Mark Hughes’ Bradford City side put an end to Mansfield Town’s perfect start at the One Call Stadium, securing a 0-0 draw in Nottinghamshire.
The match presented few opportunities for both teams. Tyler Smith came close in the first half, while new signing Rayhaan Tulloch and Bobby Pointon combined effectively in the host’s penalty area but couldn’t break the deadlock.
Nigel Clough’s team finished the game strongly, with Harry Lewis denying a powerful strike from Davis Keillor-Dunn, leaving City to return to West Yorkshire with a single point.
The opening 10 minutes were cautious, with the only notable chances coming from a couple of Mansfield corners. However, they posed no real threat to the City goal.
The most promising opportunity of the first half fell to Tyler Smith. Jamie Walker made a good run down the left wing and delivered an excellent cross into the box. Smith managed to head the ball, but his attempt was deflected behind for a corner.
As the first half came to a close, both teams struggled to create clear-cut chances. Set pieces and half-chances were the order of the day.
City aimed to change the narrative right after the break, as Smith found himself with a shooting opportunity just inside the box. His effort was well saved by Mansfield’s goalkeeper, Christy Pym.
Mansfield finally registered their first shot on target in the 56th minute. Keillor-Dunn found space just inside the City penalty area but saw his attempt brilliantly thwarted by the outstretched Lewis.
In the 79th minute, Mansfield fans believed they had broken the deadlock. A superbly placed corner found Lucas Akins, whose header struck the inside of the City post and bounced away to be cleared.
Substitutes Bobby Pointon and Rayhaan Tulloch almost combined for a splendid goal with just three minutes left in the 90. Their intricate play was impressive, but the final shot was blocked.
As the fourth minute of added time was displayed, both sets of fans were content, as the game had become increasingly open. However, the coveted winning goal eluded both sides, resulting in a hard-fought 0-0 draw.
