Match ends, Rochdale 0, Bradford City 2.
RochdaleRochdale0BradfordBradford City2
Bradford climbed up to fourth in League One as goals from Jason Kennedy and James Hanson sunk Rochdale.
The Bantams headed into the match buoyed by a 2-1 League Cup win over Championship Leeds but were frustrated at Spotland until the 60th minute.
It was former Rochdale midfielder Kennedy who opened the scoring, firing home a low volley from a knockdown.
Six minutes later, Hanson, who netted the winner against Leeds in midweek, headed in from an Alan Sheehan corner.
Rochdale manager Keith Hill told BBC Radio Manchester:
"The game could have gone either way. When the game was at the breaking point, we conceded. It's as simple as that.
"Jason Kennedy's been absolutely marvellous for Rochdale and it looks as though he's started the season brightly for Bradford. I wish him all the best.
"We've got to stick to the plan, we've got to back ourselves, we've got to be brave and hopefully the corner will turn."
Line-ups
Rochdale
Formation 4-4-1-1
- 22Logan
- 2RaffertyBooked at 62minsSubstituted forDonnellyat 67'minutes
- 33Kennedy
- 24Allen
- 5Eastham
- 17Tanser
- 3BennettBooked at 90mins
- 14Hery
- 7VincentiSubstituted forAndrewat 73'minutes
- 40Henderson
- 16DoneSubstituted forFenelonat 67'minutes
Substitutes
- 9Andrew
- 12Dawson
- 19Donnelly
- 21Musangu
- 25Rose
- 28Camps
- 45Fenelon
Bradford
Formation 4-1-2-1-2
- 1Pickford
- 2Darby
- 3Meredith
- 8Liddle
- 23McArdle
- 6Sheehan
- 17Kennedy
- 20MoraisSubstituted forClarkeat 45'minutes
- 28BennettSubstituted forMcLeanat 75'minutes
- 9Hanson
- 11KnottSubstituted forDolanat 82'minutesBooked at 90mins
Substitutes
- 4Dolan
- 7McLean
- 10Clarke
- 12Williams
- 14Yeates
- 18Routis
- 19McBurnie
- Referee:
- Nigel Miller
- Attendance:
- 4,758
Match Stats
Home TeamRochdaleAway TeamBradford
- Possession
- Home51%
- Away49%
- Shots
- Home11
- Away11
- Shots on Target
- Home1
- Away4
- Corners
- Home4
- Away3
- Fouls
- Home8
- Away10
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Rochdale 0, Bradford City 2.
Post update
Foul by George Donnelly (Rochdale).
Post update
Matthew Dolan (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Booking
Rhys Bennett (Rochdale) is shown the yellow card.
Post update
Foul by Rhys Bennett (Rochdale).
Post update
Matthew Dolan (Bradford City) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Booking
Matthew Dolan (Bradford City) is shown the yellow card.
Post update
Rhys Bennett (Rochdale) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Post update
Foul by Matthew Dolan (Bradford City).
Post update
Shamir Fenelon (Rochdale) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Foul by Alan Sheehan (Bradford City).
Substitution
Substitution, Bradford City. Matthew Dolan replaces Billy Knott.
Post update
Attempt missed. Calvin Andrew (Rochdale) left footed shot from outside the box is too high.
Post update
Attempt missed. George Donnelly (Rochdale) right footed shot from outside the box is high and wide to the left.
Post update
Calvin Andrew (Rochdale) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
Post update
Foul by Jason Kennedy (Bradford City).
Substitution
Substitution, Bradford City. Aaron McLean replaces Mason Bennett.
Post update
Scott Tanser (Rochdale) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Post update
Foul by Mason Bennett (Bradford City).