Norwich's promotion hopes suffered a jolt as Paul Reid, on a four-month contract with Bradford, cracked home two superb long-range strikes.

Having established a two-goal cushion, Bradford had to withstand a spirited fightback before claiming the three points as Norwich cut the deficit and then missed a penalty in injury time.

The spot-kick was awarded when Danny Cadamarteri fouled Steen Nedergaard, but IIwan Roberts was denied by Bradford keeper Steve Banks.

Early on Banks had to be on his toes as he saved from Adam Drury and he then kept out a header from Roberts. as well as denying Paul McVeigh.

Banks could only watch in hope as Nicky Southall's volley rebounded off the woodwork.

Just two minutes later the home side took the lead.

Reid, on his full debut, cracked a superb 25-yard volley home after good work from Danny Cadamarteri.

Former Everton player Cadamarteri almost put his side further ahead five minutes after the interval, but his shot was superbly tipped over by Robert Green.

But Reid was soon again the man of the moment, lashing the ball home from 18 yards.

The increasingly busy Green saved from Reid as he looked to complete his hat-trick.

Norwich hauled themselves back into the game through Zema Abbey, who replaced McVeigh just after the hour.

Abbey had only been on the pitch for six minutes when he headed home from close range from a Southall corner.

And Abbey almost snatched an equaliser for Norwich with 11 minutes remaining, but his close-range header was brilliantly saved by Banks.

Bradford: Banks, Molenaar, Bower, Myers, Uhlenbeek, Gray, Warnock, Reid, Jacobs, Cadamarteri, Ward. Subs: Davison, Juanjo, Proctor, Standing, Evans.

Norwich: Green, Nedergaard, Kenton, Mackay, Drury, Southall, Mulryne, Holt, McVeigh, Roberts, Nielsen. Subs: Fleming, Abbey, Emblen, Heckingbottom, Crichton.

Referee: A Leake (Lancashire)