Nationwide League: Bradford lead Wolves

Wolves 0, Bradford 1 (half-time)

Ashley Ward handed First Division strugglers Bradford a shock half-time lead over promotion-chasing Wolves at Molineux.

The much-travelled striker netted his 10th goal of the season from close-range in the 31st minute to boost Bradford’s relegation fight.

A superb cross-field ball from Stuart McCall found Simon Grayson, making his debut following his loan move from Blackburn.

Jolean Lescott failed to cut out Grayson’s cross and Ward nipped in to tuck the ball past Michael Oakes - the first attempt on target from either side.

Wolves, with five wins from six games, responded immediately and having failed to breach a well-organised Bradford defence in a dire opening 35 minutes, suddenly had two opportunities within a minute.

First Wales international Nathan Blake unleashed a fierce left-foot drive which on-loan goalkeeper Alan Coombe superbly palmed away for a corner.

From the resulting kick, Mark Kennedy’s cross was met by an acrobatic overhead kick by Dean Sturridge, which went straight at Coombe.

Four minutes before the break, Kennedy’s corner was met by Blake but his near-post flick also fell into the arms of Coombe.

The Bradford goalkeeper came to his side’s rescue again in injury-time when he tipped aside Shaun Newton’s near-post header.

Victory for Dave Jones’ side will see them move level on 64 points with Manchester City, although they would have played a game more.

But their quest for a 10th home win of the season stalled somewhat and they will again have to come from behind at home.

Bradford, meanwhile, will surely have their work cut out if they are to hang on for a vital win it will only be their fourth away from home this season.