Bradford City 1 Gillingham 0: League 2 match report from Valley Parade - Brad Halliday scores winner for Bantams

Gillingham lost in Yorkshire for the second time in six days as their unlikely play-off hopes slipped further away.

Good chances came and went in the first half for the Gills before Brad Halliday put Bradford ahead just before the break. Gillingham struggled to make an impact in the second half as they were beaten 1-0.

Crawley’s big win at Mansfield, coupled with the result at Bradford, pretty much finishes any small hopes of the play-offs now for the Gills.

Gillingham head coach Stephen Clemence had demanded a reaction from his team following Monday’s heavy defeat at Harrogate - but could make no guarantees as they chased a win to keep alive their fading play-off hopes.

There was a change in formation as Shad Ogie returned to a three-man central defensive unit - abandoning a more adventurous 4-2-3-1 - while Jake Turner replaced Glenn Morris in goal and Max Clark dropped out for Scott Malone on the left side.

Bradford were playing for pride after a disappointing season but had talisman striker Andy Cook back in the starting XI after injury kept him out during the Easter weekend. He’d scored in all three of his previous meetings against the Gills while with the Bantams and hit a hat-trick for Walsall at Priestfield before that.

Cook had a great early chance as the home side started well but Gillingham’s recalled keeper Turner saved well.

The Valley Parade pitch looked in a terrible state, even before kick-off, but thankfully it was a dry day in West Yorkshire. Windy conditions added to the tricky conditions for the players..

Gillingham didn’t have an issue with creating chances, however, after getting through a nervy early period unscathed.

Oli Hawkins had a header turned over the bar by home keeper Sam Walker and moments