Opposition view: Bradford boss' praise for Cobblers after 'hard game'
Bradford manager Graham Alexander admitted his side were made to work hard before eventually claiming all three points against relegation-doomed Northampton on Good Friday.
Cobblers twice went close in the first five minutes and kept themselves in the game all the way until full-time, but ultimately Stephen Humphrys’ first half header condemned them to a sixth straight defeat and ensured Bradford remain on course for a play-off finish.
"Fair play to Northampton because it was a hard game for us and they had a few opportunities,” said Alexander. “They had too many shots from inside our box. I felt we were a little bit open at times and we needed some last-ditch defending.
"We probably needed a second goal to settle everyone down, we almost played as if we were chasing a goal in the second half. We want players to go forward and to go for a second goal but we didn’t concentrate enough on where we should be when the ball is turned over.
"It was too easy for them to counter-attack on us, which is something we have to look at, but the players are desperate to win and to please the crowd, and I understand that. There just needs to be discipline.
"You could see how tough it was for us, and Northampton competed all the way through, but but the subs came on and helped us and it was important we won the game.”