Reece Burke's goal has given Bradford City a 1-0 lead over Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park in a half that saw Jonathan Forte sent off for the home side.
Josh Morris almost gave the visitors the lead inside two minutes, but his well-struck free kick was saved by goalkeeper Joel Coleman.
Coleman was again called into action after 19 minutes and the shot-stopper this time denied Gary Jones.
The Latics were calling for a foul on their goalkeeper on 21 minutes, but the referee waved away the appeals after Burke converted into an empty net from close range.
Coleman needed treatment after the incident, but the goal stood and Oldham's sense of injustice was furthered when Forte was sent off for an off-the-ball incident after the half-hour mark.
The striker was involved in a clash with Stephen Darby and was promptly given his marching orders by the official.
Billy Knott came close to extending the advantage towards the end of the half, but his 25-yard effort flashed wide of Oldham's goal.
Paul Gorst
