The first half was a promotion party without champagne as West Brom's exertions failed to yield a breakthrough.
In truth, the gulf between the clubs, between relegation and promotion was hardly emphatic - Gary Megson's side were energetic and organised but lacking creativity and attacking verve.
The first true effort of the half arrived on thirteen minutes, as Andy Johnson's wayward drive hit team-mate Geoff Horsfield and ended up in the Bradford goal - rightly chalked off for offside.
Two minutes later and Johnson saw a close range effort cleared twice off the Bradford line, following an almighty scramble in the box.
Bradford's response was immediate and emphatic as Windass' clever ball bypassed the West Brom rearguard - only for Lewis Emanual to waste the visitor's only real chance of the opening period.
West Brom then took the ascendancy and proceeded to squander a host of chances.
First, Thomas Gaardsoe's powerful header was superbly parried by Bantam's keeper Mark Patson.
Lee Hughes contrived to drill wide when played clear and then strike partner Geoff Horsfield was left ruing a missed opportunity five minutes from the whistle, after good build-up from a marauding Neil Clement down the left flank.
The final effort of the half fell to Hughes, whose first time drilled effort was a disappointing conclusion to a decisive Baggies break.
Ten minutes into the second period and West Brom found a breakthrough. Jason Koumas, who was peripheral in the first half, showed his undoubted quality with an exquisite chip which came back off the crossbar - Geoff Horsfield on hand to head home form five yards.
Five minutes later and West Brom doubled their advantage. A ball from back to front exposed a gaping hole in the Bradford backline and the hard running Hughes netted with aplomb after cutting in from the right flank.
Hughes then proceeded to strike the post with a first time effort, which would have added gloss to West Brom's polished second half display.
Horsfield and Hughes, constant thorns throughout, could have heaped further misery on the visitors but an exuberant Hawthorns crowd were content enough in a glorious afternoon for The Baggies.
The hard work starts here.
