AN EARLY strike from Jason Wood saw Bradford Town’s four-match unbeaten run come to an end at Longwell Green Sports.

Bradford boss Paul Shanley was left to rue a poor first-half performance at Shellards Road but thought his troops were worthy of a draw based on their response after the break.

“I think a point would have been fair,” said Shanley.

“In the first half we didn’t play well and we were fortunate to go in just 1-0 down. We got outfought and outmuscled, which was very disappointing.

“We conceded a goal after about 20 minutes, which could have been avoided.

“In the second half we had the majority of the play and created a few chances.

“It’s frustrating because we were on quite a decent run before that. We just need to pick ourselves up for Boxing Day now because we’ve got a difficult game ahead.”

Bradford now face a festive derby at Melksham Town, with strikers Sam Jordan and Twaine Plummer both injury doubts for the trip to the Conigre.