Graham Alexander believes the full force of Bradford’s brimming confidence carried them through to a fourth straight league triumph after battling back to beat Doncaster.
The Bantams shook off the blow of falling behind to Joe Ironside’s early strike to coast to a 3-1 win at the Eco-Power Stadium, with Andy Cook scoring twice and Tyler Smith also finding the net.
And Alexander was delighted with the manner in which City, who have now won six games in all competitions, were unfazed by conceding.
“It was a difficult game – a derby game – and I was intrigued to see how we responded to conceding the first goal early on because we’ve been on a good run of starting games really well,” he said.
“I knew, at some point, we’d get a test like that and it happened tonight.
“But, after their goal, nothing changed in our approach to the game. No heads went down and we just got back at it again and put Doncaster under pressure.
“We had two great chances before our equalisers and I’m delighted to win 3-1. There will be many different challenges and obstacles along the way this season and that was one.
“The players are in a really confident mood and it’s great to see.”
Bradford were backed by a travelling support numbering almost 3,000 on the night.
“We went a goal down and the crowd got even louder. It makes you feel the hairs on the back of your neck and I’m delighted that the players rewarded that noise with three points,” Alexander said.
Doncaster boss Grant McCann has ordered his players to take a long hard look at themselves over Christmas to find a way out of their current mini-slump.
Rovers followed up the 5-0 defeat to Morecambe with the 3-1 reverse to Bradford with McCann bitterly disappointed with both performances.
He said: “We said to the players after the game that they need to have a look at themselves because what they’re showing at the minute is nowhere near.
“All of us together need to take responsibility. I’ve never shirked that as a manager. I’ll always do that because I’m the one that picks the team.
“But when you’ve got a plan that’s working and experienced players going away from that. The first goal just gives Bradford the initiative and it’s disappointing.
“The last two games have been really disappointing because it’s felt like we’ve gone backwards in those two games. There’s no point in saying anything different because the fans can see it.
“You saw at the end – there were probably 100 people left in the stadium. I said to Joe Ironside as we walked around ‘look at this’. This is what we’re producing at the minute and the fans are just disappearing because we’re not giving them anywhere near enough.”
Al Ahli 1-2 Al Hilal: Malcom saves league leaders' winning streak
Malcom’s stunning solo goal finished Al Hilal’s second-half comeback to earn a 2-1 win over Al Ahli in the Saudi Pro League on Monday.
The forward started his run from inside his own half before slotting in the winner, after teeing up Aleksandr Mitrovic for the equaliser just after the interval.
Feras Al Brikan had given Al Ahli the lead in the 30th minute, but the hosts could not hold onto it against the league leaders.
Al Hilal continue their unbeaten league campaign to a 30th match, moving 12 points clear at the top of the table, while Al Ahli remain in third, now 22 points off the AFC Champions League spot.
Data Debrief
Malcom was one of Al Hilal's most influential players; as well as playing a hand in both goals, he had the joint-most shots (five), and the joint-most shots on target (two), and created two chances for his team.
Al Ahli also struggled to cope with Mitrovic's threat, as the Serbian created an xG of 0.61 from his five shots, having 11 touches in the opposition box.
Ronaldo delivers another hat-trick as Al Nassr ease past Al Wedha
Cristiano Ronaldo crafted a decisive hat-trick as Al Nassr hammered Al Wedha 6-0 in Saturday's Saudi Pro League meeting.
Portugal veteran Ronaldo found the net twice in the first 12 minutes at Al Awal Park before completing his treble after the interval.
Sadio Mane teed up Ronaldo's third finish, as well as an 18th-minute strike from Otavio, who returned the favour for the Senegal international to score on the stroke of half-time.
Mohammed Al Fatil added a late sixth as Al Nassr recorded their seventh straight league win since their March 7 loss against Al Raed, moving them back within nine points of leaders Al Hilal.
Jorge Jesus's Al Hilal swept Al Tauwoon aside in a 3-0 away triumph on Friday for their fourth straight victory across all competitions.
Talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic opened the scoring at King Abdullah Sport City Stadium before Saud Abdulhamid and Saleh Alsherhi wrapped up a win that kept Al Hilal in charge of the title race.
There was no such fortune for fifth-placed Al Ittihad as they fell to a third straight defeat in all competitions after a 3-1 loss away against Abha.
Jota levelled after Grzegorz Krychowiak's 57th-minute penalty, only for Hassan Al-Ali and Fabian Noguera to power hosts Abha to a comfortable win.
Pioli focused on Genoa clash as speculation intensifies over Milan exit
Milan's disappointing campaign has put Stefano Pioli under scrutiny but his full concentration remains on a positive end to the season.
The Rossoneri are second in Serie A but 19 points adrift of champions Inter, and their fans suffered witnessing their fierce rivals secure the Scudetto in the recent derby win at San Siro.
That has only increased media reports about Pioli's dismissal once the season ends, with fans also protesting at the situation Milan face.
"My task shouldn't be complicated, there are four games left," Pioli told a press conference before Sunday's home game against Genoa.
"It's true that outside they talk about everything except the games, but not us. We have a great sense of responsibility. Then we'll see what the future is at the end of the season."
Some Italian reports have suggested Pioli could move to Napoli, though the Milan head coach refuted those claims.
"No thoughts, other than the next four games. At the end of the season, I'll meet with Milan and we'll see what to do," Pioli said.
"You've waited a long time, wait a little longer to talk about the future, the work is not done. The reality is I have another year on my contract with Milan and I won't speak to any other club while I'm under contract."
The atmosphere is tense around the club, and Milan ultras have announced they will not support the team against Genoa, remaining in silence without any banners or flags, as a form of protest against the owners.
"Our fans have always been an added value, especially in difficult moments. And I don't forget it," Pioli continued.
"They have taken this position and we respect it, then we have to do everything to win the game."
Milan have a five-point lead over Juventus in third and Genoa are 12th on 42 points, moving out of relegation danger.
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