Ten-man Leyton Orient - which has been written far too many times this season – sit outside of the League 1 relegation zone by just goal difference after the O’s suffered a disappointing 3-1 defeat at Bradford City.

Billy Knott had tapped the Bantams into a first half lead but, despitethe hosts creating numerous chances, Orient were able to level in the second period through David Mooney.

But, in the final 14 minutes, the O’s fell apart. Chris Dagnell was dismissed for a strong challenge on Knott and Bradford then struck twice in two minutes - through Billy Clarke and Jon Stead - to complete victory.

There was only one change to the Orient side which defeated Crewe Alexandra 4-1 last weekend. Romain Vincelot dropped out of the side due to suspension and was replaced by Josh Wright.

Bradford started the contest brightly. The Bantams pressured the O’s defence and looked to exploit any minor mistake.

Mark Yeates fired an early half volley over the crossbar for the Bantams before Gianvito Plasmati dragged a shot well wide for the O’s after he exchanged passes with Andrea Dossena.

That proved the only effort of the half for the visitors. Bradford fashioned far better and far more chances.

First Clarke had a close range header easily stopped by Adam Legzdins and the forward then flicked a Yeates free-kick just wide of the Orient goal.

The O’s struggled to break through the Bradford defence, although Plasmati showed neat touches when the ball was directed his way.

Bradford continued to carve out chances. Stead fired a tame shot from 25 yards into the arms or Legzdins before Rory McArdle wasted a fine opportunity to put the hosts in front.

He connected with a Yates corner six yards out but, fortunately for Orient, the defender glanced his header wide.

The hosts felt they should have been awarded a penalty seven minutes before the interval. Yeates’ clever pass gave Clarke room to shoot and the striker’s effort appeared to strike the arm of the slipping Scott Cuthbert.

Referee Darren Handley only awarded a corner which resulted in Legzdins denying the forward with a reaction stop.

Bradford finished the half strongly. Yeates sent a strike from distance just over the crossbar and Legzdins blocked from Stead.

Orient were desperate for half time. It didn’t arrive soon enough. Bradford deservedly broke the deadlock with three minutes of the opening period remaining.

A neat flick over the O’s defence found Stead. Legzdins rushed out to close the angle but the striker squared a pass to the unmarked Knott and he tapped in from six yards.

It was a lead Bradford deserved at the break. The O’s needed a change and Mauro Milanese decided to bring off Bradley Pritchard and his replacement was Jobi McAnuff.

The pattern of play after the restart was unaffected. Bradford continued to look dangerous when they attacked and Legzdins was again forced into action as he got down low to stop an effort from Yates.

Bizarrely, the hosts then started to sit back. Orient began to have spells of possession and Dean Cox began to influence the contest.

The diminutive winger sent several purposeful crosses into the Bantams penalty area but, bar a header over from Nathan Clarke, they were dealt with by the hosts.

Bradford saw out the Orient pressure and threatened. Yeates and Stead had efforts easily stopped before poor marking from Dossena allowed Andy Halliday a free header at the back post which struck Legzdins and then the bar.

It was a let off for the visitors and they took full advantage. Mooney, a 66th minute replacement for Plasmati, collected the ball after a slip in the Bradford defence.

He advanced into the area and remained cool as he slotted the ball past Jordan Pickford.

Given the number of Bradford chances, Orient were fortunate to be level. It didn’t remain like that for long - five minutes to be exact.

First Dagnall was dismissed for a lunging challenge on Knott. It was a tackle that looked worse than it was but the striker could have little argument with the decision. 

Bradford immediately made their man advantage count. James Meredith escaped down the left, crossed behind the O’s defence and Clarke smashed his shot into the roof of the net.

Less than 60 seconds later, the hosts had a third. Legzdins collected a routine back pass but his attempted ball forward was feeble.

Stead collected, rounded the crestfallen goalkeeper and drilled his shot into the net. Game over. Orient were once again beaten.

Bradford City: Pickford, Darby, McArdle, Davies, Meredith, Halliday (Zoko 80), Knott, Liddle, Yeates, Clarke, Stead (Hanson 89).

Bradford City substitutes: Williams, Sheehan, Kennedy, Routis, Mottley-Henry.

Leyton Orient: Legzdins; Omozusi, Cuthbert, Clarke, Dossena; Pritchard (McAnuff HT), Wright, Price, Cox; Plasmati (Mooney 66), Dagnall.

Leyton Orient substitutes: Grainger, Sawyer, Baudry, Batt, Lee.

Attendance: 12, 489 (308)