FT: Bradford City 1 Doncaster Rovers 2 - Dickov’s derby delight

Reece Wabara scores Rovers equaliser past Jordan Pickford.
(Picture: Bruce Rollinson) — Reece Wabara scores Rovers equaliser past Jordan Pickford. (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

On-loan Huddersfield Town striker Jon Stead fired the Bantams ahead in the 45th minute but Reece Wabara and Curtis Main struck back with goals in the 59th and 69th minutes to give Rovers victory.

Doncaster were indebted to a top-class goalkeeping display from Sam Johnstone in the first half for preventing City from swamping them.

The Manchester United goalkeeper made his second loan debut for the club following Jed Steer’s return to parent club Aston Villa and produced a one-man show of defiance as City gradually turned the screw.

It looked like their efforts would go unrewarded until Stead produced a delightful turn just inside the area to fire the ball past Johnston in the 45th minute.

City were twice more thwarted by England Under-21 Johnstone in the seven minutes of stoppage time caused by a serious leg injury to left-back Cedric Evina, taken off on a stretcher after he and Filipe Morais went in for a challenge at full stretch.

Liam Wakefield came on at right-back with Reece Wabara moving across to the left.

Wabara equalised when he slid in at the far post to meet Wakefield’s cross and then Main fired the winner with the outside of his right foot from just inside the area after being set up by Richie Wellens.

City attempted to hit back but Johnstone was in inspired form and was not to be beaten again during this thrilling and often frenetic encounter.

Rovers manager Paul Dickov said: “Absolutely delighted with the second half performance especially.

“We showed a lot of character, a lot of guts. It was a feisty, feisty game, which I quite enjoyed actually.

“To come back from a goal behind and go on to get the winner shows there’s a lot of character in there.”

Opposite number Phil Parkinson said: “It was a smash and grab from Doncaster.

“I’ve stood here a few times afterwards and said we’ve not deserved anything from a home game. But today’s not the case.

“I’m not going to be too down on myself or the players for the performance. I thought we showed a lot of good attributes.”