Bolton 0, Bradford City 0; by Richard Sutcliffe, in Bolton.

It may not have been a classic. It may not have been the Boxing Day feast many were predicting.

But Bradford City's performance in this hard-fought clash again confirmed that Paul Jewell's men are serious contenders in the race for the Premiership.

Both sides went into the game with deserved reputations as two of the most entertaining teams in the First Division and a repeat of the four-goal thriller when the pair met at Valley Parade earlier in the season looked a distinct possibility.

However a swirling wind and driving rain ensured that was never going to be the case and instead it was the Bantams work ethic which again led to Paul Jewell's men earning what could prove to be a crucial point.

The City boss has instilled a fighting spirit in his side this season and, as a result, it is very rare to see the opposition out-fighting the Bantams.

Skipper Stuart McCall epitomises this determination and it was the former Scottish international who again led City by example.

From the first minute, the midfielder was racing all over the field winning tackles and pulling off crucial tackles to harry Bolton out of their stride.

The City skipper, whose last appearance against Bolton came when they won the Third Division championship in 1985, also came closest to scoring with a stinging 25-yard drive which crashed against the post in the 59th minute.

It would have been a fitting reward for an impressive all-round performance from the Scot and if awards were being handed out for the best transfer of 1998, then Jewell's move for his skipper would be a leading contender.

McCall's partnership with Gareth Whalley in the centre of midfield has been one of the most important factors in City's rise up the table with the pair developing a superb understanding.

The pair used the ball intelligently when in possession and if City are to continue their rapid progress then it is important that both Whalley and McCall stay clear of injury and suspension.

McCall and Whalley may have caught the eye in midfield but it was the manner of the whole side's battling performance which was yet again so crucial against in-form Bolton.

Several City fans were worried that the suspension of top scorer Lee Mills would be a serious handicap against Bolton, not only due to his goals but also because of the amount of defensive work he puts in.

However Robbie Blake, who was again City's most dangerous attacker, and Gordon Watson worked hard when defending from the front as they helped to prevent Bolton putting their crisp passing game into action.

The only disappointment for City was the lack of a cutting edge throughout the game when going forward.

Blake continued his recent fine form while Peter Beagrie was a dangerous threat on the left, and particularly in the final 20 minutes of the first half.

However despite the odd occasion when the Bolton back-line was opened up, it was City's defensive performance which caught the eye and earned most of the plaudits.

The defensive partnership of Darren Moore and Andy O'Brien again looked much more comfortable as their understanding continues to develop.

However as impressive as the Bantams defended, they had goalkeeper Gary Walsh to thank for preserving a point. His positioning was impressive while he pulled off two outstanding saves either side of half-time to deny Dean Holdsworth and former Leeds striker Bob Taylor.

Walsh's saves ensured the Bantams emerged from their first visit to the impressive Reebok Stadium with a point but on the balance of play, there was no doubting City deserved a share of the spoils and they go into today's clash with Tranmere hoping to cement their position in the play-off standings.

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