Graham Alexander pleased for his players after Bradford end winless run

Bradford manager Graham Alexander expressed his relief for his players after they beat Exeter 1-0 to claim a first win for seven games.

Joe Wright scored the only goal after 20 minutes with a low finish from Max Power’s cross.

Goalkeeper Sam Walker then made sure of third-placed Bradford’s first league victory since September 27, pulling off saves from Jack Aitchison and Ethan Brierley to deny Exeter’s late surge.

Alexander said: “It was a tough game. Exeter are a good team and have been at this level for a few years.

“They have a way of playing that’s difficult to match at times and their defensive record this season is really good.

“I’m so glad for the players and pleased with them. Frustration can kick in when you haven’t won for a little while and a desperation to get over the line with three points and that maybe showed up in our play at times.

“But we found a way to win and that’s the biggest thing in football.

“Even though we haven’t won for a while in the league, we’ve only lost one of those games. Our resilience, organisation and fitness levels are good.

“It’s another game for us to realise the quality that’s right the way through this league. Every team has got good players and is well coached.

“We have to rise to the challenge which we’ve done ever so well so far this season.”

Exeter striker Jayden Wareham had a header tipped over by Walker and missed a huge opportunity when he shot wide after latching on to Ibou Touray’s loose back pass.

Grecians manager Gary Caldwell was frustrated to finish empty-handed.

He said: “I thought the players were outstanding. We set the tone right from the start.

“We knew Bradford were a good team, especially at home with the huge crowd. We knew they’d have moments in the game but I can only remember two crosses coming in – one which led to the goal.

“The free-kick before that was taken nowhere near where the incident took place. Too often the ref and the fourth official don’t apply the rules of the game.

“There was another cross that was a chance for them but I can’t remember anything after that. We created numerous chances and dominated.

“We were the only team in the game second half trying to score. We have to keep going and believing in that.

“When you get 19 shots away from home, performances like that have got to start turning into victories.

“Bradford are a fantastic and well-supported club. But when you lose and our fans are still clapping the players when most of the stadium is emptying, I think it tells you how the game went.”