Sheridan's men defeated

BRADFORD 1 ATHLETIC 0

See the extended report with pictures.

JOHN Sheridan's first game back in charge of Athletic ended in defeat, as the 10-man visitors succumbed to a Tony McMahon header.

The crucial strike came early in the second half – but only after substitute Connor Brown had been sent off after tangling with Kyel Reid.

Athletic lined up in a 5-3-2 formation and Bradford went close after only 43 seconds when Tony McMahon's half-volley passed a couple of yards over the top.

Kyel Reid also pulled a shot wide from long range but Sheridan's side were generally comfortable in a tame opening half.

Jake Cassidy went close with a well-struck volley that forced a terrific save from Ben Williams seconds before Brown was dismissed for a tackle on Reid on 41 minutes.

Bradford scored on 50 minutes as James Meredith's far-post cross was met well be a leaping McMahon, directing the ball back over Joel Coleman and into the opposite corner.

Athletic responded with pressure of their own but Chris Routis went close with a 45-yard shot that dropped onto the roof of the net.

Dominic Poleon and Jonathan Forte were introduced as Athletic tried to find an equaliser with 10 men and Liam Kelly forced a save with a late header from a corner, but the task proved too much.