HUGHES HAILS BRADFORD

MArK HUgHeS’ BRADFORD edged a five-goal thriller against SALFORD to climb up to fifth in League Two. Bradford led when Salford defender Theo Vassell scored an own goal but the visitors levelled through Conor McAleny shortly afterwards. Vadaine Oliver restored Bradford’s lead, only for McAleny to equalise for a second time on the hour. Abo eisa came off the bench to win it for the Bantams, who are four points off the automatic promotion spots after two home wins in the space of four days, restoring confidence after four straight losses. Hughes said: ‘Our teamwork and desire to work hard showed. The mental attributes the players showed is really encouraging for me.’ Bradford are level on points with fourth-placed CARLISLE who lost 2-1 at promotion rivals DONCASTER, with James Maxwell and Kyle Hurst inflicting the damage for rovers. Hughes’s side have also moved above SWINDON who suffered a surprise defeat at struggling COLCHESTER, with Luke Hannant heading home the only goal on the half-hour. robins manager Scott Lindsey rued: ‘We were slow and ponderous, especially at the start. i have got to accept they are a very young squad.’ MANSFIELD were beaten 2-1 at WALSALL but remain inside the play-off places. douglas James-Taylor and Liam Kinsella were on target for the Saddlers, the latter scoring for the first time in the league for more than seven years. SUTTON edged a London derby with AFC WIMBLEDON 2-1 thanks to goals from Will randall and Omar Bugiel, and HARTLEPOOL squandered the chance to move six points clear of the relegation zone in a 3-3 draw with HARROGATE. They led twice before george Thomson rescued a point for the visitors with a fine strike.