The Mitchell and Hanson show is top entertainment for Bradford City fans

But however quick his 15 minutes of City fame flashes by, it should be remembered for one significant outcome.

This was the afternoon that James Hanson reminded everyone what an attacking force he still is. Or perhaps that should read, his team-mates suddenly woke up and remembered that the big man can only flourish if he actually gets some decent service.

The knives have been out for Hanson in the opening month. With the much-trumpeted new era making such a stalling start, the centre forward has been an easy target for criticism.

He has looked a marooned, frustrated figure scratching around for any scraps to come his way. It was no surprise if his confidence was on the wane.

Peter Jackson had noticed it when he gave what turned out to be his final press conference on Thursday. He wanted to see more devil in Hanson’s play; something to scare defenders.

Twenty-four dramatic hours later and Cooper had his arm round Hanson with a pep talk about everything the targetman was good at.

Cooper said: “Big James has been disappointed with the way the season has started considering he had a smashing pre-season.

“So I had a word with him on Friday to remind him of his strengths. He’s 6ft 3in, he can run, he can jump and he makes it hard for defenders.

“If I was playing against him I wouldn’t have enjoyed when he’s on form.

“He deserves a massive pat on the back because he worked his socks off and got his reward.”

Both Hanson’s goals came courtesy of Chris Mitchell crosses. The Scot, whose free-kick also paved the way for Guy Branston’s header, gave a passing masterclass on his return to the team.

Cooper admitted that the biggest problem they had with Mitchell was where best to play him. He’s certainly not an out-and-out right winger but his range of passing is clinical.

The temporary boss had told his team to ping the ball into the box for Hanson and give him the kind of opportunities that he craved. Nobody was listening more keenly than Mitchell.

He said: “I’m not going to take players on, that’s not my game. I like to get balls in the box and luckily Hanson was in the right place at the right time.

“You see from our goal-kicks that he always wins his fair share of headers. Coops just told me to get plenty of shots and crosses in for him.

“I ended up with three assists and he got his two goals, which will hopefully kick-start his season.”

The first goal was trademark Hanson – and could not have come at a more opportune moment.

He had already tested keeper Dean Brill twice in a lively start. One of those chances, a header set up by Robbie Threlfall, probably should have gone in.

But, as has been the story each week, City found themselves chasing the game when Ricky Holmes went past Branston too easily and teed up Izale McLeod to put Barnet in front.

Step forward Mitchell and Hanson to the rescue. Within 30 seconds – and before any chins could droop – a delicious cross was plonked on Hanson’s head at the far post to steer the equaliser back across the keeper.

The crowd revelled in an open spectacle, though Cooper felt it was too open and made the point forcibly in the dressing room at half-time.

But there was nothing to moan about City’s attacking play. The rejuvenated Hanson found a willing ally in Mark Stewart and he harried and hastled Barnet’s ropy back four.

Ritchie Jones was in string-pulling mood behind them, while Mitchell looked to put in crosses for fun.

City’s breakthrough came four minutes into the second half. Hanson’s tenacity earned a free-kick which Mitchell curled into the danger zone to be buried by Branston.

The skipper led the wild celebrations as City milked the moment of leading in a league match for the first time since April.

Barnet could not be written off. McLeod was still a handful and left winger Mark Marshall was prepared to take on all comers as he hugged the touchline.

But a City third five minutes later eased any immediate tension. Jordan Parkes tried to be clever dribbling out of defence, Mitchell read it, seized possession and put Hanson’s second goal of the afternoon on a plate.

Stewart made way to a well-earned standing ovation. He had done his job in softening up the opposition and on came Nahki Wells to deliver the killer blow.

Wells, whose only previous appearance was on the opening day, had trumped Michael Bryan for a spot on the bench.

And he seized his chance, toying with Danny Senda on the edge of the box before shifting the ball between his feet and firing past Brill.

Wells then nearly repeated the trick but saw his shot come back into play off the inside of the post.

McLeod did manage to bundle a late consolation past the erratic Oscar Jansson but nobody seemed to notice.

Cooper added: “Whether people think it or not, the players have been working ever so hard for the last ten weeks. This result was a reward for that.

“Confidence is the biggest thing in football and that will do them the power of good.

“Peter leaving shocked us all but the funny thing about football is that nothing changes. Managers will come and go.

“As disappointing as it was for Peter, I told the players they had a game to prepare for and they had to be right.

“Go out there with whatever makes you tick. If it’s to raise a glass to Peter, so be it.

“They all deserve a pat on the back.”

After another traumatic week at Valley Parade, the fans could finally enjoy a result and performance worth cheering. And, just as importantly, the return to form of City’s number one striker.