Bradford 1 Blackpool 0: Hanson’s fine header is enough for City

James Hanson rose highest to meet an in-swinging corner, beautifully guiding the ball into the corner past Colin Doyle and a massed Blackpool defence.

It should have been little surprise – Neil McDonald’s side had conceded four goals from set-pieces against Bury on Saturday.

Only a minute into the match, Hanson threatened. He latched onto a cross from Kyel Reid, his header deflected wide.

It was clear Blackpool had come with the intention of parking the bus, but after an opening spell in which the Bantams dominated, they lifted the handbrake and Jim McAllister was unfortunate that his effort was straight at Ben Williams.

Devante Cole went close for City, twisting in the area before forcing Colin Doyle into tipping the ball over.

Just before the break came Hanson’s excellent header, his fifth goal of the season.

In the second half, Blackpool were often on top. David Norris would have equalised had it not been for Rory McArdle’s block following a stunning through ball from Jarrett Rivers.

Bradford City: Williams; Darby (c), Meredith, McArdle, Burke (N Clarke, 69); McMahon, Knott, Evans (Liddle, 71), Reid; Hanson, Cole (B Clarke, 79). Unused substitutes: Cracknell, Marshall, B Clarke, Leigh, James.

Blackpool: Doyle; White (Boyce, 35), Aldred, Robertson, Dunne; Rivers, Potts, Norris (Thomas, 83), McAlister (Cameron, 65); Redshaw, Cullen. Unused substitutes: Letheren, Cubero, Herron, Paterson.

Referee: Andy Haines (Tyne and Wear)