Kick start for Jewell

The Bantams travelled to Sincil Bank in danger of becoming the victim of a giant-killing act after they could only draw 1-1 at home to the Second Division Imps last week.

However, a 73rd-minute goal from record signing Isaiah Rankin was enough to book a place in the second round and earn City their first win of the season.

It could also hand the Bantams a lucrative second round draw next Wednesday, with the majority of Premiership sides joining at this stage.

And Jewell is hoping the 1-0 victory will act as the impetus to help City launch their First Division campaign after two successive defeats.

He said: "I have just said to the players that hopefully this result can kick start our season.

"The season has been disappointing so far, but we must not lose sight of the fact that before the Lincoln game we had only played three games. Let us not get carried away.

"Although we were playing well, to come away from games like last Saturday at Watford without even a point can play on a player's mind.

"They knew they were under a little bit of pressure against Lincoln, but they showed plenty of guts, and I have to be pleased with that."

The winning goal was a sweet moment for Rankin, who only joined City in a £1.3 million deal last Friday.

The 20-year-old had enjoyed a lively game up front, his pace and awareness causing Lincoln all sorts of problems.

However, as with last Saturday's defeat at Watford, the former Arsenal striker looked like missing out on his first City goal.

Rankin said: "I thought it would never come. In the end it was a tap-in, which was probably just what I needed.

"My confidence is sky high now, and hopefully this will set me up for Sunday against Bolton. I am in the side to create chances and, although I missed some, I would only worry if I was not in there creating them."

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