September 16 2003

Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace failed to convert their numerous chances into goals and allowed a lacklustre Bradford to nick the three points in a 1-0 win.

Michael Branch pounced on the stroke of half-time when he slotted home the rebound for Bradford's second away win of the season.

Palace had enough chances to win this long before that goal. Neil Shipperley headed Danny Butterfield's cross wide from six yards and he forced keeper Marlon Beresford into a good save with a volley.

Tommy Black, in his white boots, looked lively throughout and was creating a lot of chances for his team-mates.

Jamie Smith then tested Beresford with a 20 yard drilled effort himself. Paul Evans went close for the Bantams before Cedric Berthelin did well to save a Dean Windass strike from the edge of the box.

Andy Johnson shot wide and into the side netting from close range before Bradford took the lead three minutes before the break.

Berthelin failed to hold Evans' fierce drive and Branch popped up to side foot home the rebound.

In the second half, Berthelin denied Evans again while Johnson and Black had a hatful of chances for the Eagles but failed to find the net.

Palace: Berthelin, Fleming, Popovic, Mullins, Butterfield, Smith, Derry, Hughes, Black, Johnson, Shipperley.

Subs: Watson, Symons, Routledge, Cronin, Borrowdale.

Bradford: Beresford, Heckingbottom, Weherall, Evans, Branch, Summerbee, Windass, Gray, Francis, Emanuel, Gavin.

Subs: Cornwall, Muirhead, Forrest, Standing, Sansay.

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