Striker Gareth Evans forced home the winner just before the break to claim his fourth goal of the season, but manager Stuart McCall will have been as impressed with how his side held out.

Bullock will feel hard done by after seeing red 10 minutes from time following a harsh second booking, but City held out resolutely to secure a timely win.

City's attacking intent was rewarded after 41 minutes when Hereford failed to clear the danger from a corner.

Bantams midfielder Michael Flynn let fly from the edge of the area and when his shot rebounded off the post, Evans kept his cool to steer the loose ball into the empty net.

City started the second period intent on wrapping up the win, but their ambition was thwarted by the assistant referee's flag.

Winger Scott Neilson was ruled offside when he fired home from eight yards and soon after striker James Hanson had his celebrations cut short after heading in a cross from Luke O'Brien.

Hanson was denied again by a smart save from Adam Bartlett and the visitors' hopes of claiming a point were raised when Bullock was dismissed. But full-back O'Brien made a vital late clearance as substitute Edrissa Sonko looked poised to score.

Bradford City: Eastwood, Bateson, Williams, Rehman, L O'Brien; Flynn, Bullock, Brandon (J O'Brien 69m); Neilson, Evans, Hanson. Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Clarke, R Boulding, Osborne, Sharry, Horne.

Hereford United: Bartlett, Lowe, Green, Blanchett, Valentine; King, Lunt, Gwynne, Marshall; Manset (Sonko 69m), Walker (Morris 78m). Unused substitutes: Rose, Godsmark, Done, Adamson.

Referee: C Webster (Tyne and Wear).

Man of the match: Gareth Evans.