THERE was much to admire from City’s hard-earned 3-1 win at Swindon.

In the final word on an impressive victory, we look at some of the talking points.

MAN WHO CAN

The numbers don’t lie with Niall Canavan, who has played on the losing side only four times in his 21 games in a City shirt.

The skipper’s presence brought an added calmness to the Bantams defence and his partnership with Paudie O’Connor and Yann Songo’o in a back three kept Swindon at arm’s length.

Canavan is always a vocal figure and has shown he leads by example to inspire those playing around him. His return to the ranks can hopefully make a big difference.

SHARING THE LOAD

You’d have got long odds on City scoring three times on Saturday and Andy Cook’s name not being among them.

The striker could claim an assist for Levi Sutton after his prod against the post was followed up by his eager team-mate.

But Cook missed his best chance of a seventh goal of the season when he fired over the bar from a great position after turning marker Jack Hunt ragged.

It could be important for team confidence, though, that City have shown that they can score without the main man chipping in.

SHAKING IT UP

Derek Adams’ team line-up and switch in formation raised many eyebrows but worked a treat with City great value for their second away win of the season.

As well as switching to three centre halves, Adams also dropped Charles Vernam on the bench – a big call considering how influential a figure he has been.

Callum Cooke’s absence also allowed Alex Gilliead to operate more centrally and he looked far more effective for it.

Gilliead has put in some infuriating displays when he has shone in bursts but not produced enough end product.

He was far more involved at the County Ground and his flick-on set up Caolan Lavery for the opener.

TWO UP TOP

It is the common cry among supporters for two up front, although Adams could argue that Lavery and Theo Robinson have not been ready to start alongside Andy Cook after recent injury setbacks.

The City chief took the plunge on Saturday by starting Lavery up there as well and the Canadian responded with a very encouraging 70 minutes.

It was not just his well-taken goal and support play for Cook that took his manager’s eye. Adams was also impressed with the work Lavery produced in his own box in clearing his lines from corners.

MIDFIELD MOTOR

Levi Sutton showed so much box-to-box energy as the driving heart of the team.

The midfielder has established himself as a key member of Adams’ side with his enthusiasm and non-stop running, whether it’s to close down opponents or break forward on the attack.

His first goal of the season was reward for not giving up. Having been unable to reach the early cross from Matty Foulds, Sutton stayed in the mix to follow in and pounce on the rebound from close range.

He had another chance in the second half and Adams will be hoping for more goals input from his regular forays into the penalty area.