Exeter City fall short despite battling display at high-flying Bradford City

Times are tough at Exeter City right now, with stories of financial struggle off the pitch mirrored by a run of results that has the Grecians precariously poised above the Sky Bet League One relegation zone.

It is always tough for a club like City to consistently balance the books and they have done a tremendous job of punching above their weight in recent years, but this narrow 1-0 defeat at Bradford will be particularly galling for manager Gary Caldwell.

Form and finances suggested a comfortable afternoon for the Bantams, but City were excellent in the opening stages, Akeel Higgins and Jayden Wareham both going close to springing an early surprise on the hosts.

Bradford settled into their game and grabbed the lead when Joe Wright converted a Max Power cross. The Grecians survived another scare moments later but regrouped to threaten again through the lively Wareham.

The Grecians continued pushing hard after the break and almost snatched an equaliser when Wareham pounced on a defensive error, but his finish lacked accuracy. City also forced the home custodian into two late saves but it ended up with a frustrating defeat on the road.