Bradford moved into the League Two automatic promotion places for the first time this season after beating bottom club Morecambe.

Calum Kavanagh’s first-half goal gave Graham Alexander’s side their sixth win in seven league games – and sixth straight at Valley Parade.

Bradford started brightly with Richie Smallwood and Brad Halliday testing keeper Harry Burgoyne in the opening minutes.

Burgoyne saved from Smallwood again before the home side got the breakthrough on the half-hour. Antoni Sarcevic’s shot from outside the box was blocked but the loose ball fell to Kavanagh to convert from 10 yards out.

Morecambe had offered little up to that point but Gwion Edwards drove over the bar after Tommy Leigh was caught in possession.

Bradford picked it up straight after the break with Leigh and Bobby Pointon having early chances. Sarcevic, making his 500th career appearance, should have done better with a close-range header.

Morecambe nearly grabbed an equaliser when Hallam Hope met Harvey Macadam’s cross with a firm header, but Sam Walker dived to his right to make a good save.