 Two sides going head-to-head whose form could not be more different through despite being outside the playoff places On goal difference only without a win in seven matches in all competitions coming into this one Bradford now under the guidance of Graham Alexander have been on a roll in recent weeks They are eight unbeaten in all competitions stability the key to success as they name Unchanged team from that which drew nil-nil Against leaders Stockport last time out through who drew 1-1 at Newport last time Make one change with Tracy coming in the last four meetings against Bradford here at Gresting Road have crew Fancy their chances and already there's an opportunity because long is in behind and that's going to be a penalty 12 minutes on the clock the referee has no hesitation Chris Long was alert to the opportunity. He was in behind Bradford can protest they're not going to change the mind of the officials It was Jonathan Tomkinson with the challenge, and I think he knew straight away Won the penalty and have the chance to convert it himself and crew take the lead Chris Long sending the keeper the wrong way Crew up and running at Gresting Road It's his second goal in three matches After several weeks out injured. He's back amongst the goal Crew have the advantage Bradford's Eight game run without defeat Prior to a couple of draws. They'd won six in a row as well immediate impact from Graham Alexander his slider behind here Holiday thought about the early cross holidays continued his run. It's been used as a decoy Gilead going for goal Comfortable in the end for Tom Booth. He was able to get down low and smother rather tame effort Used the run of holiday as a decoy. It opened up. You can see just trying to bend it into that bottom corner Comfortable for the keeper though. It's given away. It's been won back by Billington bore over the top cut out though by the Bradford back line Forward could turn out to be a very good ball forward But building it looking for options comes in the shape of a door Who's ball across the face of goal finds Tyler Smith on the stretch just unable to divert it? Goldwoods a door in behind fist across the face of goal Smith on the stretch Of the studs and why did it goes in decent response by Bradford's it's going behind Position winning the corner set piece for the Bantams taking short for small wood dealt with by the crew back line and then They want a corner not given Kelly in the end with the effort up from the back blazing over the bar the most convincing Defending by the home side and came with the opportunity from close range ball on the deck building from the back Bradford deploying the press The visitors have one Possession back that header from offered is up more than out Opens up for a door who tries his luck from distance Booth is behind it. He could only parry it clear It opened up and it just bounced in front of the keeper didn't it was an awkward one to deal with Billington The gold kick Lewis goes long Gift possession back to through Searching ball over the top trace. It gives chase He's got Kelly for company Waiting for some support This is decent play by the home side and they're in behind Was offered with the chance Lewis cutting out the danger at the near post decent football this by Lee Belside resulting in a chance for offered one in six league matches Have the lead in this one as we into the second half Come from behind in the second 45 if they're to maintain their push for the playoff Places in league two a door and possession back On the stretch sends it wide half chance Amongst the goals he's got double figures to his name already this season, but sending that one wide To go long Free head up giving it back to crew The side can keep hold of the ball at the moment a free kick Derbyshire going to ground It's a piece of opportunity then Graham Alexander side with it and that's in the back of the net But the flag is up. It's not gonna count cook 40 added to his seasons tally Is up The goal won't count and crew still have to lead search of the second goal that would possibly put this beyond the reach of Bradford blazed over in the end. That was a decent opportunity. He created it himself all in from Aaron row good chest control and then a Touched a steady himself The effort was way off target time running out then for Bradford A real sense of urgency in their play right now There is Kelly the chance to try and cross from deep Play it short Decent ball in towards the far post And somehow the ball stays out. It was a decent ball in Cook at the far post combo the goalkeeper seemed to lose flight of the ball Headed towards him parried it onto the bar and he Was unable to get it under control Charts for the visitors pump long Looking for cook to get the ball on the deck. They need to get the ball in the box We'll have a set piece Matt Platt down on the ground Smallwood with the free kick for Bradford towards the far post headed clear by crew It's not quite happening for the Bantons a door By the corner flag The home fans want the final whistle Still we play small would again That's looping goalwards comfortably saved though by boo that full stretch Smallwood's ball in Flipped off the head. It was looping into the corner They were able to claw it away final whistle goes It's a first win in eight the lead belt side and it has come against the league's form side Chris Long's 12th minute penalty enough to see off Bradford and ensure crew begin 2024 with victory The first defeat in nine for the Bantams, but crews playoff push given a boost. It has finished here crew one Bradford Neil