Crewe 0 Bradford 1: Clarke ensures City finish on 11-year high

Billy Clarke scored the only goal of the game at a tense Gresty Road, with the hosts still embroiled in a relegation scrap on a dramatic final day.

Other results went their way, meaning they could celebrate survival while the Bantams will reflect on a strong season domestically and in cup competition.

City struggled to find their range in the opening 20 minutes, Clarke and Jon Stead both firing over from outside the box.

But Clarke readjusted his sights and made no mistake with his next opportunity. His glancing header came back off Anthony Grant, and he gratefully accepted the second chance, firing past Paul Rachubka.

Ryan Colclough was the most dangerous man for the hosts, but was thwarted by City captain Stephen Darby before cutting inside and flashing a shot wide.

Second-half chances were sparse. The best of the Bantams’ efforts fell to Stead midway through the second period, but he was denied by a fingertip reaction save by Rachubka.

Crewe had a strong shout for a penalty turned down in the second minute of stoppage-time as the industrious Colclough appeared to be upended by Rory McArdle.

Despite defeat, Crewe clung on to their League One status, while the Bantams finished seventh with 65 points, their best league finish since 2004.

Crewe: Rachubka, Ray, Davis Guthrie (Ness 61), Turton, Grant, Jones (Ajose 70), Leigh, Dalla Valle, Haber (Ikpeazu 85), Colclough. Unused substitutes: Cooper, Garratt, Nolan, Stewart.

Bradford City: Williams, Darby, Davies, McArdle, Meredith, Routis (Halliday 91), Dolan (Liddle 76), McMahon, Clarke (Sheehan 83), Stead, Hanson. Unused substitutes: Urwin, Webb-Foster, Mottley-Henry, Brennan.

Referee: T Harrington (Cleveland).

Man of the match: Billy Clarke.