Graham Alexander admits performance of two halves as Bradford beat Chesterfield

Graham Alexander admitted it was a performance of two halves from Bradford in their 2-1 win over Chesterfield.

Antoni Sarcevic’s first goal for the club sealed the comeback after Bobby Pointon had cancelled out Armando Dobra’s Valley Parade opener for Chesterfield.

Manager Alexander said: “We were second best all over in the first half – in our press and we didn’t get the ball down and trust each other. We rushed everything we did in possession.

“They deserved the goal from their play. We got a great goal to give us a lifeline going into half-time with Alex Pattison’s driving run and a great finish from Bobby.

“I was really happy to get in at half-time 1-1 because it could have looked completely different.

“But the character and personality from the players in the second half was exactly what was required to win a game of football.

“We were fully committed, connected, trusting their team-mates. When they went to the press, they knew there was a team-mate behind them.

“We have to play with that instinct. We can’t be looking over our shoulder or having doubts – the first-half performance showed that’s what you can get otherwise.

“Second half was full on and a great goal from Sarce to win the game.”

Liam Mandeville missed a big chance early on for Chesterfield before Dobra scored at the second attempt. Pointon backheeled Bradford level before Mandeville’s header hit a post.

The momentum changed after the break and Bradford’s improvement was rewarded when Sarcevic seized on a slip by Jamie Grimes to round keeper Max Thompson and score.

It was a second consecutive away defeat for Chesterfield, who have been hit hard by injuries.

Assistant manager Danny Webb said: “It was a really positive performance. We knew it was going to be a really challenging period coming up to January.

“We’re not high-fiving it because we’ve lost two games on the trot. But I always go by the reaction of supporters and they were standing clapping and cheering.

“We were disappointed with the goals we conceded. Going in at half-time 1-0 up, or if Liam scores 2-0, I’m not saying it’s game over but it was a hell of a chance of something to hang on to.

“Just before half-time was a killer but the boys stuck with it. They had a five-minute spell after they scored their second when we were a bit wobbly but we defended well to make sure it didn’t go to three.

“Fair play to Bradford but in terms of possession and attacking threat, looking to pass the ball and move, I thought we were the much better team.”