Henderson spot-on for Rochdale as Bradford suffer another defeat

Posted Sunday, October 21, 2018 by PA

Ian Henderson’s two late penalties condemned Bradford to a 2-0 defeat against Rochdale at Valley Parade – their 10th League One defeat of the season and eighth in 10 matches.

Henderson broke the deadlock from the spot in the 83rd minute following Bradford’s best spell of the game. The penalty was awarded when City skipper Anthony O’Connor brought Henderson down in the box after Lewis O’Brien gave the ball away on the edge of the area.

The 33-year-old then struck again in stoppage time after Stephen Dooley was brought down by goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell after intercepting O’Brien’s back pass.

Dale’s second penalty came after Bradford striker George Miller had missed a great chance to equalise in the 88th minute when Jack Payne put him through on goal, with Brendan Moore coming quickly off his line to block the shot.

Moore also denied Miller in the 79th minute with a superb save to turn his 20-yard shot on to the roof of the net.

O’Donnell produced an equally good save in the 64th minute to turn over a close-range header from Henderson.

Bradford came nearest to scoring in an even first half when, first O’Connor had a shot blocked and then Miller had a follow-up effort cleared off the line by Henderson just before the break.