RICHIE Smallwood has been hailed as the unsung hero of City’s charge to the finish line.

The Bantams made it four wins in five games with a 3-2 comeback victory in a breath-taking encounter at Walsall.

They recovered from conceding two early goals and then survived the closing stages with 10 men after Jamie Walker was red-carded.

City are remarkably still in the play-off picture in 10th spot – four points off the top seven with two to play.

Graham Alexander praised the role played by skipper Smallwood in leading the rearguard action to protect their latest win.

“He was unbelievable,” said the City boss. “There was so much intelligence and experience.

“I’m sure that’s not the first time his team has gone down to 10 men, so he knows what to do in those situations.

“I thought he was a great player for the really young defensive line behind him.

“They looked at him for inspiration and motivation. His positioning was absolutely top notch and he deserves the credit.”

Smallwood had a hand in City’s equaliser with his free-kick leading to the first of Walker’s two goals.

Set-pieces have been a weak point generally for the team over the season but it was the second game running when they scored from one of his deliveries.

Alexander insists the influence of Smallwood, one of the players whose contract is up in the summer, has been huge in bouncing back from last month’s losing run.

“I think he’s been the unsung player in the last few weeks. He’s knitted everything together and we’re delighted to have him on the pitch.

“I wouldn’t have had anyone else out there for the final 20 minutes when it’s backs to the wall.”

Ciaran Kelly was forced to come off towards the end of Saturday’s game through cramp.

It has been a recurring problem for the big Irishman and one that Alexander is determined to sort ahead of next season.

He said: “Ciaran’s had that a few times and it’s something for us all to address.

“When we need our centre halves in a game like that, they can’t be coming off with cramp.

“It’s not right and that’s something we have to find an answer to.”

Andy Cook had started the City fightback with his 18th goal of the season – and fourth in the last five games against Walsall.

Cook, who scored 18 goals in his one year at the Saddlers in League One, denied he felt he had a point to prove against them after being booed by home fans.

“It’s just pure coincidence, nothing else,” he said about his record.

“I put the noise to the back of my mind. Some people let it bother them but I’ve just gone out there and performed.

“The main thing is that we’ve got the points and come back how we did.”