On a night when Bradford Town unveiled the new floodlights they hope will enable them to progress through the leagues, nothing shone as brightly as the quality of football on display as they thrashed Gillingham 7-1 on Wednesday.

Paul Shanley’s side went into the contest desperate for a win to stay close to second-placed Longwell Green Sports in the Toolstation First Division and were five goals to the good before half time.

Even when having taken their foot off the gas in the second period, they added a further two to their tally and missed to leave an improved crowd of 91 agasp at the quality on show.

“The first 45 minutes was the best we’ve played this season,” said Shanley.

“Some of the teams in the top league would have struggled to live with some of the football we played and goals we scored. I think three or four of them are contenders for goal of the season.

“Credit to the players, we’ve had three decent wins in a row now and what better performance to put in with the lights being opened as well.

“It could have been 10-1 with the chances we had and their keeper pulled off some good saves.”

The game was preceeded by the official turning on of the floodlights, which were necessary before Bradford can be promoted to the Toolstation Premier League and beyond, with Bristol Rovers goalkeeper Steve Phillips on hand to perform the ceremony.

The home side were ahead within three minutes thanks to a stunning long-range strike from Lee Salter and never looked back from then on.

Jerad O’Prey, Liam Milburn and a brace from Matt Minnis earned them victory before the half-time whistle and the prolific striker grabbed another two after the brak to take his goal tally to 43 in all competitions this season.

The result leaves Bradford three points behind Longwell, who have a game in hand, with the two sides still to meet before the end of the season.

“I couldn’t pick anyone as man of the match because I thought all 14 were absolutely outstanding,” said Shanley.

“It was very fitting to put in a performance like that to open the lights and the people who watched it will have gone away impressed with a very good Bradford side.

“Two weeks ago Longwell probably thought it was all over when they were 11 points clear.

“But these lads have shown a lot of determination and commitment to come back and we’re flying again at the minute.

“Hopefully on Saturday when we visit Portishead we can put a bit more pressure on them.

“The ball is in their court now.”