Graham Alexander hails ‘best win of season’ as Bradford march on

Bradford’s win over Blackpool was their best of the season, according to manager Graham Alexander.

Josh Neufville scored for the third consecutive league game to clinch a 1-0 victory at Valley Parade for the early League One leaders.

The Bantams have won all five home matches and Alexander was delighted with their patience against stubborn opponents.

Alexander said: “It was a scenario we’ve seen before, frustrate, turn us round, all that sort of stuff.

“I thought the players showed great professionalism to make sure we didn’t give anything stupid away. There were a few counter-attacks in the first half but we nullified them in general after that.

“There are a lot of new players who probably haven’t been in that situation here. It was a game we’ve seen before and we didn’t want to get sucked into that.

“We had to keep our patience and if we kept a clean sheet I felt we’d win the game and I’m delighted we have.

“The home games this season have pretty much gone our way quite early on. That was another experience for us to learn from and I thought we did that in-game.

“The second half was much better. We were more controlled in our positions and used the ball better.

“It was a great goal from Josh again and I thought it was a really professional performance. It’s the best win of the season for me.”

Josh Bowler should have done better for the visitors on the break in the first half. Neufville headed over the bar with Bradford’s best chance.

Ash Fletcher wasted another good opportunity for Blackpool before Bradford punished them when Neufville drove home from Bobby Pointon’s cross.

Blackpool have now lost six out of nine games to stay third from bottom.

Manager Steve Bruce said: “I thought if anyone was the better side until they scored, it was ourselves.

“We had some decent opportunities in the final third but unfortunately, once we conceded, I didn’t see the response I would have liked.

“We didn’t do enough when they scored. But there was nothing in it, I think both teams had three shots on target.

“It was a poor goal to concede. The manner of it seemed to be a little bit too easy for me.

“We had three opportunities in the first five minutes after half-time and we either didn’t make the pass or didn’t finish. That is our Achilles heel.

“You have to take those opportunities when they come at a place like this which is bouncing along with the start they’ve had. To concede straight after that was frustrating for all of us.

“The best opportunity was arguably in the first half when Josh (Bowler) cuts in on his left foot. All of us thought ‘goal’ but unfortunately he’s put it straight at the goalkeeper.”