BRADFORD coach Dave George admits his prayers were answered as hosts Fairford missed a winning conversion to hand the visitors another precious four points in their title bid.

With Bradford down to the bare bones after being hit by a raft of withdrawals and missing players, George was forced to pull on his boots during the opening five minutes when Cam Dewar, just back from a hamstring strain, pulled up as the problem flared again.

Then, with the away side seemingly on course for a comfortable triumph leading 13-0 in the final quarter, George was sent off after a fracas, prompting a ferocious Fairford revival.

The visitors scored two tries in the final stages, the first converted and the second in the dying moments, giving them a shot at goal for the victory.

But the kick hit the post as Bradford stayed in touch with Minety at the top of the table.

George said: “I was away from the action at the other end of the pitch, but I was praying (that Fairford would miss).

“I don’t think the lads would have forgiven me (if they had lost). There was a bit of a fracas and I was sent off.’’

Earlier, Bradford had enjoyed the better of the first half, creating chances, but only had two Dan Bright penalties to show for their efforts.

Dan Tozer then crossed for a try which Bright converted with 15 minutes to go, which seemed to have wrapped up the points for them, until Fairford’s late flurry.

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