STU BEAUTIES

Bradford 2, Rochdale 0

STUART McCALL hailed his red-hot strike pair Peter Thorne and Michael Boulding as Bradford kept up their 100 per cent start.

Top-scorer Thorne made it five goals in three league starts so far — and set up the opener for Boulding.

It was enough to lift McCall’s side into second after previous wins over Notts County and Macclesfield.

The Bantams boss said: “The pair of them looked a threat, they worked well together and if they both stay fit we know there are plenty of goals in them this season.

“This was a big test for us because if we manage to finish above Rochdale, I think we’ll be promoted as they’re a good side.”

City broke the deadlock against the run of play after 20 minutes.

Thorne was the provider with an inch-perfect cross from the right for Boulding to beat Sam Russell with a close-in diving header.

Normal service was resumed 15 minutes later as the imposing Thorne was left unmarked at the back post to head home Paul McLaren’s free-kick from five yards out.

Boulding almost doubled his tally on 77 minutes but his low left-foot effort hit the bottom of the post and rolled along the line to safety.

Last season’s beaten play- off finalists Rochdale paid for failing to take their chances as they slipped to a first defeat of their season.

Sub Adam Le Fondre hit the bar with a second-half header, but that was as good as it got for Keith Hill’s men.

The Dale boss admitted: “We’re conceded two sloppy goals and hopefully that kind of defensive frailty is a one-off.

“As time goes on and we don’t take the chances we’re creating, it’s getting to be a bit of a concern.”