Oldham 1 Bradford City 2: Heads up for defenders as Bantams keep on track

After selling prolific striker James Hanson to Sheffield United earlier in the week, the Bantams’ goals came from the unlikely source of their centre-backs.

Romain Vincelot and Rory McArdle both nodded home either side of Brian Wilson’s equaliser.

“I thought we had some really big performances,” said McCall, whose side are in a firm position for a play-off spot.

“Doyely’s save in the second half when their boy went through one-on-one was fantastic.

“Lads have come in and performed and you can’t fault their attitude after they’ve been out for a while. We were going towards nearly 3,000 City fans in the second half and if that can’t inspire you then nothing will.”

It took 14 minutes for the Bantams to score past the relegation strugglers as Vincelot headed home his first goal for City.

Connor Ripley pulled off fantastic saves to deny Tony McMahon and Mark Marshall and on the stroke of half-time the conditions played a part as Wilson’s effort bobbled past Colin Doyle in the Bantams’ net.

Josh Cullen and Jordy Hiwula-Mayifuila were kept at bay by Ripley after the break and McArdle saw a header cleared off the line before finding the winner with 14 minutes to go.

Doyle brilliantly ensured victory as he denied Billy McKay a late equaliser.

Oldham Athletic: Ripley, Wilson, Clarke, Garrard, Reckord, Fane, Green, Banks (Hunt, 84), Flynn (McKay, 61), Holloway, McLaughlin (Ngoo, 84). Unused substitutes: Kettings, Law, Edmunson, Erwin.

Bradford City: Doyle, McMahon, McArdle, Vincelot, Meredith, Marshall, Cullen, Dieng, Law, Hiwula-Mayifuila (Jones, 70), Clarke (Gilliead, 84). Unused substitutes: Sattelmaier, Darby, King, Devine, Hudson.

Referee: N Miller (County Durham).