Graham Alexander praises Bradford’s resilience after comeback victory

Graham Alexander felt Bradford showed resilience in their comeback win over Wimbledon.

Bradford twice came from behind before substitute Will Swan clinched the 3-2 win at Valley Parade that put them third in League One.

Manager Alexander said: “The challenge of going a goal down and then going 2-1 down is immense against a team that doesn’t concede many.

“Fair play to the players for digging that one out. It’s a fantastic three points.

“All the goals were physical challenges and second balls. Good teams find a way and I think we did that.

“We have to go through these experiences together to learn what we can do better next time. You have to give Wimbledon credit as well, they are a strong outfit that don’t give anyone an easy game.

“They are going to cause teams problems. I thought it was two teams who are used to winning and come into the new season with a strong belief in themselves and backed themselves.

“I’m delighted my players, from being a goal down twice, have shown that resilience to come through it.”

Marcus Browne had fired Wimbledon in front but a missed punch from keeper Nathan Bishop allowed Joe Wright to head the equaliser.

Wimbledon restored their lead early in the second half with a sharp finish from Matty Stevens.

But Bradford again responded quickly through Bobby Pointon after Bishop saved from Stephen Humphrys.

Substitute Swan then scored his fifth goal of the season to win it after a mix-up between Bishop and defender Ryan Johnson.

Alexander added: “Swanny’s done what he’s been doing quite regularly.

“It was a difficult chance, bouncing in the rain with the defender retreating to the goalline. It was a really composed finish.”

Wimbledon manager Johnnie Jackson accused his side of gifting the home side the win.

Jackson said: “I’m seething. I’m sick that we lost that game.

“Having played as well as we did and created as much as we did, to come away with nothing, I’m fuming.

“We’ve scored two brilliant goals, things we’ve worked on training. Getting Browney in the little pocket where he can cause damage and the movement in the box for Matty’s second and a host more chances.

“We’ve given them two. I could handle it if it was good play and they cut through us but the first and third are just gifts.

“We’ve given away three points and leaving with nothing. I’m not interested in playing really well and creating chances, we’ve got to be better and take the way from teams.

“Not scoring enough goals and gifting two is the difference. We’ll take that as an insult, it doesn’t happen to this team, conceding three goals.

“It’s good to have Joe Lewis back but I’m not interested today.”