Mansfield complete festive hat-trick with convincing win against Bradford

Mansfield made it three wins from three matches over the festive period with a convincing 3-0 home victory over high-flying Bradford.

The Stags went into Christmas in the drop zone but have powered their way up the table, despite a lengthy injury list.

With a strong wind behind them, Bradford, who had won five of their last six league games, started well and Brad Halliday forced Liam Roberts into a good save at his near post after 13 minutes.

But in the 22nd minute the home side went ahead as Rhys Oates was sent clear down the middle by a cutting Will Evans pass. Sam Walker saved his first attempt, but Oates latched onto the loose ball and drilled home at the second time of asking.

It was 2-0 after 37 minutes. Stephen McLaughlin’s cross picked out Lucas Akins at the far post and he headed powerfully home from six yards.

Early in the second half, Bradford felt Akins had handled in the box blocking a free-kick, but the referee played on.

It was the home side who went 3-0 up in the 67th minute.

Bradford skipper Max Power was caught in possession by Louis Reed who then fed Oates for a perfect first-time finish.

Roberts denied Will Swan a late consolation as he denied him one-on-one, then Joe Wright had an effort chalked off for offside.