Bradford City 2 Doncaster Rovers 0

Last updated : 14 August 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Two goals from well worked set pieces were enough to give Bradford their first win of the season in what was a keenly contested Yorkshire derby.

A dominant first-half performance by the home side layed the foundations for what was a morale-boosting win against newly promoted Doncaster Rovers.

City should have been ahead as early as the fourth minute when on-loan striker Dele Adebola made the most of goalkeeper Paul Henderson's long punt. He held off the attention of Steve Foster and hit a low shot which was heading for the bottom corner until Andy Warrington managed to get a right hand on it and force it wide of the post.

Bradford were in front though a few minutes later. Nicky Summerbee played a short corner to Steven Schumacher who swung over the most inviting of crosses. Fellow midfielder Lee Crooks thumped a header against the bar and as the ball bounced around in the six-yard box Mark Bower reacted first to nod his side infront.

The visitors were struggling to get a stranglehold on the game and were restricted to wild long-range shots. They looked most likely to score from one of six first half corners, with both Paul Green and Michael McIndoe providing great delivery but Rovers failed to capitalise.

As the first half wore on City's control grew and the killer goal came two minutes into first-half injury time. Summerbee hit a corner to the back post where Adebola climbed highest to head back across the six-yard line, where Lee Crooks was lurking to score his first goal for the club.

Rovers started the second half well without creating any clear cut chances. Ex-Newcastle United man James Coppinger came closest when his 20 yard free-kick struck the bar and went over.

As Doncaster pushed forward they looked vulnerable on the break although Dean Windass and Adebola, who linked up well all day ,wasted good chances to score.

And things went from bad to worse for Rovers when substitute Adriano Rigoglioso was sent off just minutes after coming on.

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