James Hanson header gives Bradford narrow win against Blackpool

Bradford City have moved up to ninth in League One after a 1-0 home win against Blackpool.

The Bantams came close to taking an early lead, with James Hanson watching as his near-post header was narrowly deflected wide on the two-minute mark.

Clark Robertson then tried his luck for the visitors with a half-volley after Jack Redshaw's cross fell into the defender's path, but the former Scotland Under-21 international could only watch as his effort was blocked well.

Fellow Scot Jim McAlister then looked to put Blackpool into the lead with a shot from 20 yards, but Ben Williams was on hand to hold on to the ball.

After Seasiders keeper Colin Doyle did well to save a good effort from Devante Cole, Hanson put Bradford into the lead on the stroke of half time with a powerful header into the back of the net.

The second half proved a much quieter affair, with Blackpool's David Norris watching as his effort was blocked by a well-timed Rory McArdle tackle, and Tom Aldred then halting an attempt from Bradford's Lee Evans with a similar block.

Norris had a 25-yard drive go wide of the post before Mark Cullen fired a header wide as time ticked on, and Blackpool finished unable to reverse a frustrating night in the final third, remaining just one point above the League One relegation zone as a result.