James Hanson brace guides Bradford City past Leyton Orient

James Hanson scored twice as Bradford City beat Leyton Orient 2-0 this evening to move to within a point of the playoffs in League One.

Orient looked dangerous in the early stages, and they twice went close to taking the lead as Dean Cox tested Jordan Pickford with a speculative effort, before David Mooney found the space to rattle the crossbar from inside the box.

The hosts would pay for not taking either chance as Bradford took the lead in spectacular fashion when James Hanson controlled a high ball with his chest before finding the top corner with an unstoppable volley.

Hanson doubled his tally and Bradford's lead in the 32nd minute with a firm header after meeting an inviting cross from Filipe Morais.

Bradford could have killed the game off early in the second half when Francois Zoko and Billy Clarke both saw efforts saved by Alex Cisak.

Orient continued to look dangerous going forward for much of the match, but a lack of cutting edge cost the hosts as Bradley Pritchard fired over from a promising position.

However, Bradford's defence coped impressively to record their seventh away league win of the season.