Billy Clarke's well-taken goal has given Bradford City a 1-0 half-time lead in their League One clash with Shrewsbury Town at Valley Parade.

A scrappy half limited the teams to speculative efforts early on, Bradford having the first attempt when Christopher Routis's audacious half-volley could not find the target.

The Bantams looked the most likely to break the deadlock and had their first genuine chance midway through the half when Clarke's deflected shot was tipped wide by Shrewsbury goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler.

The away side improved as the half wore on and had an opportunity when Tyrone Barnett's header from Matt Tootle's deep cross just lacked the power to beat Ben Williams.

Bradford should have taken the lead when Alan Sheehan's hooked effort was pushed onto the post by Leutwiler and Clarke could only drive the rebound into the side-netting.

Two minutes before half time, however, Clarke finally found the net when he drove forward from midfield and exchanged passes with Steven Davies before turning the ball home.