Shaun Goater was replaced by the returning Paulo Wanchope with just over 20 minutes remaining as Manchester City beat Bradford 3-1 yesterday.

Goater was unfortunate with a number of chances during the game at Maine Road and with City having overturned a 1-0 deficit to lead 3-1, boss Kevin Keegan opted to withdraw the Bermudian.

Wanchope, Goater's original strike partner, has missed the past two months following a cartilage operation and had begun the game on the bench.

City, with Goater partnered by Darren Huckerby, found themselves a goal down after 15 minutes when Richard Dunne put through his own net after Bradford's Ashley Ward connected with a header at the far post.

The home side were back on level terms after 34 minutes when Ali Bernabia's free kick was met by the unmarked Lucien Mettomo who scored his first goal for the club.

City started the second half strongly, and it was Goater who had the first chance to give his side the lead.

The big man broke through Bradford's defensive ranks and galloped on for a one on one confrontation with goalkeeper Aidan Davison. However, his low left-footed shot was well saved.

Kevin Horlock eventually put City ahead after 58 minutes, volleying in from the edge of the box.

Goater then had an effort cleared off the line before Shaun Wright-Phillips notched his first goal in front of the Manchester faithful, unleashing an unstoppable shot into the top right-hand corner to seal the points after 63 minutes.

Four minutes later Goater made way for Wanchope, the Costa Rican missing chances of his own to extend City's lead before the final whistle.

The result means City, in second place in Division One, are five points behind leaders Burnley and three ahead of third-placed Wolves.

Meanwhile, Kyle Lightbourne got closer to the action on Saturday, making the Macclesfield bench after recovering from an ankle injury.

However, he was not needed by manager Dave Moss, the Third Division side defeating Leyton Orient 2-1.