Having become a dad three weeks ago this happened to be my first league fixture of 2018-19; it did not disappoint.
Rovers were unchanged from the team that spanked Walsall 4-1 last weekend, but the first half almost began in a fashion as disastrous as the decision to give out free vuvuzelas. There was little over a minute gone when Eoin Doyle found himself one-on-one with Marko Marosi but instead of taking on the shot he dithered, allowing Joe Wright back to block.
Rovers should have been 1-0 up after 19 minutes; half a dozen players in a goalmouth scramble tried their luck but Bradford’s defence matched them at every step. The ball finally found its way to Danny Andrew but his pile-driver found row Z.
A few minutes later John Marquis did break the deadlock. James Coppinger surging past four defenders, before he squared to the aforementioned Marquis whose superb curling effort from the edge of the box found the net.
Just before the break Mallik Wilks almost put Rovers 2-0 up with a cheeky chip, but it was well saved by Richard O’Donnell.
Marquis bagged his brace seven minutes after half time; capping off a fast flowing move involving Matty Blair, Coppinger and Herbie Kane to slot home from 12 yards.
Bradford had a glimmer of hope 10 minutes from time as a mistake allowed substitute George Miller to slot calmly into an empty goal, but Rovers saw out the win to pick up another welcome three points.
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