Zamora edges Brighton away from bottom of table

Bradford 0, Brighton 1 (half-time)

Bobby Zamora took his goal tally to four in the last five games as Brighton edged closer to life away from the bottom of the table.

The England Under-21 striker’s header after 28 minutes proved to be the difference between the sides at Valley Parade, although he had enough chances to have registered a first-half hat-trick.

Zamora’s goal not only leaves Brighton 45 minutes away from a third away win of the season, but facing the prospect of leapfrogging Sheffield Wednesday and Stoke in the relegation zone.

The first chance of an entertaining opening period fell to Kerry Mayo, although his tame shot allowed Bradford goalkeeper Aidan Davison to make a fairly comfortable save.

Ben Roberts, Davison’s opposite number, had to show considerably sharper reflexes shortly after to deny Ashley Ward, whose close-range header looked destined for the back of the net.

Richard Carpenter’s drive from distance ensured Davison’s hands were kept warm, while Simon Francis fizzed a shot past Roberts’ right-hand upright at the other end after being teed up by Ward.

It was left to Zamora to provide the composure in front of goal, although his far-post header from Gary Hart’s right-wing cross was far from emphatic.

Referee Graham Salisbury needed to consult his assistant before ruling that the ball had crossed the line, not only giving Brighton the advantage but rendering Davison’s acrobatic dive in vain.

Bradford, visibly shocked at falling behind to the team with the second-worst goalscoring record in the division, could count themselves fortunate not to concede again before the interval.

Zamora was again the man posing the threat, failing to find the target by a matter of inches with a sweetly-struck half-volley before sending another effort narrowly wide in the dying stages of the half.