times the inexperience we have in our side, but that’s no excuse. They have some good players in their team, they put you on the back foot and it’s difficult to defend against.
“We didn’t cause them much problems in front of goal like we have done against most teams this season. We had a tough game on Tuesday and a disappointing result and maybe this game may have come too soon for a few.”