Bradford City 0-1 Tranmere Rovers: Josh Hawkes swoops in for Rovers

By Simon Parker

BRADFORD CITY 0

TRANMERE R 1

Hawkes 56 (pen)

Interim boss Andy Crosby praised Tranmere Rovers’ togetherness after they boosted their survival hopes by defeating League Two promotion-chasing Bradford City.

Josh Hawkes converted a second-half penalty to clinch a win at second-placed Bradford.

Their second consecutive win lifted Rovers six points clear of the relegation zone – and maintained their unbeaten run under Crosby’s guidance.

Victory over Bradford also helped secure Tranmere’s first away win in over five months.

Care

Afterwards, Crosby said: “Every single one of them is giving everything.

“They care about the future of this club and it’s in our hands.

“Our defensive numbers in the four games we’ve played now are really good.

“We suffered together.

“The squad have come to Bradford and collected a really victory.”

Substitute Harvey Saunders won the penalty after catching out Jack Shepherd on the byline.

“We made the change at halftime because the intensity of their pressure was brilliant and we needed an out,” added Crosby.

“Harvey has got pace and stretches the game and puts their back three under a different bit of doubt.”

Medical emergency

The game was held up for 12 minutes for a medical emergency involving a supporter.

Crosby added: “I hope the person who unfortunately had the health issue is OK, that’s the most important thing.

“The game was stopped for a long time and it would have been easy to lose concentration when it restarted.

“But we restricted them to very little.

“They’ve been on an amazing run at home with ten wins on the trot and haven’t conceded.”

Match action

Bradford captain Richie Smallwood went close with a 25-yard drive and George Lapslie sent a header wide.

Brandon Khela was not far away with a curled attempt from outside the box as the home side continued to pressure for an opening goal.

Jamie Walker thought he had got it just before half-time, but was thwarted by Tranmere shot-stopper Luke McGee who stuck out a leg to block.

DENIED: Bradford’s Calum Kavanagh sees his free-kick blocked

Second half

Tranmere’s threat had been limited to one hopeful effort from Kieron Morris – but they took the lead after 56 minutes with Hawkes scoring from the spot after Shepherd fouled Saunders.

The game was then halted for 12 minutes for a medical emergency involving a fan, but Tranmere held on after the restart for a vital three points.

Bradford would have gone level on points with leaders Walsall with another victory, but have now lost back-to-back games.

Manager Graham Alexander was unhappy with referee Thomas Parsons over the penalty incident.

Surprised

He said: “We deserved to win because we had control of virtually the whole game.

“We had some brilliant chances that we should score.

“Unfortunately, a decision went against us that was a wrong one.

“I’ve watched it back and Jack played the ball.

“But I wasn’t surprised it was given after viewing the first half.

“Sometimes you have to assess the earlier decisions and try and play accordingly.

“It’s not a penalty, but there were things in the first half when we were getting booked and the same challenges by the opposition are not getting the same treatment.

“That was harsh on our players.

“But I’ve been in to see the referee and he’s given his explanation.

“I don’t believe it’s a game where we should admonish ourselves too much.”

Star Man – Jordan Turnbull (Tranmere Rovers)

Teams and ratings:

Bradford City: Walker 6, Baldwin 6, Byrne 6, Shepherd 6, Halliday 7 (Leigh 90+1), Khela 6, Smallwood 7, Adaramola 7 (Wright 71, 6), Walker 6, Lapslie 5 (Kavanagh 71, 6), Mellon 6. Subs not used: Hilton, Oduor, Huntington, Crichlow-Noble.

Tranmere Rovers: McGee 7, O’Connor 7, Wood 7, Turnbull 8, Norman 8, Finley 7, Hendry 7 (Jennings 75, 6), Patrick 7 (Garrett 90+13), Hawkes 7 (Bradshaw 74, 6), Morris 6 (Merrie 36, 6), Dennis 6 (Saunders 46, 6). Subs not used: Egan, Taylor.

READ MORE: League Two news: Andy Crosby on mission to keep Tranmere Rovers in the EFL