Cook late winner as Bradford battle back to beat Grimsby

Andy Cook’s 23rd league goal of the season kept Bradford firmly in the promotion hunt with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Grimsby.

Cook settled the game nine minutes from time from substitute Matt Derbyshire’s cross as the Bantams came from 2-1 behind in a lively League Two game.

Bradford went in front after six minutes through Alex Gilliead, who swept home from 15 yards after Grimsby goalkeeper Max Crocombe had denied Harry Chapman.

The game turned on its head when Harry Clifton’s quick-thinking won a penalty off home keeper Harry Lewis and Gavin Holohan converted from the spot.

Grimsby took the lead just before half-time through Andy Smith after the Bantams failed to deal with Anthony Glennon’s corner.

Bradford levelled after 62 minutes with a route-one equaliser, Jamie Walker scoring at the second attempt on the end of a long ball from Sam Stubbs.

Centre-back Stubbs then thought he had scored with a header but referee Charles Breakspear ruled that it had not crossed the line.

But Cook’s late finish was enough to move Bradford up to sixth place.