Bradford City 4 Gillingham 2

Last updated : 12 August 2006 By Footymad Previewer
Bradford produced a rousing second-half fight-back as they came from two goals down to record back-to-back home wins.

The Bantams' tepid first-half display saw them go two goals down early on, but Colin Todd's men roared back in impressive fashion led by veteran striker Dean Windass.

Bradford had conceded early goals in both games this season and the curse struck again as the visitors took the lead just six minutes in.

Jermaine Johnson lost out to Matt Jarvis on the edge of the City box and the tricky winger was allowed to run around the back of the Bradford defence before sliding the ball across the six-yard area where Mark Bentley was on hand to tap home.

City's inability to keep the ball meant that they were under constant pressure in the opening stages and Mick Flynn capitalised by rifling home from 30 yards.

Again it was Jarvis who had caused panic in the Bradford ranks and when the ball fell to Flynn he shot high into the top left-hand corner leaving Donovan Ricketts with no chance.

Gillingham seemed to be cruising but City were given a lifeline just before the break as they finally managed to put pressure on the Gills defence.

They forced successive corners and from the second Mark Bower struck. Windass flicked the ball on for Bower to strike a sweet volley and although Kelvin Jack did well to get a hand on it he could not keep it out.

City laid siege to the Gillingham goal after the break and drew level when Bentley was adjudged to have pushed Windass and the referee pointed to the spot.

Although Jack kept out the initial spot-kick, Windass reacted quickest sliding the ball under the stricken keeper.

City continued to press and Windass put them in front with just eight minutes left. A Lee Holmes cross found him unmarked on the edge of the area and his half-volley flew past Jack.

Just before the full-time Johnson capped a fine comeback with a wonderful solo goal.