Bradford 2 v 0 Tranmere - Rovers lose second consecutive game

A small group of Bradford fans had protested outside the ground before kick-off against club owner Stefan Rupp, who had written an open letter on Thursday apologising for the club’s poor season.

But Graham Alexander’s side returned to winning ways thanks to second-half goals from Calum Kavanagh and Bobby Pointon.

Luke Norris shot just wide for Tranmere as the visitors looked to add to Bradford’s problems before Bantams captain Richie Smallwood sent a curling free-kick over the wall and against the bar.

Harvey Saunders nearly put Tranmere in front with a cheeky back-heel that Sam Walker smothered on the line.

Bradford struck the woodwork for a second time when Pointon’s low drive hit the inside of the post while Tranmere continued to create chances as well, with home keeper Walker needing to tip over from Saunders’ free-kick.

But Bradford took the lead after 64 minutes when Kavanagh turned home a low cross from Lewis Richards.

Kavanagh then set up Pointon for a thumping second goal five minutes later to ensure a three-point haul for Bradford.

Rovers manager Nigel Adkins said: “It was an open game which made for a good spectacle. It was probably like a throwback to the old days with that pitch.

“We started the game really well with Joe Yarney going close from a corner and Tom Davies had another one with a header in the second half just over the bar.

“That came from a corner after their goalkeeper made a fantastic save from Harvey Saunders. It was 0-0 at the time and sometimes you’ve got to take those chances when they come.

“They have scored two good goals, to be fair.

“The first was a good cross from their player to put the ball in the box for them to go on and score.

“We were attacking for the second and then a bit of miscontrol on the pitch and they were able to break the other way.

“To be fair to the lad, he’s got the ball, drifted inside and put it in the top stanchion. It was a great finish.”