Bradford City 2-0 Newport County: Bantams claim first win against 10-man Newport
- Published
Newport County's Declan Drysdale is shown a red card for a last man challenge on Andy Cook
Bradford City picked up their first league win of the season at the expense of 10-man Newport County.
Richard Smallwood gave the hosts an early lead with a well-struck shot from outside the box, while County were dealt a further blow before the break when Declan Drysdale was sent off.
Man-of-the-match Harry Chapman doubled Bradford's lead before the hour mark with a fine solo effort.
County end the day in the drop zone with just a point from three games.
The two sides returned to League Two action after beating Championship clubs in the first round of the EFL Cup, with both looking for their first league successes.
In soaring temperatures at Valley Parade, Mark Hughes' Bradford started brightly and never looked like surrendering their lead after the skipper's opener. The win takes them to 11th in the early-season table.
County's afternoon was made worse after losing Aaron Wildig and Robbie Willmott to injury.
Newport manager James Rowberry told BBC Sport Wales:
"I am disappointed because they had three shorts on target and we conceded two goals.
"I am disappointed with the injuries we got, disappointed with the sending off.
"I keep saying it, but we have got to be better in certain moments of the game, just one on one defending.
"We have got a lot to learn and I am convinced it will all fall into place sooner rather than later."
Bradford manager Mark Hughes said:
"We are pleased to be able to get three points on the board.
"It has been a strong week, we have gone up against two good teams and had two great wins.
"I thought we managed the game out quite easily towards the end, but without creating enough chances given that we had the extra man, that was a little bit disappointing.
"But we are still working on those areas where we can exploit teams when we are in the ascendancy, but that will come, is it only three games in."