Bradford City 4 Brentford 0: Oliver is hungry for more after hitting Bantams comeback trail

Just think then what your feelings must be when you see those colleagues go on an astounding journey which twice takes them to Wembley in a single season.

Luke Oliver had to endure all that last season after hearing that ‘shotgun’ snap in a League Two encounter at Burton Albion just over 10 months ago.

Getting out of pot was the first step, rehabilitating in the gym was the next combined with putting personal feelings to one side to help gee-up the squad as they stunned the football world by first reaching the League Cup final before emerging with the big prize of play-off final glory.

Finally, Oliver got his reward for all those hours of hard work and a standing ovation as he made it back into the team on Saturday due to Rory McArdle’s late call into the Northern Ireland World Cup qualifying squad.

And what a comeback, helping keep a clean sheet against last season’s beaten League One play-off finalists, who had shaken off that disappointment to remain unbeaten heading to Valley Parade.

The turning point was the sending off of goalkeeper David Button for clattering Nahki Wells on the corner of the area midway through the first half but that could not dilute the joy felt by Oliver on his comeback.

Did he ever think his career was at an end?

“Most definitely,” said the 29-year-old 6ft 7ins defender.

“I was a bit lucky to be playing (on Saturday) but my goal since being injured was to play a first-team game at Valley Parade in front of our fans.

“I was delighted to get that opportunity. It’s been frustrating more than anything else but I have been fortunate to be part of it if only watching from the outside.

“We got to Wembley twice and it was a great experience even though it was frustrating not being out there. I am looking to go forward now.”

Being out for so long preyed on his mind, but Oliver continued: “I think it helped having short little goals to aim at, being the best I can be in the gym and not looking ahead to six months’ time.

“My missus told me that I have seen the physios more than her but they have been top class and everyone has kept me included and seen me through.”

Oliver said he had no qualms facing a top team such as Brentford, adding: “All games in League One are a new challenge and I would rather be thrown in the deep end to see if I can swim and it worked out well.

“It would have been a different game if they hadn’t had the player sent off but I still think we would have won.

“The whole club is buzzing and the fans have got the feelgood factor. We are all in it together and the whole place is on an up and it’s a good place to be playing football at the minute.

“The results we have got so far have given us a lot of belief. We already had a good ‘League One’ squad last season and we’ve added to it.”

Manager Phil Parkinson was delighted to have Oliver back and substituted him in the 90th minute to enjoy an ovation.

“We looked at him in training and felt he had really come on in the last 7-10 days and felt he deserved his opportunity,” said Parkinson.

“I am so pleased for him because he was always the first in the dressing room last season to wish the lads all the best. He was there at all the celebrations and was really part of the group.

“(On Saturday) he has got his rewards and all the team are pleased for him because they hold him in high regard.

“The ovation he got from the supporters when we brought him off was great and he fully deserved it – although Andrew Davies had got a nasty gash on his thigh, I asked him to stay on because I wanted Ollie to get that applause.”

Parkinson was in no doubt that the sending-off was justified but counterpart Uwe Rosler took a different view saying: “Parky must have thought it was Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and his birthday all at once.”

However, Brentford, who made a bright opening, had failed to heed the speed warning when Wells chased down Tony Craig’s back pass and saw Button’s attempted clearance rebound off him and over the bar.

The goalkeeper then raced out as Wells outsped the defence and nicked the through ball from Gary Thompson past Button before crashing to the floor and damaging a shoulder under the reckless challenge.

The free-kick came to nought but City took the lead before the break as James Meredith burst down the flank, cut the ball back and James Hanson planted the ball into the roof of the net.

Three goals in nine minutes from the hour-mark ended Bees’ hopes of taking the sting out of the Bantams, substitute goalkeeper Jack Bonham first foolishly rushing out only to see Tony Craig head the ball over him from City No 1 Jon McLaughlin’s long punt, leaving Wells to tap home his seventh goal in seven games.

Thompson’s thumping header from Meredith’s delivery made it 3-0 and City again struck at the far post when Hanson headed home from Kyel Reid’s corner.

Davies almost blotted his copybook by slicing against the woodwork and Manningham-born Clayton Donaldson struck a post late on as the Bees showed fight.

Striker Donaldson reflected: “Coming back here with friends and family watching, I wanted to put in a good performance but the circumstances made it diffiult.

“We plugged away and I hit the post late on at an angle but it was one of those afternoons where nothing was going to go right. I have played here plenty of times and it’s disappointing because every time I have played here I have scored (bar Saturday).

“Well done to Bradford. They are a good side and we knew it was going to be difficult because the momentum is with them after last season.”