Mark Hughes' Bantams returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Crewe Alexandra at the University of Bradford Stadium.
Jamie Walker’s first goal of the season, on his return from injury, sealed all three points shortly before the half-time break to maintain City's 100% home record this season.
The Bantams started brightly in the opening 10 minutes, with their best chance coming from Lewis Richards. City’s latest recruit beat his man down the byline, whipping an inviting cross into the visitors' area, but Harvey Davies parried his cross away and no City player was able to take advantage of the parry.
As the first half approached the 30th-minute mark, the away side had controlled most of the game's possession without testing City, until they won the ball high up the pitch in the Bantams' half. Rio Adebisi's left-footed strike was saved by Harry Lewis at the far post.
As the first half closed in on added time, City grew into the game, breaking the deadlock minutes before the half-time whistle. After some well-sustained possession, Kevin McDonald's inviting cross was met by Walker, who steered home at the far post to open his account for the season.
The Bantams started the second half on the front foot, pressing Lee Bell’s men and looking to double their lead.
They came close after a quick exchange down the left flank from Richards and Alex Pattison. The latter's cross was played into the six-yard box, but no one is claret and amber was able to connect with the cross.
City continued to pile onto the Cheshire side, pressing and winning the ball back high up the pitch. Richie Smallwood found Pattison on the edge of the box whose effort was blocked 18 yards from goal.
Minutes later, it was Pattison again who had a second opportunity to get on the scoresheet, if not for a good stop from Davies.
In the closing minutes, the away side threw players forward, earning corners that threatened the Bantams late on. After a cleared corner, Joel Tabiner’s deflected long-range effort was saved by Harry Lewis, earning another corner, but City were able to clear and secure all three points.
CITY: Harry Lewis, Matty Platt, Jamie Walker (Emmanuel Osadebe 80’), Andy Cook, Alex Pattison, Tyler Smith (Matt Derbyshire 80’), Sam Stubbs (C), Ciarán Kelly (Richie Smallwood 66’), Daniel Oyegoke (Brad Halliday 66’), Kevin McDonald, Lewis Richards (Liam Ridehalgh 73’). Subs not used: Colin Doyle, Bobby Pointon.
GOALS: Walker (43’).
CREWE: Harvey Davies, Ryan Cooney (Matus Holicek 75’), Rio Adebisi (Zac Williams 90+7’), Mickey Demetriou, Luke Offord (C), Chris Long, Shilow Tracey, Joel Tabiner, Connor O’Riordan, Elliot Nevitt, Jack Powell (Regan Griffiths 87’). Subs not used: Tom Booth, Conor Thomas, Owen Lunt, Lewis Billington.
ATTENDANCE: 16,736 (334 visiting supporters)
