Notts County are still without a win in 2008 as Ian McParland's side fell to a 3-0 defeat at Bradford City this afternoon.

Veteran striker Peter Thorne netted a fine hat-trick, scoring from a set-piece in either half as Notts fell to a first defeat on the road since the end of November as well as a fine finish from outside the penalty area in the last minute.

New boys Gavin Strachan and Ali Gibb were handed debuts at the Coral Windows Stadium, while Lee Canoville was also handed a recall. Out went Andy Parkinson, Neil MacKenzie and Guy Branston from the starting XI as Ian McParland made three changes to the side which was beaten at home for the third game running last weekend by Stockport.

Nottsbegan brightly and almost took advantage of some poor Bradford defending on five minutes, but after Hector Sam latched onto a poor back-header by Darren Williams and advanced into the box Matt Clarke made a fine challenge just as the Trinidad & Tobago frontman was about to pull the trigger.

At the other end Omar Daly's pace on the break created Bradford's first opening, but after advancing some sixty-plus yards he drove wide from the edge of the penalty area.

Kevin Pilkington was called into action for the first time on thirteen minutes, pulling off a fine reaction save from the experienced Peter Thorne who flicked Paul Heckingbottom's free-kick towards goal from a few yards out; but the 33-year-old made a fine stop and Dudfield conceded a corner as a result by sweeping the ball behind in a crowded goalmouth.

The former Manchester United junior had to be at his best once again five minutes later; this time diving to his right to keep out a superb long-range effort from the dangerous and pacy Omar Daley.

Notts' first attempt on goal came after half-an-hour, as Dudfield latched onto some lazy defending inside the box to turn past Weatherall and get a shot in from an acute angle, but Ricketts saved with his legs.

Bradford had enjoyed the better of the chances in the first period, and they opened the scoring eleven minutes before the break. Weatherall met a right-wing corner from Evans for the home side with a towering header which Hunt cleared off the line, but Notts couldn't scramble the ball away sufficiently and Thorne was on hand to scramble the ball over the line from a few yards out.

The half faded out from that point, although a minute from the end of the half Bradford could have extended their lead through Barry Conlon but when clear on goal with just Pilkington to beat the Notts custodian came out on top by making a fine stop.

Pilkington made some crucial stops throughout the half, with the home side enjoying the better chances .

Half-Time: Bradford City 1-0 Notts County

The second-half saw Notts begin brightly, but after neither side were able to create opportunities in the first ten minutes of the half the home side got the crucial break to see them edge 2-0 ahead.

Again Thorne was the scorer, and it again it was from a corner. A neat ball into the six-yard box perfectly picked out the run of Thorne, and he guided the ball into the net with his right-foot. Notts players stood head in hands, some pointing at others as to who was meant to be picking up the frontman.

Bradford piled the pressure on for five minutes after the goal, but they weren't able to weave their way through the Notts defence with Tann and Pearce both making timely interceptions.

Dudfield headed a Canoville cross wide soon afterwards as Notts attempted to get back into the game, and Ian McParland changed his frontline around by bringing on former Bradford striker Spencer Weir-Daley in place of Hector Sam.

However, Notts were still unable to find a way through a very physical Bradford backline - and Thorne rounded off the scoring in the final minute with a powerful low drive from outside the box which flew beyond Pilkington's reach. Ricketts was forced a save late on from Butcher, diving to his right to palm the midfielder's volley away.

Strachan and Gibb's introductions were certainly welcome ones to the squad, with Strachan sitting in midfield and using the ball neatly and effectively - but again it was Notts' lack of cutting edge which was evident this afternoon.

Ian McParland has openly admitted he need a new frontman, and there's no doubt he will be stepping up his efforts to add one to his ranks this week - while defending corners will be high on the agenda also.

Full Time: Bradford City 3-0 Notts County

Bradford City: Ricketts, Williams, Weatherall (C), Clarke, Heckingbottom, Colbeck, Evans, Bullock, Daley Rhodes 85), Thorne, Conlon. 
Subs Not Used: Topp, Saynor, Ainge, Nix.
Booked: Clarke.
Sent Off: None.
Goals: Thorne (34, 58, 90).

Notts County: Pilkington, Canoville, Tann (C), Pearce, Hunt, Gibb, Butcher, Strachan, Bastians, Dudfield, Sam (Weir-Daley 64).
Subs Not Used: Sandercombe, McCann, Parkinson, MacKenzie.
Booked: None.
Sent Off: None.
Goals: None.

Match Referee: Mr C Oliver

Attendance: 13,494 (401 Notts County Fans)

nottscountyfc.co.uk Man of the Match: Kevin Pilkington