Accrington Stanley lost 1-0 to Bradford City but remain in seventh spot in League Two.

Tyler Smith scored the winner in the 58^th minute for the Bantams, who won their first league game under new boss Graham Alexander.

Striker Josh Andrews returned after illness for the Reds, playing alongside Cody Adedoyin up front.

Bradford forced the early pace as Smith had a quick breakway but Lewis Shipley made a timely block, there was a few goalmouth scrambles and ex-Red loanee Matty Platt headed off-target.

Stanley’s first chance came on 15 minutes when Adedoyin forced a save out of Bradford keeper Harry Lewis while Tommy Leigh fired narrowly wide from 25-yards just after.

There wasn’t a great deal of opportunities with the next real effort on 38 minutes with Jamie Walker’s half volley not far off for Bradford.

Towards the end of the half, Rosaire Longelo nipped in with only Lewis to beat but the Bantams goalie came out quickly to block his effort.

Shaun Whalley came on at the break for Jack Nolan but the next chance fell to City with top scorer Andy Cook heading wide from a free kick.

Smith scored the winner for Bradford on 58 minutes when a high ball from the left fell to the striker in the area and he lofted the ball over Jon McCracken. It was his seventh goal of the season.

It was close to being two on 62 minutes when Ciaran Kelly had a free header but, luckily for the Reds, it was straight at McCracken.

Adedoyin’s header was easy for Lewis from a Leigh throw while Whalley was booked for simulation after going down in the area on 75 minutes much to the frustration of the Stanley contingent.

The Reds couldn’t build on their win over Wrexham and find the leveller as Bradford won their first league victory since 14^th October.

Stanley: McCracken, Lowe, Rich-Baghuelou, Hills, Shipley, Longelo (J Woods), Conneely (B Woods), Leigh, Nolan (Whalley), Adedoyin, Andrews

Subs: McIntyre, Mellor, Gubbins, Henderson

Yellow: Hills, Rich-Baghuelou, Shipley, Whalley

Attendance: 16,548 (298)