All of a sudden Bradford City fans are walking round with a smile on their faces.

Three victories from the last four games and a point against Sheffield United - which should have been three - have transformed the Bantams' season.

Even the fact that fierce rivals Huddersfield are the shock leaders of Division One at the moment has not tempered the enjoyment City fans have derived from the recent run.

Two of the victories have come in the Worthington Cup at the expense of an impressive Halifax side, but it was the performances against Sheffield United and West Brom which really lifted the gloom.

Against the Blades it was good to see City frequently carve open the defence of one of the promotion favourites. But they will have been alarmed by their defensive lapses which prevented them collecting all three points.

And at the Hawthorns last Sunday City sparkled in front of the Sky TV cameras

I must admit that before the game the best result I thought City could get was a draw. But City's intentions were clear once Jewell revealed his line up which had Lee Mills and Isaiah Rankin up front supported by Robbie Blake and Peter Beagrie on either side of midfield.

Jewell clearly fancied his chances - with good reason.

In the first half, City were simply sensational with excellent movement and passing leaving Albion chasing shadows.

Now it is up to the Bantams to repeat that form.

The encouraging recent run has coincided with the return to the side of Blake. The 22-year-old had to start the season on the sidelines due to a three-game ban he picked up for being sent off against Portsmouth on the final day of last season.

With the Bantams investing heavily during the summer, Blake had to be content with a place in the reserve side on his return.

But like a good professional, the former Darlington man reacted to this disappointment with some encouraging displays.

Blake was recalled for the home clash with Sheffield United and he capped his display with a superbly taken goal.

Blake then switched to play wide on the left at The Hawthorns with great aplomb.

Then, just two days later Blake was back up front and duly obliged with a goal in the 3-1 win over Halifax which clinched a 5-2 aggregate Worthington Cup second round win.

In fact, the most frequently asked question I have received from the representatives of the Press covering City's last four games is why has Blake not been in the side?

He is the player who has caught the eye and now he is the man others have to displace.

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