Oxford United 2 Bradford City 1: Wembley bid falls short for Bantams

Jordy Hiwula scored for Bradford in defeat at Oxford. (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

Bradford's hopes of a Checkatrade Trophy final appearance at Wembley Stadium were ended by Michael Appleton's impressive Oxford outfit.

The hosts – convincing conquerors of Newcastle in the FA Cup at the weekend – booked their semi-final spot thanks to a fine second-half performance.

Following the late postponement seven days previously, the Bantams were back at the Kassam Stadium and Stuart McCall’s visitors went closest in a goalless first period.

That came when James Meredith saw a goal-bound header hacked off the line by Marvin Johnson.

Mark Marshall also produced a lively performance in the opening 45 minutes, twice going close to breaking the deadlock.

Two goals in three minutes shortly after the restart stunned the Bantams. The U’s broke the deadlock from the penalty spot as Chris Maguire slotted home following Roman Vincelot’s challenge on Rob Hall.

Three minutes later Johnson rifled in from 25 yards.

Jordy Hiwula pulled a goal back with five minutes to go, but the U’s hung on.

Oxford: Eastwood, Edwards, Dunkley, Nelson, Johnson, Hall, Sercombe, Ruffels (Ledson 77), Rothwell, Maguire, Hemmings (Lundstram 65). Unused substitutes: Stevens, Carroll, Graham, Roberts.

Bradford: Sattelmaier, Darby, McArdle (Devine 57), Vincelot, Meredith, Law, Dieng, Cullen, Marshall, Clarke (Hudson 73), Hiwula. Unused substitutes: Doyle, King, Penney.

Referee: Dean Whitestone