Bradford City Roars Back to League One
Bradford snatched promotion from EFL competitors in a breathtaking final-minute stoppage-time goal on the closing day.
Bradford City is back in League One after an electrifying last-ditch victory over Fleetwood Town.
Antoni Sarcevic netted a thrilling stoppage-time winner in the 6th minute to secure the 1-0 triumph and send Valley Parade into a frenzy.
A fortunate deflection off Sarcevic directed the ball into the bottom corner, igniting wild celebrations among the Bantams' faithful.
Fans invaded the pitch, extending the match until the final whistle blew in the 19th minute of added time. Post-celebrations, fans poured back onto the field once promotion was confirmed, ending their season in third place in League Two.
Having started the day in third after a defeat to Doncaster Rovers on the previous weekend, the unlikely comeback rekindled Bradford's journey to League One.
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### John Terry's Brother's Sent-Off Drama on Touchline### Luton's Cruel Record in English Football HistoryWhile Bradford seized the limelight, Walsall had been hot on their heels, languishing only a point behind. Their dismal form saw their last win before the final day occurring back in February. However, Walsall's 1-0 victory against Crewe Alexandra on Saturday seemed set to seal the final automatic promotion spot.
Bradford, undeterred, had other plans. The fierce rivalry between the two clubs culminated in an exciting finish, with Walsall unfortunately settling for play-offs despite once sitting eight points clear at the top with a game in hand.
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### John Terry's Brother's Sent-Off Drama on Touchline### Coventry Breaks Club Record Before Reaching Play-Offs### Burnley's Historic Run as England's Most Remarkable Second-Place FinishersAfter their 2-0 win at Morecambe on February 22, Walsall suffered a 13-match winless streak, plummeting down the standings.
Walsall will now face Chesterfield in the play-offs, while Notts County and AFC Wimbledon do battle in the other tie. On the other hand, Bradford buoys up to League One, reuniting with Doncaster and Port Vale in the top division.
This marks the conclusion of Bradford City's sixth and final season in the fourth tier, a remarkable 24-year journey since their relegation from the Premier League in 2001.
Promotion represents a significant achievement under manager Graham Alexander, who has overseen an impressive transformation since taking charge in late 2023. From their ninth-place finish in his inaugural season to a promotion-securing second campaign, Bradford City has written an exciting new chapter in their EFL history.
- After Bradford City's promotion to League One, the focus now shifts to the manager, Graham Alexander, who has overseen an impressive transformation since his appointment in late 2023.
- As Bradford City rejoins Doncaster and Port Vale in the top division, the Premier League — which they were relegated from in 2001 — might once again become a target for the club in the future.
- The managerial realm of football, particularly in the Premier League and European-leagues, is always brimming with anticipation and competition, and Graham Alexander's success with Bradford City is a testament to the sport's unpredictable and exciting nature.
