Scotia Smith's match report...
Walsall kicked off this crucial League One encounter and immediately had the majority of the possession, although it was Bradford who had the first shot on goal, well saved by Etheridge.Walsall’s pressure finally resulted in the first goal of the game. Lalkovic’s mazy run and shot deflected off a defender and Bradshaw pounced to tuck it away.
The goal was followed by more pressure and shots from Walsall. Efforts from Sawyers, Evans and Morris all went close and after 30 minutes the home team was enjoying 63% of the possession.
The best chance was a Downing header which flew over the bar just on half time.
The second half started with Bradford on the front foot.
They had a number of attacks and free kicks, one of which resulted in a yellow card for Downing. Ethridge was the busier goalkeeper now and the loud Bradford fans sensed their team was back in it.
Sure enough, in the 63rd minute Evans scored with a tremendous volley from the edge of the box.
It was anyone’s game at this point and it was turning into a real battle.
Bradford picked up two yellow cards for fouls on Bradshaw and Demetriou and O’Connor was lucky to avoid one for stopping the goalie taking a quick kick.
However, in the 72nd minute Sawyers played the pass of the game and his wonderful through ball was slotted home superbly by Lalkovic.
Both teams then made changes - Forde was brought on for Morris and Lalkovic was replaced by Cook.
Demetriou and O’Connor were both booked for time wasting as Bradford really went for it in the last 10 minutes.
The home defence stood firm to give Walsall a well deserved and hard fought victory.