Brave Bradford still bottom after loss at Toulouse

Betfred Super League Toulouse (16) 28 Tries: Ulberg, Polselli, Toleafoa, Jussaume, Tropis Goals: Rouge 4 Bradford (6) 18 Tries: Atkin, Ackers, Leake Goals: Hooley 3 Bradford Bulls remain two points adrift at the foot of the Super League after falling short in a spirited comeback attempt against Toulouse Olympique at Stade Ernest-Wallon. With head coach Kurt Haggerty only able to name a 17-player squad because of injuries and suspensions, Bradford seemed set for another heavy defeat when the French side moved 10-0 in front after 17 minutes through Paul Ulberg and Luke Polselli's tries. Chris Atkin replied for the visitors after Riley Dean's scintillating run, but John Toleafoa's first try of the season restored Toulouse's 10-point lead at half-time. Andy Ackers deservedly touched down as Bradford bossed much of the second half, reducing the deficit to four points until Mathieu Jussaume and Romeo Tropis scored for the French club in the final seven minutes. Academy graduate Alfie Leake produced his first senior try in the 80th minute for Bradford, who host 10th-placed Castleford Tigers on Thursday. They then visit York Knights, who currently sit second bottom after their defeat by Wakefield Trinity - a week later. The victory was the ninth of the season for ninth-placed Toulouse, who host Hull FC on Friday before finishing their season at Warrington Wolves a week later. More to follow Warrington retain top-two hopes with win at Hull FC Wakefield secure play-off place with win over York Toulouse: Polselli; Laguerre, Tropis, Quai-Ward, Ulberg; Lacans, Rouge; Belmas, Hands, Roumanos, Stefani, Jussaume, Cator. Interchanges: Marion, Chan, Toleafoa, Wallace. Bradford: Aekins; Okunbor, Hooley, Blake, Wynne; Dean, Atkin; Sutton, Ackers, Scurr, Gardiner, Peposhi, Mellor. Interchanges: Gill, Ruan, Leake, Ward. Referee: Matty Lynn.