Bantams up to fifth after an impressive comeback leaves Parkinson satisfied

The 83rd-minute goal by the former York City left-back put the seal on arguably Bradford’s best result of the campaign as they came from behind to bring a four-match run without a win to an end and inflict on Cheltenham their first away loss of the season.

Meredith has been one of the successes of City’s encouraging start of the season – this win lifted them into fifth place – and Parkinson is delighted with the player who helped York to gain promotion back to the Football League after an eight-year absence before moving to Valley Parade.

“James is a winner – that is why I like him,” said Parkinson. “He is tough and he has got a lot of quality. He ticks a lot of boxes, but he has got to remain consistent.”

Cheltenham arrived at Valley Parade in third place and Parkinson said: “We knew they were a good side and they showed it. It was a real test for us. I thought we deserved the win. It was a strong team performance.”

Bradford went behind in the 29th minute when defender Andrew Davies pushed visitors’ winger Jermaine McGlashan in the box and captain Marlon Pack scored from the spot.

But City equalised via the same means in first-half stoppage time, Sido Jombati needlessly handling the ball as new loan signing from Watford Craig Forsyth went past him and leading scorer Nahki Wells scored from the spot.

Wells put Bradford ahead in the 68th minute, forcing the ball home at the far post when substitute Zavon Hines headed the ball across the goalmouth before Meredith put the result beyond doubt with the third goal.

Bradford City: McLaughlin, McArdle, Davies, Oliver, Meredith, Thompson (Atkinson 61mins), Ravenhill, Doyle, Forsyth (Hines 61mins), Hanson, Wells. Unused substitutes: Duke (gk), Darby, R Jones, McHugh, Connell.

Cheltenham Town: Brown, Lowe, Jones, Carter, Elliott, Pack, McGlashan, Penn (Harrad 73mins), Jombati, Mohamed (Deering 86mins), Zebroski (Duffy 86mins). Unused substitutes: Roberts (gk), Goulding, Andrew, Graham.

Referee: B Malone (Wiltshire).

City man-of-the-match: James Meredith.