Bradford’s unbeaten home run is halted

BRADFORD CRAWLEY TOWN CITY 0 2

BRADFORD CITY’S play-off hopes suffered a blow when they were beaten at home by Crawley Town.

Headed goals by Jordan Tunnicliffe in the first half and Joe McNerney four minutes from the end earned Crawley their first win in eight matches and ended Bradford’s 10-match unbeaten home run.

Crawley went in front after 20 minutes when former Bradford midfield player Josh Wright crossed and Jordan Tunnicliffe scored with a looping header just inside the far post.

Gareth Evans and Paudie O’Connor had close-range shots blocked as Bradford tried to equalise while striker Danny Rowe twice shot high and wide.

Bradford, who began the match three points behind a playoff place, made four substitutions in the second half in a bid to get back in the game.

Crawley goalkeeper Glenn Morris denied Vernam at the near post in the 60th minute, Andy Cook went close with a volley and Clayton Donaldson saw his half volley rebound off the post in the 82nd minute.

However, Crawley put the result beyond doubt in the 86th minute. Donaldson was booked for a foul on Tom Nichols and McNerney headed home from Jack Powell’s resulting free kick. Bradford: O’Donnell, Cousin-Dawson, P O’Connor, Canavan (Donaldson 46), C Wood, A O’Connor, Watt, Scales (Sutton 62), Vernam (Crankshaw 80), Evans (Clarke 63), Rowe (Cook 62). Unused substitutes: Stevens,Hornby.

Crawley: Morris, Davies, Tunnicliffe, McNerney, Tsaroulla, Matthews (Hessenthaler 72), Powell, J Wright, Tilley, Nadesan (Rodari 82), Nichols. Unused substitutes: Sesay, Khaleel, Maguire-Drew, Nelson.

Referee: M Coy (County Durham).