Valley Parade remains a fortress as Bradford City clinch play-off spot

MANAGER Stuart McCall spoke of his pride in his squad as fifth-placed Bradford City booked their place in the League One play-offs for the second season in a row with a comfortable win over AFC Wimbledon at Valley Parade.
By The Newsroom
Published 24th Apr 2017, 05:19 BST
Updated 9th May 2017, 18:59 BST
Bradford City's Tony McMahon (Picture: Bruce Rollinson).Bradford City's Tony McMahon (Picture: Bruce Rollinson).
Bradford City's Tony McMahon (Picture: Bruce Rollinson).

This fifth successive home win means they have gone the whole season without being beaten at home.

Needing one point to be sure of finishing in the top six, Bradford went in front in the 28th minute when midfield player Josh Cullen was bundled over and Tony McMahon scored the first of his two goals from the penalty spot.

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The Bantams then doubled their lead in the third minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half with a super goal from Mark Marshall.

The winger took the ball down the right and, with everyone expecting a cross, he scored with an acute angled, right-foot shot into the far corner.

Bradford dominated the second half and were rewarded with a third goal in the 85th minute. Marshall sent McMahon away on the overlap and the right-back scored with an angled right-foot shot.

McCall was delighted to see his side bounce back after the 3-0 defeat at champions Sheffield United on Easter Monday.

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He said: “I’m really pleased for the squad of players after a lot of over-reaction from last Monday.

“Players hurt and we were all disappointed. So, we sent them away to clear their heads on Tuesday and Wednesday and they have produced a really professional performance.”

McCall said that after they had lost at Fleetwood and drawn at home to Bolton in the same week, he “challenged the boys to win seven of the last 13 games to get to 74 points. In fact, they won eight out of 12, which is superb.

“All parts of the team are functioning well backed up by a fantastic backroom staff. We’re absolutely delighted and whoever we play in the play-offs we will be ready for them.”

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Bradford City: Doyle, McMahon, McArdle, Knight-Percival, Meredith, Marshall, Vincelot (Dieng 62), Cullen, Law (Hiwula 79), Wyke, Jones (Clarke 72). Unused substitutes: Sattelmaier, Darby, Toner, Devine.

AFC Wimbledon: McDonnell, Meades (Kelly 44), Bulman, Nightingale, Robinson, Francomb, Reeves, Barcham, Parrett (Egan 73), Charles (Poleon 45), Taylor.Unused substitutes: Shea, Fitzpatrick, Barnett, Sibbick.

Referee: J Busby (Oxfordshire).

Related topics:Bradford CityLeague OneBradfordSheffield United