Bradford strengthen grip on automatic promotion with win over Cheltenham

Bradford recorded their ninth consecutive home league win with a 3-0 victory over Cheltenham to strengthen their grip on an automatic promotion place.

George Lapslie scored twice on his first start for the club since signing from Gillingham in January and on-loan Burnley striker Michael Mellon also netted in a comfortable win.

Mellon put an early header straight at Cheltenham keeper Joe Day as Bradford dominated from the start.

Day threw himself at full stretch to tip away Brandon Khela’s shot and Jamie Walker went close before the hosts’ pressure paid off.

Tayo Adaramola’s first cross was blocked but the ball came back out to him and he picked out Lapslie to head home from close range.

Lapslie then set up Walker for a shot just past the post as Bradford continue to push forward.

Lapslie added a second early in the second half when he converted Walker’s cross.

Mellon forced another save from Day and Lapslie volleyed just over before Bradford scored their third. Walker provided the low cross again for Mellon to bundle home.

Bradford closed the gap on leaders Walsall to two points.