Kevin Ellison became an instant City hero after clinching a vital victory over Wycombe.

Just two days after replacing Omar Daley, the on-loan Rotherham winger scored on his debut to settle a tense afternoon.

City's first win since January 3 eased them away from the relegation places and took some heat of boss Peter Taylor.

City's average age shot up to 27 as Taylor made six changes and packed the ranks with experience.

Michael Flynn, one of those older heads, was in the thick of it from the start but the Bantams had an escape on 15 minutes when Chris Westwood's header was kicked off the line by Luke O'Brien. Gareth Ainsworth's follow-up was blocked in the goal-mouth.

The injury jinx that has plagued Taylor continued when James Hanson, who had nearly scored from the game's first attack with a close-range flick, was forced to limp out of the action early. He was followed off midway through the second half by David Syers.

It was a dour opening 45 minutes but Wycombe were enjoying more of the ball as time went on. They had a penalty shout ignored when Ben Strevens went down under Lewis Hunt.

Lenny Pidgeley, preferred to Jon McLaughlin in goal, made a good save from Stuart Lewis two minutes before the break.

City had a bit more about them after the re-start and the crowd, subdued before then, roared into life. Tom Adeyemi's arrival had added some energy to the home side.

Syers' departure in the 66th minute was another blow for City in a season full of them But Valley Parade was sent into raptures three minutes later when Ellison swept home O'Brien's cross.

Wycombe should have levelled when sub Matt McClure put a free header over.

City, though, stuck at it to put paid to the wretched recent run - and put some much-needed daylight between them and the bottom two.