Jack Payne effort enough as Bradford beat Burton

Posted Wednesday, August 22, 2018 by PA

Huddersfield Town loanee Jack Payne netted a first-half winner as Bradford City recovered from a three-match losing run in all competitions with a narrow 1-0 win over Burton Albion at Valley Parade.

It took a smart piece of opportunism by the pint-sized midfielder in the 32nd minute to settle this evenly-fought contest.

Sean Scannell’s right-wing cross was diverted into Payne’s path and he darted past two visiting defenders before beating Stephen Bywater with a low, right-footed shot just inside the post.

Bradford had two chances to increase their lead in the 36th minute when Hope Akpan, who joined Bradford from Burton in the summer, volleyed straight at Bywater from Ryan McGowan’s cross after the Albion defence failed to clear Payne’s corner.

Skipper Josh Wright then retrieved the ball on the right and crossed to the far post where Eoin Doyle headed wide.

Marvin Sordell missed a great chance to equalise two minutes after half-time when McGowan’s attempted clearance landed at his feet 10 yards out, but he fired over the bar.

The away side, who were relegated from the Championship at the end of last season, went close to levelling the scores on other occasions as play swung from end to end in the second half.

However, their best chance fell to Lucas Akins in the last minute of stoppage time as he fired wide from 10 yards out with what turned out to be the last kick of the match.