Crewe 2-2 Bradford

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A Steve Foster goal two minutes from time gave Crewe a draw at home to Bradford.

The visitors looked like stealing all three points on their travels for the first time since August when Stuart McCall scored on 72 minutes.

Crewe had gone behind in the first half to a super strike from Robbie Blake.

The forward turned 25 yards out before beating Bankole with a thunderous right-footed strike.

But the lead lasted just six minutes when Dean Ashton powerfully headed home Smith's free-kick from the right.

Former Scottish international McCall's goal came when he stroked home from 10 yards after being played through by Eoin Jess.

But Foster's third goal of the season, from skipper Shaun Smith's cross, gave battling Crewe the point.

After a nervous start for both keepers, Crewe stopper Ademole Bankole, back after a thigh injury, did well to tip over Andy Tod's header from eight yards following a chipped cross from the ever-lively Blake.

Bradford's Aiden Davidson, making a first league start in place of the dropped Gary Walsh, would also have settled his nerves three minutes later when he saved after Crewe top-scorer Rob Hulse had been put clear.

The home side started the second half brighter and for the second time in the match had a penalty appeal turned down.

Ashton, who earlier fell under a strong challenge from Robert Molenaar, was this time seemingly tripped by Gunnar Halle.

Bradford weathered the early storm, and almost sneaked the lead in the 64th minute only for Bankole to save from Matt Etherington after a solo run and shot from the winger.

Blake again tried his luck from long range a minute later, while at the other end keeper Davidson continued to look shaky under high balls from the wing.

After McCall's goal, a missed punch from Davidson and skied clearance from Halle led to Crewe's late equaliser.

But Davidson partially redeemed himself in injury-time to save from point-blank range from Dave Walton.

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Crewe: Bankole, Foster, Wright, Walton, Smith, Lunt, Brammer, Sorvel, Charnock, Ashton, Hulse. Subs: Ince, Little, Tait, Rix, Sodje.

Bradford: Davison, Halle, Molenaar, Myers, Jacobs, Locke, McCall, Jess, Etherington, Tod, Blake. Subs: Walsh, Atherton, Juanjo, Makel, Emanuel.

Referee: G Frankland (Middlesbrough)