A new year and suddenly Bradford see a shaft of daylight at the foot of the
Premiership.
The game also saw a fresh start for former Scotland midfielder Eoin Jess, who
marked his debut with the opening goal.
Jess, on loan from Aberdeen, worked tirelessly and Wayne Jacobs added a second
goal before the break.
Even though Muzzy Izzet pulled a goal back from the penalty spot, Bradford
were good value for their first away victory in the League this season.
Manager Jim Jefferies decided on an attacking line-up despite their precarious
position in the table, but left Stan Collymore on the bench.
They made a bright start at Filbert Street and Jess almost put them ahead
after seven minutes.
Jess made space 25 yards out and saw his shot go narrowly wide of the post.
The silky midfielder, who had a spell in England with Coventry, was keen to
make an impression and looked willing to take players on.
Leicester were again forced on the back foot after 17 minutes when Jacobs
swung in a cross from the left but Dean Saunders could only direct his header
over the top.
Bradford went ahead after 26 minutes with Jess making the breakthrough.
He found Robbie Blake on the edge of the area and he did well to turn two
defenders before getting in a shot.
Andy Impey scrambled the ball off the line but it fell to Jess, who had
continued his run into the box and he made no mistake.
Bradford, who went into the match adrift at the foot of the table, added a
second three minutes later.
Keeper Tim Flowers was left red-faced as a free-kick from Jacobs 20 yards out
trickled through his legs and into the net.
Leicester pulled a goal back in the 38th minute when Darren Eadie raced into
the box only to be tripped by Dean Windass.
Referee Steve Lodge had no hesitation in awarding a penalty and Izzet drilled
a shot down the middle.
Leicester keeper Flowers did not appear at the start of the second half with
Simon Royce replacing him.
Manager Peter Taylor also brought on Steve Guppy for the ineffective Eadie.
Considering their precarious position in the Premiership and the fact they had
not won an away game in the League, Bradford were keeping their shape well.
Windass was putting in a solid shift and tried his luck from 25 yards only to
see his effort drift wide.
Bradford defender Jacobs was then left with a gash above his eye after Robbie
Savage appeared to swing an elbow. But referee Lodge took no action.
Bradford keeper Gary Walsh then needed treatment after landing badly when he
flipped over team-mate Andy O'Brien and Leicester striker Ade Akinbiyi.
Former Leicester striker Collymore replaced Robbie Blake with five minutes to
go and was roundly jeered by the home fans.
But this was another disappointing day for Leicester, coming on the back of a
6-1 hammering by Arsenal on Boxing Day.