Substitute Tyreik Wright scored a superb volley within ten minutes of his introduction to seal the derby spoils for the hosts in a cagey game at Valley Parade.
Rovers, showing three changes from the win over Leyton Orient, started brightly as first Harry Clifton lashed over before Hakeeb Adelakun planted a header into the ground which then bounced off the crossbar on its way behind.
Just afterwards came a key flashpoint when Bradford saw a goal chalked off. Kayden Jackson thought he'd scored a debut goal after slotting home from close-range. But Rovers appeals from both the players and those on the bench quickly saw the goal ruled out for a handball by Jackson after referee Craig Hicks consulted the fourth official.
The game then became scrappy with neither side able to mount too much by way of a proper attack. Josh Neufville lashed wide after cutting in from the right flank before Rovers fashioned the game's first shot on target when Billy Sharp pounced on a spill from home stopper Sam Walker. Sadly for Sharp his effort towards goal was cleared off the line by an alert Matt Pennington.
The second half started with a bang as Bradford twice came close to breaking the deadlock. Max Power's speculative effort was tipped onto the bar excellently by Zander Clark before Bobby Pointon then hit a post from the rebound. Rovers broke quickly down the other end and Luke Molyneux saw a fierce effort saved well by Walker.
Molyneux then nipped in again after an error from Curtis Tilt but couldn't get enough purchase on the shot from close-range. Just as the game looked to be petering out towards a scoreless draw sub Wright powered home a ferocious left-footed volley that flew past Clark and that’s how it stayed.
Here's how we rated Grant McCann's men in West Yorkshire:
1. Zander Clark 7
Excellent save to tip Power's shot onto the crossbar. Commanded his area well but nothing he could do to stop Wright's thunderous shot for the goal. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
2. Jamie Sterry 6
Did ok defensively, although in truth he wasn't tested that much. Took a real whack second half but gingerly returned to the fore. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
3. Jay McGrath 7
Got away with one for the disallowed goal when he completely missed the ball on its way to Jackson. Recovered well afterwards, with a dominant performance as he kept Humphrys largely anonymous. Weighed in with double figures for clearances and headers won. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD
4. Owen Bailey 6
Skipper was back in defence owing to Neill Byrne's ineligibility. Marshalled it well and did the basics good, keeping Bradford at bay. Involved in a good tussle with Mullin when he was brought on. Photo: Howard Roe/AHPIX LTD