Darlington fell to another defeat as Steve Williams first half header was enough to return Bradford City to winning ways. The Bantams enjoyed the majority of the possession during the first period. Quakers improved a little after the break but in truth City made hard work of this affair.

Darlington made five changes to the side that lost heavily during midweek. However it wasn't enough to halt the poor form. Indeed the early signs suggested more of the same. After taking the lead though Bradford failed to build upon their advantage and kill the game off.

Also involved again was returning forward Lee Thorpe. He had Darlington's first shot of the game, and one of their best chances, as he collected Jonathan Hogg's pass. The former Rochdale forward made though failed to get enough power behind his shot and Simon Eastwood saved.

Bradford replied with a couple of chances of their own calling on Nick Liversedge to make a save to deny Scott Neilson. The visitors then hit the side netting through Lee Bullock. The Bantams got their noses in front on twenty-three minutes. Williams saw a close range shot diverted for a corner kick. From this set-piece he connected with Neilson's cross and headed home at the far post.

The visitors should have doubled their lead about ten minutes afterwards. James Hanson headed wide after Simon Ramsden crossed into the box. Darlington offered little in the way of a threat to Bradford City during the first half. The Bantams though were making hard work of the match and it always left Darlington with a chance of getting back into the encounter. The visitors though did look the more likely to add a second.

With around twenty minutes left to play Darlington might have found a way back into the game. James Collins came on in place of Mor Diop and he cut in from the right and fired a low shot that Eastwood saved. Darlington then won a corner before Thorpe saw a long range effort deflected wide for another flag kick. He had a better chance with five minutes left. Bradford failed to pick up the veteran forward as sub Curtis Main found him with a left wing cross. Despite having time he headed wide of the mark.