GARY Bowyer praised the “fabulous” Bantams as they moved within three points of the League Two summit.

Goals from Hope Akpan and substitute Shay McCartan clinched a 2-1 win over Swindon – the third successive league victory at Valley Parade.

Bowyer said: “I thought it was a fabulous performance, one of great intensity, work rate, character and desire.

“I’m really pleased with them and they’ve got to build on that now.

“Swindon are a good team, a possession-based one, and we worked ever so hard to nullify that.

“That was their first defeat on the road of the season so that shows the result for us and the performance we gave.”

All the goals came in the last quarter of the game after City had bossed the first half without scoring.

“It was a bit baffling at how we went in all-square because we were camped in their half for quite a bit,” added the Bantams chief.

“We were just missing that final pass or that little bit more quality in the final third.

“But the way we went about it and kept banging on the door was fantastic.

“Our first goal was fantastic. It’s a wonderful strike from Clayton (Donaldson) and you always want people backing it up.

“Hope did that and deserved the goal because of the intensity he’s shown the last couple of weeks and in the game.

“You then get the setback of their goal. It looked offside to me and Paudie (O’Connor) slipped, although we should still get a block on the shot.

“But we didn’t get upset and with the introduction of Shay, we know what he’s capable of. That’s why we put him on.”

O’Connor came off before the end with a “dead glute”.

Bowyer laughed: “That’s backside to me and you. But I’m not sure the physios have that one in the journal!”