Walsall 2 Bradford 1 - Report and pictures

The 23-year-old netted in the 11th minute during an opening 45 minutes dominated by Dean Smith's side.

Phil Parkinson's Bantams, who had kept a clean sheet in their last seven games, hit back in the second half through Lee Evans' spectacular volley.

But a composed finished from Milan Lalkovic, following a fantastic through ball from Romaine Sawyers saw the Saddlers claim a crucial three points.

After describing the defeat at Swindon as the toughest of his managerial career, boss Smith made two changes to the side that came unstuck at the County Ground.

Reverting back to a 4-2-3-1 formation, wingers Lalkovic and Kieron Morris were recalled at the expense of Jordan Cook and Anthony Forde.

Romaine Sawyers was also handed his 100th start in senior football. For in-form Bradford, unbeaten in their last 10 outings, key defender Reece Burke missed out though injury.

The Saddlers hadn't beaten Bradford on home turf since 2003 and the visitors registered the game's first chance when the giant James Hanson headed straight at goalkeeper Neil Etheridge.

Both teams had started at a high tempo, but some outstanding build-up play saw Smith's side take the lead in the 11th minute.

Crisp passing sawing the ball worked from one flank to the other with Lalkovic's strike from distance cannoning off Rory McArdle and falling kindly for Tom Bradshaw, who rolled it home.

The goal, Bradshaw's 12th of the campaign, was the first time the Bantams had conceded in 11 hours of football.

Buoyed, the Saddlers continued to press and a swift counter saw Sawyers' superb through-ball pick out George Evans, but midfielder's touch was just too strong which allowed Ben Williams to gather.

Despite Bradford's impressive energy levels, Walsall dominated the opening half hour with the away fans showing their frustration towards their side who seemed devoid of ideas.

But Parkinson's side showed the threat they carried when, after some neat build-up play, Lee Evans hitting a curling low strike from 25-yards which was beaten away by a diving Etheridge.

The Saddlers quickly regained the momentum though, with James O'Connor crossing for defensive partner Paul Downing who headed over.

Minutes later and the half-time whistle arrived, with Walsall delighted with their performance but disappointed to have just a one goal advantage.

With boss Parkinson ringing in their ears, the Bantams created the first chance of the second period with Kyel Reid's deep crossed headed over at the back post by Tony McMahon.

Bradford were now winning second balls and enjoying more possession and they came a whisker away from pulling level.

Etheridge brilliantly pushed away another Hanson header. A minute later, Billy Knott flashed wide with a low effort from 20-yards.

Walsall needed to take the sting out of the game but as the clock ticked past the hour mark, Bradford pulled level.

A long ball forward was won in the air by Clarke whose cushioned header fell perfectly for Evans who fired a technically perfect volley into the bottom corner.

Bradford were now full of confidence, but Smith's Saddlers showed bundles of character to wrestle back the initiative and re-take the lead.

An outstanding pass from Sawyers played Lalkovic in on goal, with the winger brilliantly keeping his cool to take the ball into the box and slot past Williams.

Smith responded by switching the excellent Morris for Forde. The visitors then saw a well-struck Knott strike saved by Etheridge.

But with 10 minutes remaining the Bantams had a glorious chance to again pull level.

Substitute Mark Marshall whipped in a cross to the back post which McMahon managed to side-foot over from just six yards.

Determined to grab a point, Bradford looked to utilise their areal threat in the closing stages and pumped a series of crosses into the Walsall box.

Yet despite five minutes of stoppage time, the Saddlers held strong with Downing, O'Connor and skipper Adam Chambers all excellent to secure Smith's side the points.