Crewe hit back to beat Bradford

Posted Sunday, September 01, 2019 by PA

Early-season front-runners Crewe earned their fourth win in five games as they came from behind to beat Bradford 2-1 with goals from Charlie Kirk and Tom Lowery.

James Vaughan headed the Bantams in front but Crewe were an attacking force throughout, although they missed a platter of great chances.

When Lowery’s effort dropped into the path of Paul Green, the veteran midfielder could only pull his volley straight at keeper Richard O’Donnell. Kirk then broke clear, evading Anthony O’Connor’s last-ditch tackle, but steered his shot past the far post.

Vaughan was more clinical when he edged Bradford ahead in the 32nd minute, reacting the quickest to head home the rebound after Jamie Devitt’s piledriver came back off the bar.

Ben Richards-Everton preserved the lead when heading a lofted effort from Kirk off the line.

But Kirk was not be denied after breaking clear again onto a long ball from Ryan Wintle, firing into the far corner to draw Crewe level three minutes before half-time.

Kirk was close again after the break when his deflected effort produced a reaction save from O’Donnell. But Crewe were to get their reward for sustained pressure when Lowery found the corner with a super drive from 25 yards on the hour mark.

Bradford went closest to levelling when debutant Harry Pritchard just missed with a diving header at the far post.