Bradford City prove their adaptability

The impressive Bantams bagged their fourth win on the spin as Levi Sutton’s stunner and Andy Cook’s goal did the damage.

Dan Scarr provided a late scare but Trueman’s charges held on for their sixth win in seven games.

“It was a difficult game, but we showed we can win ugly,” reflected Trueman.

“We have won matches where we have dominated possession, but we did not do that here.

“We had to change our style and game-plan, and are delighted to get the three points.

“We want to dominate possession and play through the thirds, but sometimes you need to adapt.

“This game was a perfect example of how we can do that. I thought we took our chances really well.”

The first chance fell to Derick Osei as his effort hit the side-netting for the hosts.

Trueman’s troops found their feet and started to threaten as Ollie Crankshaw fired wide.

The game sprung into life as Sutton’s super strike went in off the underside of the bar in the 43rd minute.

In-form Callum Cooke forced Liam Roberts into a low save as the Bantams pushed for a second.

Sutton turned provided as Cook came back to haunt his former club with a composed finish – his third goal in as many games.

Scarr gave the hosts a glimmer of hope with 13 minutes left as his glancing header went in off the post. But the Bantams held on for their ninth win in 13 since Trueman and Conor Sellars took over.

Walsall: Roberts, White, Scarr, Sadler, Cockerill-Mollett (Norman 65), Wright, Perry (Vincent 64), Bates, McDonald, Yaw (Lavery 57), Gordon. Unused substitutes: Sinclair, Rose, Nolan, Osadebe.

Bradford City: Hornby, P O’Connor, A O’Connor, Canavan, Wood, Sutton, Watt, Vernam (Stevens 87), Cooke (Clarke 72), Crankshaw (Donaldson 88), Cook (Rowe 72). Unused substitutes: O’Donnell, Cousin-Dawson, Scales.

Referee: S Oldham (Lancashire).