Graham Alexander described his Bradford side as “absolutely relentless” after they saw off in-form Colchester to get their promotion push back on track.
Calum Kavanagh and George Lapslie both scored twice in front of a 23,381 crowd – the largest at Valley Parade for a fourth-tier game.
Bradford’s 4-1 win, after suffering successive 1-0 defeats to Gillingham and Tranmere, leaves them a point behind League Two leaders Walsall.
Manager Alexander said: “I thought we were absolutely relentless.
“Any knockback in the game, like conceding, we just got on with it. We didn’t feel sorry for ourselves or panic and we played some brilliant football.
“We pressed Colchester all the time. We were so trusting of each other and committed to our game – we were us and didn’t try to change anything after the previous two results.
“It was great to watch and be a part of. I was extremely proud of the squad today.
“Colchester came here with their tails up. They are a good team and have just got into the play-offs so were in confident mood.
“Why wouldn’t they try and come here and win? But I thought we played well last week without a real cutting edge, but today we had that and could have scored a couple more.
“It was an occasion because we knew there was going to be a record crowd. We knew they would be an expectant crowd, but I think they’ll be a happy one after that.”
Kavanagh broke the deadlock after 32 minutes with a close-range finish.
Colchester quickly equalised when Harry Anderson lashed home after Jack Payne’s shot was saved but Bradford went back in front before the break with Lapslie’s sharp header from Tayo Adaramola’s cross.
Owura Edwards missed a one-on-one to level and was made to pay when Kavanagh and Lapslie both struck again.
It was Colchester’s first league loss since January 4, with their subsequent run of nine wins and four draws taking them into the play-off places.
Manager Danny Cowley said: “Bradford were excellent today, very powerful and purposeful and found a really good tempo to the way they played.
“We’ve had a difficult week with three or four who’ve been unwell and we were really struggling with Lyle (Taylor), Jack Payne and Ellis (Iandolo) in particular.
“Having said that, after a really good start to the game, we’re really disappointed at how we defended crosses and defended the box.
“What happens in these big games playing in front of 23,000, when you give the opponents something, momentum plays a huge part in football and it got their crowd up.
“It was a poor first goal and then a great response from us to get the equaliser. We needed to manage our emotions in that moment but we didn’t defend well enough.
“If you watched our whole performances, there were some good and bad parts to it. We were very up and down and erratic in our execution.”
Ange Postecoglou insisted his controversial cupped ear celebration to Tottenham fans in a 1-0 loss at Chelsea had been misinterpreted on another bad night for the Australian.Spurs slipped to a 16th defeat in the Premier League this season thanks to a 50th-minute header by Enzo Fernandez, but it only told half the story of a typically frenzied London derby.VAR was required to rule out a fine strike...
Chelsea climbed back into the Premier League’s top four as Enzo Fernandez’s header early in the second half earned a 1-0 derby win over Tottenham at Stamford Bridge.Enzo Maresca’s side were under pressure after limping into the international break playing football that had ceased to excite home fans, but they largely had the better of a disappointing Spurs team that failed to tak...
Reports suggest a striker, a new central midfielder, a winger and a backup goalkeeper all on the Italian's agenda as the season comes to a close. However, this means player sales will also be key to boosting Arteta's spending power if they want to comply with financial rules much like every other Premier League side. Raheem Sterling and veteran No.2 goalkeeper Neto are both set to return to their ...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Sam Barrott last night Kiwior VS Vinicius Jr. & Mbappe Fun Fact Once upon a time they all used to called as next Messi. VAR referee placing bets during a live game in the Bulgaria league. Only Didier Drogba can do this… Tottenham always make Chelsea feel better Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, ori...
Manchester United will beat Arsenal to the signing of fearsome Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres this summer, according to a Liverpool legend.Gyokeres is one of the most in-demand centre-forwards in the world after registering an incredible 85 goals in 92 appearances for Sporting CP since joining the club in July 2023. The 26-year-old was prevented from leaving last summer by a massive €100mil...
The Canada international is poised to become a free agent this summer, leading to plenty of interest in him from top Premier League clubs.According to Empire of the Kop, it now looks like Liverpool are serious contenders to sign David ahead of the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Newcastle and West Ham.It's not often quality players like David are available for free, so it ...
Ollie Watkins was a transfer target for Arsenal back in JanuaryArsenal are gearing up for a busy summer transfer window with a new striker at the top of Mikel Arteta's wishlist. But there are seemingly no plans to rekindle their interest in Ollie Watkins after their failed January swoop for the Aston Villa star.Watkins, 29, emerged as a surprise target for the Gunners in the winter transfer window...
Man Utd hand Amir Ibragimov his first professional contract🚨✍🏻 Official: Amir Ibragimov has signed his first professional contract for Manchester United.He’s highly rated internally among talents for the future. pic.twitter.com/YrkLvNUeRd— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 3, 2025Real Madrid sign highly-rated Diego Aguado🚨⚪️ 18 year old talent Diego Aguado has signed new deal at ...
David Moyes believes James Tarkowski was lucky to avoid a red card for his reckless challenge on Alexis Mac Allister as Everton were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool on a controversial night at Anfield.Diogo Jota’s 57th-minute goal, which Moyes claimed should have been ruled out for offside, gave Liverpool a 100th derby win and moved them a step closer to the Premier League title, but both sides were...
Jack Grealish dedicated his goal to his late brother after scoring in Manchester City’s 2-0 win over relegation-threatened Leicester on Wednesday.The England international hit his first Premier League goal for 16 months, on his first start in the competition since last December, as City moved back into fourth with a comfortable success at the Etihad Stadium.It came on the 25th anniversary of...
- 1 Hot WAG flaunts 'astonishing' washboard abs in bikini
- 2 Danny Rohl hails Sheffield Wednesday resilience in draw at Cardiff
- 3 Alfie May double sends Birmingham step closer to Championship
- 4 Marcus Rashford scores first Premier League goal for Villa in win at Brighton
- 5 Ryan Lowe and Conor Hourihane felt team deserved more as Wigan and Barnsley draw
- 6 Mat Sadler hails Taylor Allen set-piece skills after Walsall snatch draw
- 7 Chris Davies says Alfie May’s goal drought never concerned him
- 8 Football fan 'eats' raw pig's head in ultimate insult
- 9 Marcus Rashford still looking to improve after firing Villa into FA Cup semis
- 10 Chelsea prepare €70m for Barcelona defender