Bradford stun Foxes

Tim Flowers: Gifted Bradford a second goal

Leicester 1-2 Bradford

In Bradford's plight all gifts are gratefully accepted and none will have been more welcome than Tim Flowers' ridiculous mishap that allowed the Premiership's bottom side to claim a first away win of the season.

The Leicester and England keeper produced a replica of Massimo Taibi's howler for Manchester United last season.

A free kick by Wayne Jacobs slipped past the wall, but straight at Flowers whereupon he contrived to let it squirm through his legs and double Bradford's lead.

Flowers was taken off at half time, having also conceded Eoin Jess' opener, and although Muzzy Izzet pulled one back with a penalty before the break, Bradford clung on throughout the second half to garner three desperately needed points.

Flowers' blunder summed up a shoddy display by the home side and overshadowed a vastly improved performance from Bradford.

  Highlights

25 mins Jess shoots Bradford ahead on his debut

30 mins Jacobs makes it 2-0 after Flowers' blunder

37 mins Izzet pulls one back for Leicester with a penalty

Jess, on loan from Aberdeen, enjoyed a busy debut. The Scotland international brought some creativity to Bradford's midfield and contributed thoughtfully throughout.

It is only Bradford's third win of the campaign and at a venue where Leicester had been beaten only once this season.

In a performance far removed from the Boxing Day debacle against Sunderland, Bradford were soon zipping passes around as they patiently sought an opening.

I thought our defence was outstanding and Robert Molenaar has been a tremendous buy

  Jim Jefferies
Bradford manager

A subdued Filbert Street audience, watched as Jess slapped a shot wide from distance and then just failed to reached Saunders' return.

But they failed to create any chances of note and with Leicester looking lethargic, there was little to disturb the calm.

The opening goal, then, took everyone by surprise, not least the Leicester defence.

Through his legs

Jess created space for Robbie Blake in the box and when the striker's shot was blocked, Jess was first to the rebound to calmly shoot low past Flowers.

Five minutes later came Flowers' clanger. Jacobs' skidding effort bore little threat, but Flowers, down on one knee, fumbled and the ball slid through his legs.

Eoin Jess: Impressive debut

Bradford have plenty of defensive frailties themselves and they did not stay hidden for much longer as Leicester halved the deficit on 37 minutes.

Darren Eadie was left unattended to receive the ball on the edge of the box. As he advanced on goal Dean Windass clipped him from behind allowing Izzet to convert the subsequent penalty for his sixth goal of the season.

A no-doubt chastened Flowers, who had been struggling with a thigh strain, was replaced at half time by Simon Royce who had little to occupy him throughout the second period.

the mistake only proves that Tim is human - he's been brilliant for us

  Peter Taylor
Leicester manager

Gary Walsh was only marginally more involved in Bradford's goal as a curiously listless Leicester created little and saw their hopes of European qualification dealt a nasty blow.

Walsh came out bravely to punch well on one occasion, but more often than not Leicester's attacks foundered on a Bradford defence immeasurably better than on Boxing Day, none more so than the resolute Robert Molenaar.

They remain adrift at the foot of the table and with games against Manchester United and Arsenal next, Bradford still have much to do. At least they will enter the new year on a positive note, albeit with a helping hand.

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Leicester: Flowers, Rowett, Elliott, Gilchrist, Impey, Eadie, Robbie Savage, Jones, Izzet, Gunnlaugsson, Akinbiyi.
Subs: Royce, Sinclair, Oakes, Guppy, Benjamin.

Bradford: Walsh, Atherton, Molenaar, O'Brien, Jacobs, McKinlay, McCall, Jess, Blake, Saunders, Windass.
Subs: Clarke, Myers, Beagrie, Collymore, Rankin.

Referee: S Lodge (Barnsley)