Bradford City 2 - 4 Rochdale

An unbelievable first half in which all six goals were scored saw Rochdale get back to winning ways against promotion chasing Bradford City. Terry Gornell fired Dale into an early lead but Coleman’s men were pegged back by an Alan Connell penalty after a Ryan Edwards push. Andrew Tutte and Ashley Grimes restored Dale’s two goal advantage only for Connell to net another penalty after a Phil Edwards handball. Gornell’s looping header, five minutes before the break, sealed the points.

Terry Gornell came back into the starting 11 with Dele Adebola dropping out and Joe Rafferty was preferred at right back to counter Kyle Reid’s pace for the Bantams, Rhys Bennett was named on the bench.

Rochdale legend Gary Jones lined up against his former club in his role as Bradford captain but had a quiet day by his standards.

John Coleman has an amazing record of having never lost a game at Valley Parade whilst manager and his side set about keeping that record intact.

Ashley Grimes had the first chance when he swept a looping shot over the bar which had Duke scrambling backwards.

Gornell’s return from the start gave Dale more mobility up front and that showed when they took the lead. From an angle to the right, Gornell smashed an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net to open the scoring.

Bradford, maybe with one eye on a League Cup semi-final against Aston Villa next week, didn’t sit back and tried to take the game to their opponents.

A long Meredith throw wasn’t dealt with and Connell lifted the ball towards goal but saw his effort roll across the top of the crossbar and away.

The home fans make life difficult for visiting players and officials alike and when Ryan Edwards pushed Connell inside the area, a roar went up from behind the goal and referee Coote pointed to the spot. Connell stepped up and drilled the ball beyond Lillis.

Andrew Tutte then gave Dale the lead once again when his low drive nestled into the bottom corner for his seventh of the season.

Rochdale then doubled their advantage when a deep cross was headed back across the face of goal and Grimes was on hand to volley home from 12 yards.

Bradford reduced the deficit when Phil Edwards handled a Meredith cross and Connell sent his second spot kick high into the roof of Lillis’ goal.

The scoring was then completed with five minutes remaining of the first half with Gornell looping a header over Duke from the edge of the area after Rafferty’s deep cross found the former Shrewsbury striker.

The second half was more of a solid defensive performance by Coleman’s men.

Connell sent a free header wide and Reid’s attempted lob was gathered after Lillis had initially punched the ball into the winger’s path.

Grant hit the outside of a post after a mazy run and the striker was denied again by Duke with a curling effort.

Former Dale defender Rory McArdle saved the scoreline from becoming more emphatic when he bravely blocked Grimes’ volley in stoppage time.

It was a thoroughly deserved three points for Coleman’s inconsistent side, who face Rotherham at Spotland on New Years' Day (Kick Off 3pm).

A happy John Coleman spoke afterwards: “I’ve lost count of the number of times I have said we need to score four goals to win away from home, thankfully today we managed it.

"I thought the first half was a great advert for League 2 football with some of the play and the quality of goals we scored.

"Give credit to Bradford, they played their part. They made chances, the crowd got behind them and put us under pressure.

"We are disappointed that one of the penalties was given but our lads showed a lot of character after they pulled it back level at 1-1. They could easily have let their heads drop and Bradford had their tails up.

"Then the game ebbed and flowed.

"In the second half we told the lads that if we keep the ball, Bradford would find it hard to hurt us and that how it proved.

"I think we are one of the best teams in the league going forward.

"Terry [Gornell] brings more than just goals to the game, he’s run himself into the ground as has Joe Rafferty. I know the home fans thought he was wasting time but the lad cannot walk at the minute, he gave his all.”

Attendance: 11,198 (725 From Rochdale)

Rochdale: Lillis, McIntyre, R Edwards, Rafferty (Bennett 82), P Edwards, Tutte, Kennedy, Cavanagh,Grimes (Putterill 90), Gornell (Donnelly 72), Grant
Subs: (not used) Barry-Murphy, Smith, Craney, Adebola

Bradford City:Duke, Meredith, Darby, Thompson (Atkinson 46), Naylor (Hannah 74), McArdle, Reid, Jones, Hanson, Connell, Doyle (Turgott 74)
Subs: (not used) McLaughlin, Ravenhill, R Jones, Hines

Referee: Mr D Coote

Assistant Referees: Mr D Gratton & Mr K Mattocks

Fourth Official: Mr W Smallwood