Bradford 1 Port Vale 0 FT - last-gasp Cole strike boosts Bantams

Cole, who signed for City from Manchester United on Friday, crowned Phil Parkinson’s fourth anniversary at Bradford in timely fashion, latching onto Rory McArdle’s pass before netting – to the massed relief of the claret and amber.

City produced an off-key first-half, with Ben Williams denying Sam Foley and Uche Ikpeazu.

But Bradford improved on the restart and Mark Marshall almost put the hosts ahead against his old club but his cross-shot whistled just off target.

Cole was thrown into the fray with twenty minutes to go, but it was City’s fellw sub Josh Morris who almost yeielded a breakthrough but Jak Alnwick blocked his effort.

Cole then fired off target following Marshall’s cross, but had the last laugh to secure three priceless piints for City in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

Delighted City boss Phil Parkinson said: “It was a fantastic moment for us.

“Devante hasn’t even trained with us yet but the timing was right to get him out there this afternoon.

“He got himself in the danger area at the right time and got the ball in the back of the net for us - it was an important goal.”