Will Atkinson returns to haunt Bradford as Port Vale win away

Posted Wednesday, October 23, 2019 by PA

Former Bradford midfielder Will Atkinson came off the bench to score a stoppage-time winner against his old club and give Port Vale their first away victory of the season at Valley Parade.

The match was heading for a draw when Atkinson scored with a close right-footed shot high into the top corner from Richard Bennett’s pass to make it 2-1 after Bradford failed to clear the danger.

Port Vale were rewarded for a bright start by going in front in the 18th minute through David Worrall, Bennett holding the ball up for him to score from 15 yards out.

Earlier, Worrall sent a shot just wide of the far post, Vale skipper Leon Legge volleyed narrowly over the crossbar from Worrall’s corner while Richard O’Donnell saved from David Amoo.

Danny Devine and skipper James Vaughan had shots blocked as Bradford hit back, but Vale still caused problems for the Bantams’ defence before the home side were handed a lifeline a minute before half-time. Devine was fouled in the box by Jake Taylor and Vaughan equalised from the spot.

Bradford dominated the second half as Zeli Ismail’s close range shot was saved at the near post by keeper Scott Brown in the 57th minute, Kelvin Mellor saw his shot cleared off the line by Legge in the 70th minute and keeper Richard Brown did well to save Connor Wood’s 25-yard drive before Atkinson’s dramatic late winner.