Bradford City 0 Harrogate Town 1: Advertiser player ratings

Harrogate Town's first-ever EFL visit to Valley Parade ended in victory in front of the Sky Sports cameras on Monday evening.
Jon Stead in action for Harrogate Town against Bradford City. Pictures: Matt KirkhamJon Stead in action for Harrogate Town against Bradford City. Pictures: Matt Kirkham
Jon Stead in action for Harrogate Town against Bradford City. Pictures: Matt Kirkham

Lloyd Kerry's 74th-minute goal proved sufficient to sink Yorkshire rivals Bradford City and lift Simon Weaver's team up to eighth place in the League Two standings.

Here's an assessment of how the Harrogate players performed on the night.

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James Belshaw 7 - Could have been a very different night had he not come up with an important stop to deny Lee Novak one-on-one after 10 minutes. Didn't have too much more to do other than routine work thereafter. Kicked well throughout.

Jack Muldoon shone for Simon Weaver's team at Valley Parade.Jack Muldoon shone for Simon Weaver's team at Valley Parade.
Jack Muldoon shone for Simon Weaver's team at Valley Parade.

Ryan Fallowfield 8 - Got forwards down the right to good effect, though the quality wasn't there in his delivery and he should have done better with a decent shooting opportunity just before half-time. Without the ball, he was full of energy and commitment to helping ensure his team kept a clean-sheet.

Will Smith 9 - Made one crucial intervention when Belshaw couldn't hold a Clayton Donaldson strike and a blockbuster challenge near halfway during the first period. In the second, he read the danger well and produced a couple of moments that underlined just how good a defender he has developed into.

Connor Hall 8 - Not quite on the same level as his centre-back partner on this occasion, but will still be pleased with a good night's work. Played one beautiful, raking pass over the head of City right-back Tyler French to the feet of Calvin Miller on the left flank in the second half.

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Warren Burrell 7 - Did a job for his team, as ever, with minimum fuss. Looked sound defensively in the left-back position, and although he wasn't able to contribute too much going forwards, it's important to remember that he isn't a natural left-footer.

Lloyd Kerry celebrates after breaking the deadlock.Lloyd Kerry celebrates after breaking the deadlock.
Lloyd Kerry celebrates after breaking the deadlock.

George Thomson 7 - Plenty of neat bits of link-up play with Fallowfield down the right and got himself to a number of good positions to ensure that he was constantly offering an outlet. Couldn't quite conjure up a telling cross or finish, however.

Josh Falkingham 9 - ADVERTISER STAR MAN. Always wanted the ball, used it well and showed good awareness throughout. He was the loudest voice on the field and a driving force. The intensity and determination with which he played during the latter stages was quite something to behold. Bradford's midfield couldn't cope with the way he pressed them at times.

Lloyd Kerry 8 - A bit of a mixed first half. Some sharp bits of play, but a few loose moments. Very strong in the second, as he worked tirelessly in the engine room alongside Falkingham to ensure that Town remained in the ascendancy. Made an intelligent run into space at the near post to net the winner, executing a lovely, deft finish.

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Calvin Miller 8 - Looked to have the beating of Bantams right-back French, but Town probably didn't get the ball into his feet quickly enough on enough occasions during the first 45. Continued to cause City problems down the left after the break with his pace and trickery. Just needed that extra bit of accuracy in his crosses.

As well as being named Harrogate Advertiser Star Man, Josh Falkingham also picked up Sky Sports' man of the match award.As well as being named Harrogate Advertiser Star Man, Josh Falkingham also picked up Sky Sports' man of the match award.
As well as being named Harrogate Advertiser Star Man, Josh Falkingham also picked up Sky Sports' man of the match award.

Jack Muldoon 9 - A display of sheer quality. Ran the right-hand channel all night and showed some faultless footwork in looking after the ball. With Town struggling for an end product, he did what was required, drifting wide to deliver two superb crosses, the second of which led to Kerry's decisive goal.

Jon Stead 8 - Will perhaps feel he ought to have rippled the net with one first-half headed opportunity, however his all-round game was good. Led the line well, competed in the air and showed some decent touches in linking the play. Justified boss Weaver's decision to start him.