Craig Disley of Shrewsbury Town gets away from Luke O'Brien of Bradford City

Shrewsbury Town began 2009 with a solid goalless draw against Bradford at Valley Parade on January 3.

Some 360 days later, they ended it in style as an even more impressive afternoon’s work in the same surroundings produced an ultimately comfortable victory.

And what a priceless success it was, halting a slide in performances and results which have tarnished the run up to Christmas.

But credit to Paul Simpson and his side who, in the face of the recent flak, galvanised themselves to produced a heart-warming display in chilly Yorkshire.

This was as a convincing a performance as Shrewsbury have produced in the last two months as they heaped further misery on under-achieving Bradford, who were forced to play the second half with just 10 men.

“It’s a massive, massive result with the way things have been going for us,” said winger Lewis Neal.

“It just shows the character and spirit is there amongst the lads.

“Hopefully this will be a step in the right direction.

“I thought we thoroughly deserved to win the game in the end.

“I don’t think they can have any complaints.”

The bulk of the talking points in this gripping encounter came in a dramatic two minute spell on the stroke of half-time when Shrewsbury were awarded a penalty and the home side were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of defender Matthew Clarke.

But even before then, the game had sprung into life following a stunning strike from Terry Dunfield to give Town an 11th minute lead.

The goal itself was against the run of play, coming after a blistering Bradford start which saw a deflected shot from Simon Whaley strike the woodwork, a goalbound James Hanson header cleared by Dave Hibbert and Gareth Evans spurning a one-on-one opportunity.

Town required a lift to set them on their way and it came via the left foot of Dunfield who fired a first-time left-foot strike into the top corner after pouncing on a loose ball 25 yards out from goal.

Suddenly, the confidence which has been so badly missing in recent weeks returned to Shrewsbury who appeared calm in possession and inventive in their movement.

And they were aided by a new look 4-5-1 formation which had Steve Leslie floating in the space behind Dave Hibbert and providing a much-needed link between midfield and attack.

But just as Town’s grip on proceedings was tightening, so it was weakened when a slip from Langmead on 21 minutes allowed Evans to close in on David Button’s goal to provide Hanson with an easy tap in.

Cue the crucial moments which tipped this encounter in Town’s favour.

Clarke earned his first yellow card after being adjudged to have fouled Leslie in the box just a minute before half-time.

The penalty award appeared a correct decision and Kevin McIntyre justified his promotion to spot kick duties by sending Simon Eastwood the wrong way.

And it was to get worse for Bradford moments later when referee Peter Quinn cautioned Clarke for the second time in a minute for a foul on Hibbert as the ball ran out towards the touchline.

That decision left Bantams boss Stuart McCall furious and the hosts failed to overcome their numerical disadvantage to trouble Shrewsbury after the half-time break.

Town themselves took no chances in their pursuit of victory but deservedly wrapped up the three points through Hibbert with nine minutes remaining, Town’s top scorer following up after a Lewis Neal shot was saved by Eastwood.

It was a result Shrewsbury required badly to ease the pressure and ensured 2009 ended on a positive note.

They now have the platform to begin 2010 in the same fashion.

By James Garrison