Mark Hughes was delighted Matty Platt’s confusing sending off did not come back to haunt Bradford in their 2-1 win at Mansfield.

Skipper Richie Smallwood and goal machine Andy Cook put the high-flying Bantams two goals to the good as they struck either side of half-time.

Platt was sent off just after the hour and Will Swan gave the visitors a scare when he struck.

But the battling Bantams held on for a hard-fought win as they closed the gap on the automatic promotion places to two points.

“Unfortunately the referee played a hand,” said Hughes.

“I’m not sure if anybody could und...