MARK Hughes savoured Abo Eisa’s “big moment” as City made it back-to-back home wins to see in the new year.

Eisa’s first goal after an injury-ravaged time at Valley Parade clinched a 3-2 victory over Salford to lift the Bantams up to fifth.

Hughes revealed that the winger was given a round of applause by his team-mates when he came into the dressing room after the game.

“That was a big moment for him,” he said.

“Fair play to him, he’s a good player and everybody was delighted when he arrived.

“But through injury he hasn’t been able to impact the team at any stage.

“We’ve looked after him, got him back and introduced him at the right time. He’s looking really strong, he’s at full pace and I’m really pleased he was able to get on the scoresheet.

“He was so close in the summer and then he had a big setback with a different injury. That can happen when you’ve been out for a long time.

“He’s got a great mentality, always comes in with a smile on his face and when professionals like that get some reward for the effort and hardship they’ve had to go through then everybody’s pleased.

“I thought we were clearly the better team and it’s great that Abo came on and scored his first goal.”

City led three times against the Ammies with Vadaine Oliver being involved in the first, that went down as a Theo Vassell own goal, before scoring the second from close range.

Hughes praised the home crowd for seeing them through as Salford twice hit back and pushed hard for a third equaliser late on.

“The crowd were magnificent. I think everyone went away from the ground really happy in terms of the manner of the performance.

“The result is key for us but they see a team now that is really putting everything into it. Everybody is emptying their tanks and leaving it all out there.

“That’s what this crowd want to see, real commitment and effort.

“We’ll still play our football in the opposition half and create and play good stuff but I think they can see elements in our play now that they really want to be happy about.

“I think we’re seeing a different mentality from the guys at the moment. There’s a real determination in our play and everything we do.

“We weren’t to be denied and fully deserved to win. We were able to get our noses in front once again and defended when we had to and they were throwing everything at us.”