By Neil Goulding

JOSH Gordon was Barrow's stoppage-time hero to clinch a dramatic 3-2 win over Bradford at Holker Street.

Gordon struck the decisive goal straight after former Bluebird Andy Cook seemed to have salvaged a point for the visitors.

But Pete Wild's team weren't to be denied as they made it two wins out of two to maintain a thrilling start to the season.

The contest had been fairly uneventful for the first hour but then exploded into life - leading to a dream finale.

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It was a game to remember for Bradford-born Ben Whitfield as the winger helped himself to a goal and two assists.

Wild made one change from the team that won at Edgeley Park as left-back Patrick Brough came in for Sam McClelland.

He was also able to name a full seven-man bench, although there was no place for latest signings Benni Smales-Braithwaite and Myles Kenlock.

But McClelland was soon involved after George Ray was forced off with an ankle injury.

Tyrell Warren was booked for dragging back Lee Angol but there was little goal-mouth entertainment at either end for the large crowd.

The first attempt of note came on the half-hour as Bradford-born Ben Whitfield found space for a shot from 25 yards but dragged it wide.

Former Bluebird Matty Platt was making a quick return after three seasons at Holker Street. 

He threatened just before half-time with a looping header that was clutched on his line by Paul Farman.

Captain Niall Canavan was also up against his former club - who he captained prior to his move to Cumbria in January.

He had Barrow's brightest moment in added time at the end of the first half, flicking a header onto the top of the net as Bradford keeper Harry Lewis frantically back-pedalled.

Another Smallwood free-kick caused a brief concern as Platt came rushing in at the far post before Josh Gordon curled well wide from a Barrow counter.

Billy Waters burst menacingly into the Bradford box but his cross-shot fizzed just in front of the sliding Whitfield when any touch would have gone in.

But there was no disputing Whitfield's contact for the opening goal on 62 minutes. 

Picking up Brough’s knockdown 30 yards out, the winger drove towards the edge of the D where he unleashed a right-foot rocket into the bottom corner.

The joy was short-lived as Bradford struck back with an equaliser three minutes later.

Cook flicked on to Ryan East and he fed Jake Young for an angled shot that smacked the underside of the bar and bounced down a yard over the line.

Whitfield fired another shot wide but then his corner led to a second goal, Gordon flicking on for Josh Kay to score from six yards.

Cook threatened to come back and haunt his old team when he forced home the rebound after Paul Farman parried Young's shot in the seven minutes of added time.

But there was still enough left for Barrow to find a winner as Gordon found enough room to squeeze home a shot from six yards out.

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