Graham Alexander delighted with Bradford City's defensive display to keep semi-final alive

Like all the previous play-off matches, it was a tight affair at Bolton Wanderers, where the hosts took a 1-0 lead through Amario Cozier-Duberry.

But with 90 minutes and if needed more at Valley Parade on Thursday, who will reach the May 24 final is still very much in the balance.

Although the winger hit a post minutes later, his goal was the game's only shot on target. From a defensive point of view, that delighted Bradford manager Alexander.

"I said on Wednesday that after the first leg it would be half-time and that's what it is," he reflected. "We're a goal down with a game to play, that's how it is.

"I think it was a tough game, but we knew it would be a tough game.

"I think it was the game that we expected.

"We've only conceded one shot on target. So from a defensive point of view, I thought we played really well.

"We actually had two or three good moments where we could or should have scored. So it's all to play for.

"I thought the way the players actually understood the game, didn't get swayed by the crowd or the atmosphere.

"Our composure was good, our discipline was excellent. Our connection to each other was actually on point. They've got a lot of attacking talent in that (Bolton) squad.

"To limit them to one shot on target, I thought it was an excellent performance from that point of view. And you saw the mentality of the team at the end, without us going gung-ho from the sidelines by putting loads of players on they just wanted to go for it as well, the players.

"I love that mentality about the players, they never give anything up.

"The only frustration, I would say, is that we didn't get our own opportunities on target.

"There was probably a few minutes after they scored where I think they got their tails up.

"I thought we maybe looked like we were going to try and chase an equaliser straight away when there was plenty of this game left to play. But once we gathered our composure back, I thought it was a fair result with the goal they scored, the possession, but not many opportunities to score.

"But I think the second leg will be a tough game as well for both teams."

So far the play-off scorelines have been in binary, both the Championship games 0-0 after 90 minutes, and the League One games 1-0.

Alexander was pleased with the balance his side struck.

"I think we have been defensively strong all season so I think it'll be the same on Thursday. It's not just going to be all-out gung-ho attack.

"We always try to get that balance right with our defensive and offensive actions.

"I think it's important because they go hand-in-hand. The better you can attack, it helps you defending. The better you're defending, it can take off the pressure of attacking.

"(The play-off first legs have been) even because they're evenly-matched teams that are going up against each other, that's the thing. But the second leg can be completely different from your first.

"I think it's important that you take it into the second leg, whether it's home or away, and I think we've certainly done that.

"But, obviously, Bolton will think that as well."

Former Bradford midfielder Steven Schumacher is braced for a tight second leg too.

"It would have been a tough game anyway to go there in an intimidating atmosphere that we saw two weeks ago," said the Bolton manager.

"I thought we showed some good composure and calmness, especially in the times of pressure Bradford built.

"We were clean with our clearances and to keep a clean sheet is really important.

"We know what's coming (on Thursday). They have to come out at us."

Stockport County won 1-0 at Stevenage with a scrappy stoppage-time goal by former Sheffield United utility man Ben Osborn.