Graham Alexander praised Andy Cook’s contribution after the striker spearheaded Bradford’s 2-1 win over Carlisle.
Cook took his tally to five for the season with both goals in front of a crowd of 18,041 at Valley Parade.
The striker struck his first after just two minutes when Jamie Walker seized on a poor touch from Carlisle defender Jon Mellish.
He then headed the second-half winner from Tyreik Wright’s cross.
Manager Alexander said: “We know what we have in Cooky if we can get him into the right areas and give him the right deliveries in there.
“It’s Cooky understanding what type of players we have in the team and where they are going to put the ball.
“I think he’s getting better at that. Him and Olly (Sanderson) worked exceptionally hard, I had to take them off because they’d run their lungs out.
“The second one, the header, was perfect number nine play. Pull off the back defender and then head it back across the goal.”
It was an entertaining game, spiced up by the return of former Bradford goalkeeper Harry Lewis in Carlisle’s goal.
The visitors had their chances and Charlie Wyke hit the post before Harrison Neal equalised when Sam Walker fumbled his shot into the net.
But Cook’s second condemned the managerless Cumbrians to their fourth defeat in five games.
Alexander added: “Their goal was a bit of a fluke. Obviously it was a mistake from Sam, and he knows that, but the way it cannoned up in the air and came out the sky.
“Sometimes games can hinge on things like that but I thought it galvanised the players.”
Carlisle are looking for a replacement for Paul Simpson, who left the club last week.
Steven Rudd, one of the three coaches in caretaker charge, said: “Once we cut those mistakes out then we have got the potential to be a very good group and go on to win football matches.
“Conceding after two minutes, we can’t do that. We have to get better.
“We were on the front foot for large periods of the game. It’s the bit in and around the box, the final third, that’s where games are won and lost. At both ends of the pitch we have to be better.
“There were loads of good individual performances. There are positives to take from everybody.
“The biggest positive is they have had a right go. They have left nothing out there, just individual mistakes.
“They’ve bought into what we have been saying all week. There’s a real togetherness between the group and they are hurting in there.
“We have to pick them up. Once this group gets a positive result, I think they will build from there.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. PORTUGAL WIN THE UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE ON PENALTIES Nuno Mendes 😎 Anti Right Winger Morata : Me again? Congratulations Portugal & Ronaldo Kepa in Arsenal be like I am sorry. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: BleacherReportFootball, Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
PSG get talks underway with Bournemouth for ZabarnyiFabrizio Romano reports that PSG are determined to sign Ilya Zabarnyi this summer. While talks are underway with Bournemouth, the two clubs have not yet reached an agreement. The player remains keen to join Les Parisiens.Everton join Newcastle in race to sign GrealishEverton are interesting in acquiring the services of Manchester City outcast Jac...
WHAT HAPPENED?Napoli striker Osimhen has reportedly made up his mind on his future, and it seems like it won't include a sensational move to the Middle East. This comes from a scoop from journalist Buchi Laba, who reports that Osimhen has rejected a fifth offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal and would rather continue his career in Europe.THE BIGGER PICTURELaba claims that Osimhen is not interested in a ...
France captain Kylian Mbappe says he is satisfied with his side bouncing back from their Nations League loss to Spain in the third-placed play-off.Les Bleus finished the campaign with a win over Germany, thanks to goals from the Real Madrid star and Michael Olise.And while there was a lot to like about the French performance in Stuttgart, Mbappe took a balanced approach to things in his post-match...
WHAT HAPPENED?The German club have asked to be kept up to date on Sancho's situation, with the Man Utd outcast being touted as a possible replacement for Chelsea target Jamie Gittens, as per Sky Sports. Sancho has already re-joined the club from Manchester United once - a six-month loan spell at the end of last season - and could yet return for a third spell with the German giants. Chelsea paid a ...
Jobe Bellingham of Sunderland celebrates getting promoted back to the Premier LeagueEngland U21 midfielder Jobe Bellingham has agreed terms to leave Sunderland for Borussia Dortmund in a deal reported at around 331 million including add-ons.The Bedlington-born starlet joins the German club on a five-year contract following Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League.Dortmund has reportedly agreed...
Brian Priske has chosen to return to Sparta PragueBrian Priske has returned to Sparta Prague to take up the position as head coach, say the Czech club on their website."We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new head coach. We welcome Brian, who knows the environment in the club. We strongly believe that he will build on the successful work he has delivered in the past and help Sparta w...
Borussia Dortmund keen on signing Jadon SanchoBorussia Dortmund are weighing up a fresh move for Jadon Sancho amid uncertainty over his future at Manchester United.The Bundesliga side have requested to be kept informed about the Englishman’s status at Old Trafford, with the out-of-favour winger seen as a potential replacement for Chelsea-linked Jamie Gittens, according to Sky Sports.Sancho i...
Gravenberch names his 2025 Ballon d'Or favouriteRyan Gravenberch shared his 2025 Ballon d'Or choice, backing his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah to win the prestigious award.The Egypt international was the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or during the first half of the season, topping both the goals and assists charts in the Premier League.0"That's a tough one, but I'll go for my teammate: Moha...
Uriah RennieUriah Rennie, the first black man to referee in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65.WHAT HAPPENED?In August 1997, Rennie was named as the referee for a Premier League game between Derby County and AFC Wimbledon and made history as the division's first ever black referee. He went on to officiate over 300 top-flight games across 11 years, as well as refereeing domestic cup fina...
- 1 England player ratings vs Andorra: Cole Palmer disappoints as Kane bails out Tuchel
- 2 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 3 Marcus Rashford 'grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player
- 4 Why Premier League transfer may be off the cards for Victor Osimhen as Man Utd make 'timid' attempts to convince striker
- 5 Chukwueze reveals cause of AC Milan’s ‘disastrous’ season
- 6 FIFA confirms 34 team base camp training sites in the United States for 2025 Club World Cup, including nine in Florida and five in Calitornia
- 7 Man Utd continue to be linked with Emi Martinez
- 8 Daily Laugh - Morata : Me again?
- 9 Daily Laugh - Mbeumo and his amazing talent
- 10 Transfer news: Jadon Sancho announces move as Liverpool confirm deal