Bradford City secured a convincing 2-0 victory over MK Dons in Sky Bet League Two.
In-form Bradford City welcomed MK Dons to Valley Parade, which is currently known as the University of Bradford Stadium.
Arriving into the game, the Bantams had picked up eight victories from twelve in all competitions after the new year. Hoping to continue their impressive record against MK Dons, the home side have won nine out of their last 11 league matches against the side travelling from Buckinghamshire.
Sitting in 16th place in Sky Bet League Two prior to the game, visitors MK Dons arrived in West-Yorkshire searching for a rare away win as they last collected maximum points on the opening game of the new year against Chesterfield.
An expected dominant display in the opening 45 from Bradford City, looking strong both in attack and defence conceding zero shots on goal.
The first goal of the game arrived early in the 11th minute through Antoni Sarcevic who kept up his good run of form.
City looked confident when on the attack, showcasing real dominance when in the final third.
The home supporters were in great spirit as they watched their side play with such unity during a difficult period with star-man Andy Cook out for the rest of the season through injury which was picked up on the opening game of the new year.
There was very little action in the first-half for MK Dons, who would have hoped to improve in the second period of the game, leaving their travelling supporters something positive to walk away with.
It was a repeat of the first period of the match, as Bradford City continued their relentless attacking surge making it 2-0 in the 60th minute.
Once again, it was Antoni Sarcevic who slotted in the back of the net earning himself a brace.
The Dons were unable to create any significant threat, which is credit to the Bradford set-up and coaching team.
A solid defensive display and clinical attacking had put the home side on course to secure a crucial 2-0 win boosting their standing in the league.
MK Dons will be searching for a victory next weekend to end their winless run against Colchester United at home. Another difficult fixture for the Dons as Colchester are unbeaten in their last eight matches.
Next up for Bradford City is their first ever away trip to Bromley. An interesting contest awaits as Bromley have won their last three games with a hattrick of clean sheets.
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Story of the game
Graham Alexander made three changes to his side from their midweek defeat away to Birmingham City in the EFL Trophy, as the Bantams crashed out of the competition missing out on a trip to Wembley. A proud away following with over 2,300 travelling supporters saw their side give it their all against League One leaders Birmingham City.
The Dons line-up saw two changes as manager Scott Lindsey had to replace regular starter Jay Williams, with the midfielder reaching ten yellow cards in the season which lead to a two-game suspension. Aaron Nemane and 19-year-old Charlie Waller entered the frame as Connor Lemonheigh-Evans dropped down to the bench.
Antoni Sarcevic opened the scoring with a smart finish low beyond Connor Truman in goal. Credit to loanee Michael Mellon who pressed the MK backline forcing a mistake.
Soon after, Brad Halliday teased a low cross towards Mellon who had a tap-in, but an MK defender was in the right place at the right time.
An unfortunate substitution was made in the 30th minute of the game as Alex Pattison had to withdraw through injury. Brandon Khela, signed on loan from Birmingham City, was introduced.
The second half saw the Bantams seal victory as Antoni Sarcevic made it 2-0 in the 60th minute.
The midfield man doubled the advantage with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box, set up by Bobby Pointon.
MK Dons attempted to respond in the second half, but Bradford's defence remained resolute.
Too little too late for the Dons who did create positive moments in the final half-an-hour.
A comfortable victory in the end for Bradford who were 2-0 winners on the afternoon.
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Player of the match
A stellar performance from Antoni Sarcevic who shone with two goals adding to his recent form.
