Michael Boulding thanked his strike partner Peter Thorne for helping him get off the mark for City.

Hitman Thorne turned provider as he produced a superb cross which the new signing converted with a diving header to set the Bantams on their way to a 2-0 win at home to Rochdale.

"It was a fantastic ball in, very inviting, and I just needed to get my head on it," said Boulding while talking to the Telegraph & Argus.

"Thorney said to me that strikers put the best balls in because they know what other strikers want.

"He's a great player - anyone can link up with him because he's got really good awareness.

"I was delighted to get off the mark. That will help me relax but I wasn't anxious. It's more important that we keep winning and the confidence in the dressing room keeps rising."

Boss Stuart McCall, who also praised Omar Daley's role in the build-up to the goal, said: "I thought Thorney was going to shoot but he bent a lovely ball in and 'Boulders' was brave.

"I'm delighted for him because, after hitting the inside of the woodwork last week, he was desperate to get off the mark, like all strikers are when they join a new club."

It looked like Boulding was going to double his tally when he hit the post again in the same manner during the second half.

The striker said: "It was a funny one. As soon as I'd hit it I could see that the keeper was wrong-footed and he was just watching it as though it was going to go in.

"It was exactly the same as last week when it ran across the line but hopefully they will start going in."

Thorne also notched his fifth goal of the season but City had to work hard to make it three wins out of three, which leaves them in second place on goal difference.

Rochdale enjoyed the majority of possession but lacked City's cutting edge in front of goal.

McCall said: "I probably couldn't have grumbled if it had finished a draw but I thought second half, though they had a lot of pressure, I can't remember Rhys Evans having a lot to do. However, they always looked dangerous.

"Make no bones about it, they are a very good side and that's a big win for us.

"If we finish above them I think we'll get promoted because I think they'll definitely be up there.

"To keep a clean sheet against them is a great achievement so I am absolutely delighted."