Andy Cook struck either side of a United goal to ensure the hosts claimed maximum points.
United started on the back-foot with Andy Cook finding the net almost immediately following a square ball.
Harrison Neal’s strike found its way home beyond the clutch of Sam Walker on 58 minutes, prior to the Bantams’ number nine striking again to seal the win for his side 20 minutes from time.
Former Bradford City man, Charlie Wyke, had the first opportunity of the game, lashing wide from the edge of the area following good build-up by United.
On two minutes, the hosts took the lead after a lapse in judgement at the back by Jon Mellish, with the ball finding its way to Andy Cook, who converted to break the deadlock from close range.
The Blues started to grow in confidence in the 10 minutes which followed, but were unable to find the equaliser.
On 22 minutes, the Bantams had a superb chance to double their lead from a free-kick on the left, Cook then diverted the ball towards a teammate at the back post, who pulled an effort wide of Harry Lewis’ post.
Nine minutes later, United came close to levelling proceedings after Jordan Jones drifted inside and unleashed a powerful effort, forcing Sam Walker into a good save.
As we entered the closing stages of the first-half, Mellish made a goal-saving challenge to turn Olly Sanderson’s shot wide, prior to Dominic Sadi seeing his shot from inside the box claimed by Walker at the opposite end.
HALF-TIME: Bradford City 1-0 United
Five minutes into the second 45, Archie Davies managed to retreat just in time to block a dangerous Bradford cross for a corner, which ultimately came to nothing.
On 53 minutes, United found themselves down the other end of the pitch with Wyke’s effort crashing against the post to the disappointment of the travelling support behind the goal.
Shortly before the hour-mark, Walker was made to beat away a Cameron Harper free-kick, before the ‘keeper spilt Neal’s shot seconds later in the next phase of play, causing bedlam in the away end as we restored parity at Valley Parade.
On 70 minutes, Cook restored the Bantams’ lead against the run of play.
Before United had a penalty shout waved away on 82 minutes after looking to deliver a cross from the left.
The Blues continued to push in added time, but the goal never came, despite a performance with many positives, once again.
FULL-TIME: Bradford City 2-1 United
Teams:
Bradford City - Walker, Halliday, Byrne, Smallwood, Walker, Cook (89’ Oliver), Odour (65’ Pointon), Wright (90’ Shepherd), Kelly, Sanderson (80’ Pattison), Diabate
Unused subs - Doyle, Smith, Benn
Carlisle United - Lewis, Davies, Thomas (61’ Lavelle), Wyke ©, Jones (75’ McGeouch), Biggins, Vela, Neal (75’ Armstrong), Williams (11’ Harper), Mellish, Sadi
Unused subs - Breeze, Barclay, O’Donoghue
Goals:
Bradford City - (2', 70' Cook)
Carlisle United - (58' Neal)
Match officials:
Referee - Paul Howard
Assistant Referee - Stephen Wade
Assistant Referee - Thomas Cooke
Fourth Official - Matthew Parry
Attendance:
18,041 (away 1756)
