Alex Pattison scored a stunning winner as Bradford edged past Accrington 1-0 to move into the automatic promotion places in League Two.

Accrington had the first chance as Ben Woods forced Sam Walker into a diving save by the post, but Bradford went in front on 20 minutes through a thumping strike from Pattison.

Bobby Pointon set him up from a short corner and the midfielder let fly with a 30-yard blast that flew past keeper Billy Crellin.

Accrington then suffered a double injury blow as Farrend Rawson and Jake Batty were both forced off before half-time.

Crellin held on to Aden Baldwin’s powerful header from a Richie Smallwood cross before Accrington substitute Alex Henderson glanced wide.

Bradford then got a slice of luck when Henderson broke from Tyler Walton’s disguised pass. His curled shot towards the far post struck defender Jack Shepherd and deflected against the bar.

Devon Matthews shot over but Bradford saw it through to go third.