Wells on the mark against Southend
Bradford City striker Nahki Wells netted his 15th goal of the season in the Bantams’ 2-2 away draw with fellow League Two promotion hopefuls Southend United at Roots Hall at the weekend.The Bermudian, who impressed in City’s stunning Capital One Cup quarter-final win against Arsenal last week, opened the scoring for the visitors in the 28th minute after turning in Will Atkinson’s pass on the second attempt after his first struck the legs of Southend ‘keeper Paul Smith.Wells, who put an end to a four game scoring drought before being substituted in the 71st minute, had been doubtful ahead of the match after jarring his right knee in City’s exciting 3-2 penalty shootout win against the Gunners in the League Cup four days earlier.Earlier, Wells’ strike partner James Hanson struck the bar as the visitors took the match to their hosts.City stretched their lead to 2-0 in the 64th minute after Shrimpers Luke Prosser sliced an intended clearance into his own net.However, the home side staged a late comeback which saw them score twice in the final ten minutes to snatch a share of the spoils.Defender Ryan Cresswell gave the hosts a lifeline when he headed home Kevan Hurst’s corner in the 80th minute. Gavin Tomlin then stretched the Shrimpers’ current unbeaten streak to 11 games after latching onto a punt forward and slotting past City ‘keeper Matt Duke in stoppage time to earn his team a point.City midfielder Nathan Doyle was booked in the 58th minute for kicking the ball away after referee Stephen Martin had awarded Southend a free-kick and will now miss the Bantams’ FA Cup clash away to League One side Brentford tomorrow.City are currently fifth in the npower League Two with 36 points from 22 matches.Elsewhere on Saturday, Wells’ compatriot Jonte Smith was an unused sub in League One Crawley Town’s 2-1 come -from-behind win against hosts Stevenage at Lamex Stadium.It was the teenaged striker’s first appearance in the Reds’ squad for a competitive match after impressing during a three-month loan spell with Ryman League side Metropolitan Police where he banged in 24 goals in 19 appearances, including two hat tricks.Stevenage took the lead early in the second half through a goal from Robin Shroot before the visitors came roaring back with goals from Hope Akpan and Dannie Bulman to earn their team its first league win in eight matches.The Reds are currently tenth in the npower League One standings with 35 points from 22 matches.