MARK Trueman applauded City’s efforts after securing a much-needed win over Cambridge at Valley Parade.

The Bantams clinched their first league victory in eight games thanks to a first-half stunner from Harry Pritchard.

Temporary boss Trueman again lauded the battling spirit of the team who restricted the visitors to just one shot on target.

Trueman said: “It’s a great feeling. The players are happy and we’ve got some foundations to build on going into Tuesday (at Grimsby).

“We said we needed to set that platform defensively first of all, but then we asked a little bit more from them in possession.

“We showed that first half and I thought we were the better team. We knew we’d have a reaction from Cambridge after that so we’re happy to keep the clean sheet.”

Pritchard struck just before half-time, chesting down Paudie O’Connor’s long angled pass and then shooting past Cambridge keeper Callum Burton from outside the box.

“It was a fantastic goal but we know the qualities that Pritch has got,” added Trueman.

“He gets into good areas on the pitch and makes great runs. He does a lot of work for the team that sometimes goes unnoticed.

“He’s been a fantastic player for Conor (Sellars) and myself with how he’s bought into everything we’ve done.”

Callum Cooke hit the post as City created several chances to increase their lead before Richard O’Donnell made a crucial late save from Joe Ironside.

“That was just as important as the goal,” said Trueman. “The concentration from Rich late on when the rain’s coming down and there were a lot of bodies in there was fantastic.

“A second goal would maybe have killed them off. But we knew they’d come at us, so we had to be more disciplined and harder to break down.

“We always knew we’d get chances on the counter and we were unlucky with Cookie’s (Callum Cooke) shot off the post and Austin (Samuels) late on.

“Whether I’m in charge on Tuesday at Grimsby or a new manager comes in, it’s great foundations for them.

“But until I know that, I’ve got a job to do. I’ll be straight on to prepare for the game if I get the call.”