Graham Alexander thought Bradford were good value for his first league win in charge after they beat Accrington 1-0.
Tyler Smith’s well-taken goal in the second half – the striker’s third in four games under the new manager – proved enough to end the Yorkshire side’s four-match losing streak.
Alexander, who had lost both of his previous league outings, said: “We’re really pleased. The players have worked exceptionally hard since last week to find a winning formula.
“We did great on Tuesday in the EFL Trophy and we wanted to try and build momentum in the league.
“This was a really good place to start because Accrington are a good team who will be in the play-off picture.
“It was a really hard game, really tight and we’re delighted that we’ve won it.
“We would like to have created more chances and that was our intent. But Accrington are where they are for a reason and defended well.
“They made it difficult for us at times but we did with them as well. I said to the players at half-time that this could be a 50-minute grind but it’s a grind we managed to win.”
Accrington had the best chance of a cagey first half when Harry Lewis tipped away Korede Adedoyin’s snap-shot.
Ash Taylor headed wide early in the second half before Smith struck the decisive blow, lifting his shot over Jon McCracken from Ciaran Kelly’s long pass.
Alexander added: “It was a brilliant finish. I thought Cooky (Andy Cook) was a real handful for them to handle and Tyler picked up the spaces.”
Stanley manager John Coleman was frustrated that his side failed to follow up their previous win over Wrexham.
He said: “We didn’t perform to the heights we did last week. We didn’t show the same spirit and you can’t put your finger on that.
“We defended very well first half and looked comfortable. We got to half-time 0-0 in front of a big crowd and half the job was done.
“But we didn’t come out second half. We gave up possession to them for 20 minutes and a lot of free-kicks came into our box.
“Then the goal we’ve conceded – we’ve conceded ones like that four or five times this season.
“A ball up to the edge of our box, their player jumps into ours, we’re going backwards, they get onto the second ball and lob the keeper. That’s happened a few times this season.
“It’s disappointing because we haven’t learned our lesson.
“We didn’t work their keeper. One header that was comfortable for him to save but we huffed and puffed.
“Bradford have leaked a lot of goals of late and they’ve got a comfortable clean sheet today that they shouldn’t have.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Who remembers this shirt? Since Arteta played for Arsenal Maresca: Do you want something good? Man Utd and Hojlund Paul Pogba will sign for Monaco until 2027, reports Fabrizio Romano POGBACK 10 years ago, Liverpool signed Firmino. Eight years later, he left a legend Lionel Messi turns 38 The man who's won it all has got a new gift on his mind right now... Chel...
Chelsea are reportedly hopeful of reaching an agreement over a £45m transfer deal for Borussia Dortmund left winger Jamie Gittens.The 20-year-old has shown himself to be an exciting young talent with his performances in the Bundesliga and the Champions League in recent times.Chelsea are now seemingly ready to make a third bid for Gittens as they hope to get the deal done for around £45m,...
Man Utd are reportedly on the brink of offloading Jadon Sancho with the help of a former manager.Jadon Sancho is reportedly nearing Fenerbahce.Jadon Sancho has reached an agreement on personal terms with Fenerbahce in a significant step towards a Manchester United exit, according to reports. The 25-year-old is claimed to be nearing a permanent departure, spelling the end of a failed £73millio...
Liverpool have made a centre-back signing their next priority in the transfer market.Liverpool are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace captain Marc GuehiLiverpool reportedly have other centre-backs on their radar despite being heavily linked with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi. The Reds have an established partnership between Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in the centre of their defence, but a ...
Marcus Rashford is likely to leave Manchester United this summer.Marcus Rashford's dream move is reportedly to BarcelonaMarcus Rashford’s dream move to Barcelona FC could be back on with the La Liga club reportedly exploring a loan move for the Manchester United outcast. A move to Catalonia is widely reported to be Rashford’s preferred destination following his temporary spell at Aston...
Newcastle to smash wage structure to make Isak highest-paid player everPer The Times, Newcastle are determined to retain Alexander Isak's services beyond this summer and the officials are set to initiate talks with the player over a new and improved contract, which could potentially fend off interest from the Gunners and Reds. The Magpies are ready to offer a salary beyond £150,000 a week, wh...
Alexander IsakNewcastle United are set to offer a new lucrative contract to Alexander Isak that will make the striker the club's highest-paid player ever.WHAT HAPPENED?Isak had a terrific outing for the Magpies in the 2024-25 campaign as he scored 23 league goals and helped the club secure a Champions League slot. He also played a key role in Eddie Howe's side ending the club's trophy drought with...
Marcus Rashford Man Utd Barcelona 2025Barcelona are keen on a loan deal for Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford as they weigh up a permanent move for Nico Williams.WHAT HAPPENED?The reigning La Liga champions are keen to add to their attacking options this summer, with a move for Rashford now back on the table, as first reported by The Sun. The club's unhealthy financial situation means a lo...
Chelsea making new offer for Borussia Dortmund winger GittensChelsea are closing on an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for winger Jamie Gittens.The England U21 international saw a move to Chelsea collapse on the Club World Cup transfer deadline day, leaving the youngster frustrated.However, the move now appears to be back on, with claims an agreement is close to being struck.The Athletic says Che...
Real Madrid set 377M price tag for Rodrygo as Arsenal deal draws closerArsenal have targeted Real Madrid star Rodrygo this summer but will have to pay a hefty price tag to secure his services.The 24-year-old has been linked with a lucrative move to the Gunners this summer after he felt like he was underappreciated in a side that includes some of the best players in the world, including Kylian Mbap...
- 1 Gareth Bale set to buy former PL club
- 2 'He felt honored' - Marcelo Gallardo confirms he approached Cristiano Ronaldo about playing for River Plate at the Club World Cup
- 3 Samson Tijani: Nigeria star joins Dukla Prague from RB Salzburg
- 4 Diletta Leotta sizzles in tiny bikini on inflatable flamingo
- 5 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025
- 6 Ex-Ajax star Promes extradited to Netherlands to serve jail term
- 7 Real Madrid reveal target as Zubimendi joins Arsenal
- 8 Neymar flaunts 'candy floss' pink outfit that costs more than a family car
- 9 Liverpool cult hero waves goodbye as transfer is confirmed: It’s been an absolute honour
- 10 Marcus Rashford to Barcelona is back ON! La Liga champions ready to sanction loan deal for Man Utd outcast amid Nico Williams pursuit