VALE have been warned not to underestimate Bradford City, despite the Bantams' miserable start to the new League Two campaign, writes Steve Shaw.

Peter Taylor's men are fifth from bottom of the table after losing three of their first four games of the season.

Vale, by contrast, are fifth after losing just one of their opening four games but assistant boss Geoff Horsfield is adamant Bradford won't be a pushover when the teams meet at Valley Parade tomorrow (3pm).

"You can't take any game lightly because teams can suffer three or four defeats on the spin and then go on a winning run," he said.

"We know it's going to be a difficult game and I'm sure they'll attract their usual 10,000-plus crowd, so we've got to get in their faces."

Vale's only league defeat so far came last weekend when they fell 2-1 to leaders Torquay, before recovering in midweek to beat League One side Rochdale in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy by the same score.

Vale are likely to make changes from the team that beat Dale, with the likes of centre-back John McCombe in line for a recall, while forward Abdulai Bell- Baggie could play his last game for Vale as his one-month loan from Reading runs out tomorrow.

Bradford managed just two shots on target in their previous league home games – a 1-0 victory over Stevenage, followed by last weekend's 2-0 defeat by Southend.

Taylor, who once managed Leicester City in the Premier League, has continued to chop and change his side in a bid to kick-start their campaign.

As a result, only keeper Jon McLaughlan has been ever-present for Bradford this season.

"Peter Taylor is the right manager for Bradford because he's proved himself right up to managing Leicester and the England under-21s side. You can't knock his credentials," said Horsfield.

Bradford are still missing right-back Simon Ramsden (calf) and midfielder Michael Flynn (hernia).

Vale are without midfield duo Lewis Haldane (ankle) and midfielder Doug Loft (ribs), but winger Rob Taylor has recovered from an ankle complaint.

Midfielder Gary Roberts returns to the ground where he netted a memorable 50-yard free-kick for Rotherham in their 4-2 win at Valley Parade last December.

But Roberts, who has netted 16 goals in 185 career appearances, has yet to break his Vale duck in seven starts.

"That free-kick must have been the best goal I've ever scored," said Roberts, who joined Vale on a short-term contract at the start of the campaign.

"I want to get off the mark for Vale and I'm sure my first goal will come if I keep trying my best."

ASSISTANT boss Geoff Horsfield looked after Vale's pre-match preparations yesterday while Micky Adams underwent a knee cartilage operation.

However, the manager should return to work today and will be in the dug-out at Valley Parade tomorrow.