Bradford City Reserves 2, Middlesbrough Reserves 1: A tremendous second half display from Bradford City was enough to cement their second place in the FA Premier Reserve league.

The Bantams clinched all three points thanks to strikes from Jorge Cadete and Ashley Westwood to move six points clear of third-placed Middlesbrough.

And although Westwood's winner did not arrive until three minutes from time, there was no doubt that City's dominance after the break deserved the victory.

Robbie Blake, Lee Mills and Cadete could all have put City ahead during the second half before Westwood's header from Lee Sharpe's wonderful cross broke Boro's resistance.

City picked the pace up after an error-ridden first half which allowed them to take control of midfield and there only ever looked like being one winner in the final 30 minutes.

The Bantams deserve great credit for persevering despite good goalkeeping and brave defending keeping the scores level.

In fact, City looked to have sealed the points in the 64th minute through a wonderful move involving Mills and Stephen Wright which ended with Robbie Blake volleying onto a post.

The ball bounced to Cadete who with his back to goal turned the ball goalwards only for it to be blocked.

But the home side would not be denied and after Mills' fierce header had brought a stunning save from Boro keeper Marlon Beresford, Sharpe returned the ball for Westwood to nod home.

It was a fitting end to an enjoyable game for City with several players impressing and Farsley trialist goalkeeper Liam Sutcliffe enjoying a solid game with some important claims.

It was Boro who went ahead in an untidy first half played in driving rain which left the pitch in a very soft state.

They took the lead when Mark Hudson prodded the ball over the line after a goalmouth scramble which saw the impressive Andy Campbell set his fellow striker up for the opportunity.

But within four minutes City were level thanks to Cadete who rose superbly to meet a Sharpe corner and send a bullet header past Beresford and a defender on the line.

The Portuguese striker was delighted by his goal as he ran towards the crowd and punched the air with relish.

And that set up City for a dominant second half display which saw Westwood send the crowd home delighted.

Richard Sutcliffe

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