Bradford City-0 Stoke City-2

Before the match there was a one minute silence to mark the anniversary of the Bradford fire back in 1985 and it was impeccably observed by both sets of supporters. It didn’t take the Potters long however, to get their minds back on the match as they took the lead after just 56 seconds. A superbly executed Kris Commons free-kick found Noel-Williams on the edge of the six yard box and he glanced a header past Alan Combe and into the far corner of the net.

were deploying a 4-4-1-1 formation with Peter Hoekstra behind Noel-Williams and Bradford lined out 4-3-3 but never looked like troubling the Potters’ rearguard. It was a game of few chances but Darel Russell had a shot deflected for a corner and Wayne Thomas tried his luck from distance. Ed De Goey was put into action by Sanasy but he dealt with the 20 yarder easily.

The second half started as the first one had with a goal from Noel-Williams. Darel Russell worked hard to create an opening and the ball eventually fell to Noel-Williams who hit the roof of the net from a tight angle. He did have a chance for his hat-trick and his tenth of the season seven minutes later but was forced on to his left foot and got no power behind his shot to trouble Combe.

The goal killed the game as a contest that had the feeling of a pre-season friendly and the match passed without further incident. The win ensured the Potters still have a top half finish in their sights and a win on Tuesday would take City above Cardiff into 11^th place. Fans are now being asked to pile into the stadium for the final two home matches in which City can have a big say on the outcome of the first division. West Brom need to win to have a chance of the title whilst Gillingham will be in desperate need of a win to avoid relegation.