Anyone who doubts the role confidence plays in football should have watched Bradford City last night.

The Bantams chalked up their biggest score in nearly two years as they demolished Reading to mark Paul Jewell's promotion to manager in style.

But until Jamie Lawrence struck with a delightful left foot shot midway through the first half, they had been second best.

The Royals took a second minute lead through Carl Asaba and followed this by spraying the ball around with such conviction that City's lowest league crowd of the season - 13,021 - feared the worst.

The visitors should have been two goals ahead when Asaba again outpaced the City defence only to be denied by goalkeeper Gary Walsh as the Bantams failed to find any rhythm against accomplished opponents.

But as soon as Lawrence curled his shot expertly round Reading keeper Nicky Hammond after 24 minutes the result was never in question, with City immediately setting about destroying their opponents and sealing their second double of the season.

Lawrence's strike was the signal for greater fluidity and ambition on the ball from the entire City team

The midfield, which had previously been Reading's domain, was now in City's firm grip with Nigel Pepper in outstanding form as he chased every loose ball before charging forward to support the attack as often as possible.

It was the type of performance which made him such a hit towards the end of last season as the Bantams battled against relegation.

Pepper seemed to revel in the space which City's formation afforded him.

Lawrence's fine approach play has often been let down by a poor final ball - but not last night.

His precise cross allowed an un-marked Edinho to head City into the lead.

Playing Reading seems to bring out the best in Lawrence. His only previous goal of the season came in the 3-0 victory at Elm Park in August and his all round play was a delight.

After Edinho had put City ahead the confidence which had been lacking in the opening 20 minutes was back in abundance.

City's players suddenly found that crucial extra yard of pace when required.

It was a perfect day for Jewell. After being unveiled as the new manager earlier he celebrated with City's biggest win since March 1996 when they beat Swansea City 5-1.

The Welsh side, ironically, were managed by Jan Molby - the man who yesterday turned down the chance to be first team coach at Valley Parade.

City dominated the second 45 minutes to such an extent that they had eight shots on target while Reading did not have any.

And the outstanding figure was Robbie Blake, the young striker who joined the Bantams from Darlington in March. He even outshone Pepper, Lawrence and Edinho.

His ability to hold the ball up to allow the midfield to join the attack is a special talent and one which has made him invaluable to the Bantams in recent weeks.

The 21-year-old also has tremendous vision and in the second half every attack City enjoyed seemed to emanate from Blake.

He showed a real striker's instinct to deservedly grab City's third goal after the hard working Craig Ramage had seen his shot blocked.

Blake rounded off his evening's work by helping create Edinho second strike of the game with a sublime pass which was deftly flicked into the net by the Brazilian after 68 minutes. It was a fitting finish to a great team performance.

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