Walsall 0 Bradford City 1

Last updated : 14 September 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Bradford marched to their latest victory when they battled hard against a struggling Walsall side at the Bescot.

Bradford survived some early pressure when Walsall's off-key attack failed to take full advantage of some good approach work.

Following wins over Rotherham and Ipswich there was a confident air about Bradford and manager Nicky Law had every reason to be happy with the outcome.

Stephen Warnock, on loan from Liverpool, created a good impression in a fast, hectic game in which neither side could get the upper hand in a goalless first half.

Walsall's high work-rate enabled them to pose some problems to Bradford's rearguard but it was defender Zigor Aranalde who produced the Saddlers best goal chance.

The Spaniard collected a loose ball and unleashed a 35-yard rocket which Aidan Davison obviously spotted at the last minute as he was forced to make a desperate save pushing the shot over the bar.

Ashley Ward went close for Bradford when his header from a Peter Atherton cross was finger tipped over the bar by Jimmy Walker.

Walsall, beaten in their previous two games, certainly played with plenty of determination in a bid to break down Bradford.

Australian David Zdrilic, making his first start for Walsall, forced Davison to make another good save with a low shot on the run, while the Bradford keeper was alive to the situation to save at the near post from Jorge Leitao.

Bradford, now a pale shadow of the club who played in the Premiership only a short time ago, went ahead in the 53rd minute following a well executed move started by Gus Uhlenbeek.

He put Michael Proctor in possession and a quick pass to Ward resulted in Gray finding himself unmarked to score from about ten yards.

In the closing stages Walsall launched a series of determined attacks with New Zealander Danny Hay producing a goalbound effort only for substitute Wayne Jacobs to clear off the line