Gillingham 1 Bradford City 0: League 2 match report from Priestfield Stadium

Gillingham boosted their hopes of keeping clear of relegation trouble with a surprise win over promotion-chasing Bradford City.

Conor Masterson was back in the Gills side for the first time this year and the fit-again defender opened the scoring at Priestfield. His goal was enough to win it, earning manager John Coleman his second win in successive weekends at Priestfield.

Bradford knew before the match that victory would take them top of League 2 - the Gills were keen for points to keep some distance between themselves and the bottom two.

There was contrasting pre-match form with the Gills enjoying just one win since Christmas. Bradford had only lose once since the Xmas festivities.

Form went out of the window as the Gills denied Bradford the opportunity to climb above Walsall at the top of the table.

Club captain Max Ehmer and striker Elliott Nevitt were dropped to the bench. Three others were left out, with Bradley Dack, Jack Nolan and top scorer Jayden Clarke all in the stands. All three had been left on the bench unused in the midweek loss at Newport.

Manager John Coleman went with Oli Hawkins as the focal point in attack while Masterson replaced Ehmer at the back.

Jonny Williams and Peterborough loan striker Jacob Wakeling came in from the cold. Liverpool loanee Dom Corness was also recalled to the squad.

George Lapslie was in the thick of the action early on against his former team, on the end of a firm but fair challenge from Robbie McKenzie before Masterson picked up a harsh yellow for a foul on the edge of the box.

Referee James Durkin had set the bar low for cautions and within the opening 20 minutes he’d also booked Armani Little and Jimmy-Jay Morgan. With a high red-card record to his name, the Gills players