Bradford City vs Rochdale. The FA Cup First Round.
University of Bradford StadiumAttendance3,579.
Saturday 12 November 2011 18:01, UK
Nahki Wells struck a late wonder goal as Bradford beat Rochdale 1-0 in their FA Cup first-round clash at Valley Parade.
The goal from substitute Wells means Bradford edged through to the second round for the first time in three years. Bradford goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin, who made three penalty saves in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy win at Sheffield United in midweek, enhanced his reputation by keeping out shots from Dale trio Harry Bunn, Gary Jones and Frenchman Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro. League One side Dale enjoyed more first-half possession than their League Two hosts, who struggled to create openings for strikers Ross Hannah and Jamie Devitt. Hannah's long-range drive and his header straight at goalkeeper David Lucas were all Bradford could offer in a goalless first period. The Bantams increased the tempo after the interval and manager Phil Parkinson replaced Hannah and Devitt with James Hanson and Wells in the 66th minute. Hanson's header was cleared off the goalline by Jason Kennedy, but Bermudan striker Wells raced through the middle and shot into the top corner from 30 yards in the 84th minute.
