Paul Deacon produced an inspired performance to help Bradford return to winning ways with a 32-24 victory over struggling Harlequins.

Deacon's try and six goals saw him collect 16 points which helped the Bulls restore some pride after they were hammered 44-2 by Leeds last Thursday.

The result leaves the Bulls level on points with the Quins in seventh place on eight points.

Steve McNamara's task got no easier in the wake of the Headingley humiliation with six of the Bulls' squad ruled out through injury.

The Quins had problems of their own with Danny Orr unavailable and things got even worse for the visitors when Scott Hill was withdrawn after just five minutes with a suspected broken wrist.

Bradford were quick to take advantage and ruthlessly exposed the Londoners' shortcomings on their way to an 18-0 lead inside the opening quarter.

Sam Burgess was first to cross when he broke through two tackles after galloping on to Ben Jeffries' neat pass.

Jeffries was the provider again two minutes later, this time setting Dave Halley on a clear run to the line.

Quins looked well beaten when David Solmona touched down to further extend the Bulls' lead but Rob Worrincy's quick-fire double gave Brian McDermott's side a glimmer of hope.

However, Bradford regained the initiative with two more tries before half time.

James Evans leaped above Worrincy to collect Paul Deacon's high kick before Deacon twisted over from close range.

Harlequins were given another chance when referee Ashley Klein sin-binned Craig Kopczak for a professional foul on Henry Paul.

Paul crossed while Bradford were down to 12 men after quick thinking by Chad Randall but that was as close as they got.

Solomona produced a tremendous tackle to deny Rikki Sheriffe in the corner while Matt Gafa wasted a four-on-one overlap with an awful pass to Tony Clubb.

Deacon's penalty in the final quarter maintained his 100% kicking record and confirmed the home side's superiority, despite Dwayne Barker's late try.