Bradford City 2, Tranmere Rovers 0; by Richard Sutcliffe, at Valley Parade.

Bradford City's deadly duo of Lee Mills and Robbie Blake struck again to earn a victory which could see Paul Jewell toasting his first anniversary as manager with champagne next week.

The Bantams strike force have now plundered nine goals in just four games together to give City an impressive December haul of 13 points from five games.

And it means that Jewell, who took charge of the club following Chris Kamara's dismissal on January 6, could be in line to scoop the First Division's Manager of the Month award when it is announced next Monday.

Birmingham's Trevor Francis appears to be Jewell's main rival as his free-scoring side have hit the goal trail with big victories over Oxford and Bury.

But even if the Blues boss does pip Jewell for the award, the City manager can look back on probably his most satisfying spell since taking charge at Valley Parade.

Since crashing to a disappointing 3-0 home defeat against QPR on November 28, City have beaten Oxford, Swindon, Wolves and Tranmere as well as earning a fine draw at Bolton on Boxing Day.

City may not have produced their most convincing performance against Rovers, but they deserve great credit for grinding out another important three points.

Despite their lowly position in the league table, Tranmere arrived at Valley Parade unbeaten away since August 22 and showed in patches why they are so hard to beat on their travels.

They were also fresh from a fine victory over runaway leaders Sunderland 48 hours earlier.

But City's deadly strikers made sure that another three points were secured.

As with the draw at Bolton on Boxing Day, City's hard work ethic shone through as they gave a fully committed display on a heavy pitch which referee Terry Heilbron only finally passed fit at 2.15pm.

City's never-say-die spirit was epitomised midway through the second half when Mills lost possession inside his own half. The City top scorer jumped to his feet and, along with team-mate Gareth Whalley, managed to regain the ball with a crunching tackle.

This effort was repeated all over the pitch throughout the 90 minutes.

Whenever a City player lost the ball you could be certain that a team-mate would be on hand to win back possession.

It was the sort of tenacity which brought about City's 27th minute opener.

An intelligent kick from keeper Gary Walsh saw Blake chase and harry Micky Mellon into the error which presented him with a gift-wrapped chance which he gleefully accepted.

It was a fitting reward for another fine display from Blake who drew strong praise from Rovers boss John Aldridge, one of the best strikers in the modern game, at the post-match press conference.

Mills was also in excellent form on his return to the side after a one game suspension.

His ability to hold the ball up and bring a team-mate into the action was a constant worry to Rovers.

And I doubt if he will ever produce a better strike than the one which earned him his 15th goal of the season in the 61st minute.

The ball fell to City's top scorer about 20 yards out and he drilled one of the sweetest shots you could wish to see into the bottom corner of Danny Coyne's net.

However as impressive as City's two goals were, it was the defensive performance which caught the eye.

Wayne Jacobs had a superb game on the left while Andy O'Brien produced the type of display which drew close scrutiny from several Premiership scouts last season.

The teenager was in control at the back with some timely tackles and blocks helping to ensure City finished with their third clean sheet in the last five games.

And it helped to ensure that Jewell will celebrate his first year as manager with his City side sitting pretty in fourth position with the promise of an exciting 1999 ahead.

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