Bradford City 2 Reading FC 0: Antoni Sarcevic and Bobby Pointon goals keep pressure on Cardiff City

Cardiff were widely expected to challenge at the summit prior to the season’s kick-off, but Bradford’s ascent was not predicted by many in pre-season.

However, a 2-0 win over the Royals ensured the Bantams remain just four points behind the table-topping Bluebirds.

It was not a particularly stylish display, as Bradford lacked attacking innovation for large spells. However, they rarely relinquished control and wrapped up three points with second-half goals from Antoni Sarcevic and Bobby Pointon.

First half

Bradford starting brightly, emerging with confidence befitting of a side so high in the table.

Stephen Humphrys went close early on, forcing Joel Pereira down to his right with a rasping shot after Max Power played a free-kick short.

The hosts may have jumped on to the front foot early, yet the first glorious chance of the afternoon fell to Reading.

A woeful backpass from Aden Baldwin gifted an opportunity to Kamari Doyle, who was thwarted by Sam Walker. Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan picked up the loose ball to give Reading another bite of the cherry, only to fire over the crossbar.

The pendulum continued to swing, with the sides seemingly taking it in turns to test the waters. Neither outfit were particularly careful in possession, enabling the affair to flow in an entertaining manner.

Bradford soon moved back into the driving seat, with Reading only managing occasional vibrancy on the counter.

Control, however did not translate to clear-cut opportunities as the game developed into a scrappy one short on quality. Bradford were winning plenty of the battles, only to find themselves lacking innovation as they ventured forward. Crosses found Reading heads and forward passes were more speculative than slick.

The ball did fall to Sarcevic in a promising area before the break, but he blasted over from close-range.

Second half

Early in the first half, Bradford had gifted a chance to Reading. The roles were reversed early in the second, as a wayward Jeriel Dorsett pass was picked up by Tyreik Wright. Former Bantam Paudie O’Connor tugged on Wright’s shirt to stop the attack, gladly accepting a yellow card for the transgression.

Momentum started to gather behind the Bantams, who wasted little time pinning the Royals back after the break. Their attacking intent was soon rewarded, when Brad Halliday teed up Sarcevic and the playmaker swept home.

As soon as Bradford took the lead, it appeared likely Reading would start trying to force the issue. However, the hosts were the next to threaten as Power sent an effort whistling past the post.

Sarcevic then made his way into a promising position once again, meeting a delivery from the right before catching it awkwardly and giving Pereira an easy save.

Reading found it difficult to move through the gears as Bradford continually managed to nullify the visitors. Charlie Savage did sting the palms of Walker with a powerful effort, although it was straight down the throat of the Bantams goalkeeper.

The travelling fans waited and waited for a Reading resurgence, only to watch their side look toothless.

It was Bradford who scored the second goal of the game, making sure of their victory via Pointon. Tyreik Wright galloped down the flank and whipped in an excellent cross, leaving Bradford’s hometown hero with the job of nodding home at point blank range.