BRADFORD CITY 2, ALDERSHOT TN 0

PRIDE in defeat is not an emotion which manager Barry Smith will want to experience often, but last week’s FA Cup first-round replay, before a national television audience, at least highlighted the potential which remains apparent in his inconsistent team.

Aldershot more than matched the League One play-off challengers for much of the game – as they had in the first tie at the EBB Stadium – only to fall to one moment of brilliance which again left them to consider what might have been.

The Shots created chances of their own and at times made the normally secure Bradford defence look less than certain, but those opportunities required a cutting-edge, which has deserted them of late.

“I asked the players a lot of questions after the Kidderminster game,” said Smith, “and I think they answered them tonight. Although we got beat, they showed some pride and commitment, which I expect in every game. We’ve created chances in both games, and if we put one away it puts a different slant on the game altogether.

“This is a very good Bradford team and it would be harsh to be too critical of the players. The only difference between us is one lapse in concentration, but we need to make sure this level of performance is maintained for our league games.”

Shots striker Richard Brodie had already had two great chances in the first ten minutes, slicing one shot wide and then a drive on the turn that was well parried by Ben Williams. Sam Hatton’s follow-up was also saved and with former Bradford defender Luke Oliver in commanding form at the back, the home fans were soon vocal in their frustration.

As City responded, Mark Marshall’s shot was tipped onto the post by Phil Smith and the pair again duelled with an angled shot which the goalkeeper did well to cling to.

The swirling rain only increased as the second half began, but the Shots were warmed by the optimism of their travelling support. Charlie Walker shot inches over and when Bantams targetman James Hanson limped off, the visitors began to sense an upset.

However, the breakthrough came from the unlikely source of left-back Greg Leigh who, on 61 minutes, raced onto Billy Knott’s crossfield pass, went past Cheye Aexander and chipped a delightfully disguised shot over Smith.

Smith then made a superb reaction save to keep out Knott’s own shot one- handed, and the Bantams were in the ascendancy.

Rhys Browne momentarily redressed the balance following his arrival, but, on 76 minutes, another substitute, Luke James, skipped into the area and induced a trip from Omar Beckles, allowing Tony McMahon to drill the penalty beyond the diving Smith.

Beaten but unbowed, the Shots continued to push until the final whistle. James might have added a third, but that would have been harsh on Aldershot who took the bittersweet plaudits of the BT Sport pundits, while City took their place in the next round where they will entertain dangerous giant-killers, Chesham.

Bradford: Williams; Darby, McArdle, N Clarke, Leigh; McMahon, Liddle (Routis 81), Knott, Marshall; Hanson (B Clarke 59), Cole (James 70). Subs (not used): Morris, Reid, Mottley-Henry, Cracknell. Booked: Marshall, McCardle.

Aldershot: Smith; Alexander, Oliver, Beckles, McGinty; D Walker, Lathrope (Browne 66), Stevenson, Hatton (Richards 84); Brodie, C Walker. Subs (not used): Thomas, Barker, Gallagher. Booked: Smith.

Referee: Keith Hill.

Attendance: 2,930 (127 away).