Consistency is key for Graham Alexander as Bradford climb to second

Bradford boss Graham Alexander is delighted with the consistency shown by his high-flying Bantams following a 1-0 League One win at second-from-bottom Plymouth.

Former Argyle midfielder Antoni Sarcevic tucked away the match-winning 57th-minute penalty, after Julio Pleguezuelo’s push on Stephen Humphrys, to take City second.

Alexander was not interested in talking about the league position following the win but was full of praise for his side.

“There are some games when you just have to enjoy grinding out the win,” he said.

“We want to play well; we want to create a lot of chances as we did in the first period of the season. But if you are looking at a 46-game season? You are not going to play well in all those games but you have to be competitive in all 46.

“We have managed a consistency of being really competitive in all games. It’s enabled us to win points whether we are gaining points through draws or tight margins, and that was by a tight margin today.

“We knew this would be a tough game in tough conditions but we managed to keep a clean sheet and had a threat in front of goal, and we won the penalty and Sarce tucked it away from the spot-kick.

“It was another really strong performance from the whole squad. To get another clean sheet? It’s great to see from the boys.

“We had to make sure we got back to those principles we had from last season – and keeping a clean sheet.

“You could see today there was no hangover from Tuesday (a Vertu Trophy defeat to Bolton).”

Argyle boss Tom Cleverley saw reason for optimism, despite another home defeat.

He said: “I thought for 65-70 minutes we were the better side up to their box.

“I think we were a little bit lacking ideas, lacking quality, lacking confidence around their box. We knew that could be an issue.

“We only had four league goals in the 18-man squad today so that is a worry. But the only way to get goals is to put yourself in that position and keep putting yourself in that position.

“Because I guarantee when the first league goal comes for Bali Mumba, Owen Dale, Jamie Paterson, then two, three, four will come quickly after. It’s all about keep being there, being the one that puts yourself front and centre.

“Today I thought we were really good up to their box, where we lacked a bit of everything.

“I am really delighted that three of our experienced players – Julio Pleguezuelo, Joe Ralls, Joe Edwards – quality players got good minutes under their belts today because they make us better.

“I have a lot more hope now that we will win points than I did five weeks ago. Fast forward and that should have been three clean sheets in our last four barring a refereeing decision.”