Stockport County 1

Bradford City 2

The score may have been the same as the corresponding fixture between the two sides exactly 12 months earlier, but the prospects for Bradford City in the coming months could hardly be more different.

Last season, Paul Jewell had taken charge as caretaker manager just days before the visit to Edgeley Park on the second Saturday of January and he guided his side to an impressive 2-1 win.

The City boss did exactly the same again this time around but whereas last year the fans were just grateful for the right result at the end of a traumatic week which had seen Chris Kamara sacked, now it is dreams of the Premiership which are occupying their minds.

And against Stockport, City illustrated just why their bid for promotion is gathering pace at a vital stage of the season.

A fine goal from Robbie Blake had given the Bantams a deserved half-time lead after an opening 45 minutes where they had played the more constructive football in what can, at best, be described as a scrappy affair.

After the break, however, Stockport took control with the City defence coming under a constant aerial bombardment as the home side looked to make use of their most potent weapon, 6ft 2in striker Brett Angell.

It was the former Everton striker who brought he sides level when he slammed the ball home after an almighty goalmouth scramble in the 62nd minute.

That fired up both the vociferous home crowd and the Stockport side and it began to look like City would do well to escape with a point.

However, not for the first time this season, Jewell's side stood up to be counted with a performance of courage and passion, coupled with some lightning attacking breaks, which eventually earned another important three points.

And that winner came thanks to Peter Beagrie, who before his strike with 18 minutes remaining had struggled to make much impact.

The City wideman ran to within 20 yards of the goal and after one smart turn had left a defender struggling, Beagrie unleashed a curling shot which County goalkeeper Carlo Nash could only palm on to the post and into the net.

County immediately launched wave after wave of attacks on the City goal in the hope of finding a second equaliser, but there was no way that Jewell's battling side were going to surrender their initiative again.

Darren Moore and Andy O'Brien were outstanding at the heart of the City defence as they dealt admirably with Angell's height and the pace of County record signing Ian Moore.

Stuart McCall was also impressive in the middle with his tough-tackling style and his ability to spot an opening for a team-mate giving City a huge advantage.

Blake, who at times appears to be playing with the ball attached to his foot with a bit of string such is his control of the ball in tight situations, was again rewarded for a dangerous display with his 11th goal of the season.

Jamie Lawrence was another player who impressed going forward with his pace frightening the County back-line, although he was often let down by a sub-standard final ball.

The victory also ensured that Jewell avoided the jinx which has struck the previous Managers of the Month in the First Division.

Tranmere's John Aldridge and Bolton's Colin Todd both could only look on and see their respective sides fail to win a game in the month which followed their awards.

Jewell has avoiaded that fate and with two home games against Crewe and Crystal Palace to come, City, who have a game in hand on the three sides above them, must fancy their chances of moving into an automatic promotion slot within the next eight days.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.