Bradford City making the League Two play-off places realistic target

On-loan striker Andy Cook bagged a brace to extend the Bantams’ run of form to seven wins from their last 11 games.

Trueman’s troops are just seven points off the coveted play-off spots and could be well in the mix if their resurgent form continues.

“It was very much a collective effort,” stressed Trueman. “I cannot pick one or two individuals, it was a good team performance.

“We are a confident group and know our abilities. We know if we apply ourselves in the right way, we will get positive results, which is what happened.”

The first chance fell to the visitors as Levi Sutton hammered over Connor Wood’s cross.

The deadlock was broken in the 11th minute as Cook nodded home Callum Cooke’s corner at the back post to break his duck for the club.

Sam Hornby got down low to keep out Callum Wright’s header at the other end and former Doncaster striker Alfie May missed a chance when he fired wide.

Cooke provided the Mansfield loanee with his second of the afternoon as he rounded Josh Griffiths and fired into the empty net six minutes after the restart.

Charles Vernam squandered a great opportunity to put the visitors out of sight and Cooke went close to getting onto the scoresheet as he cut inside and struck wide.

The Robins continued to threaten but City held on for a first clean sheet in a month.

Cheltenham Town: Griffiths, Raglan, Tozer, Freestone (Vassilev, 59), Blair, Thomas, Wright (Lloyd, 59), Azaz (Long, 59), Hussey, Smith (Williams, 72), May. Unused substitutes: Flinders, Chamberlain, Horton.

Bradford City: Hornby, A O’Connor, P O’Connor, Canavan, Wood, Sutton (Scales, 90), Watt, Vernam (Crankshaw, 71), Cooke (Stevens, 81), Evans, Cook (Rowe, 71). Unused substitutes: O’Donnell, Cousin-Dawson, Rowe.

Referee: M Donohue (Manchester).

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