Latics beaten by Bradford

GOAL . . . Brian Wilson

ATHLETIC 1, BRADFORD 2

RORY McArdle got the winning goal as John Sheridan's storming start on home soil hit a road block.

The Bradford centre-back knocked the ball home from close ranger after a Billy Clarke free-kick was not cleared, with Romain Vincelot nodding at goal for his defensive colleague to turn home in the 76th minute.

Athletic had levelled in the 44th minute when Brian Wilson made a strong run towards the edge of the area, prodding a weak left-footed shot that bobbled over embarrassed goalkeeper Colin Doyle.

Bradford enjoyed plenty of possession and took the lead after 14 minutes. Jamie Reckord conceded a needless corner and when the ball was worked to Josh Cullen, his in-swinging cross was glanced home by Vincelot.

Tony McMahon and Mark Marshall forced saves from Connor Ripley before Wilson's equaliser. A bold 44th-minute run ended with a tame shot on the stretch with his left foot that somehow bounced over Doyle.

Ripley had to be alert to block well from Jordy Hiwula at the start of the second half when the striker got between the centre-backs.

Ripley made another smart save from Cullen and Ollie Banks cleared one off the line, but Bradford's pressure paid off when McArdle scored.

Billy Mckay saw a later effort saved, but Sheridan's men were second-best and failed to make it three straight home wins following successes against Gillingham and Peterborough.