Nick Powell came off the bench to score twice and secure a 2-1 comeback victory for Bradford City over Newcastle United U21 in the EFL Trophy Group North on Tuesday evening. The win keeps City's perfect start to the season intact across all competitions.
Matheos Ferreira had given the young Magpies a lead just before half-time, finishing from an Afner Bernardinho Cá pass in the 42nd minute. Manager Graham Alexander made a triple substitution just before the hour mark, and it paid immediate dividends. Bobby Pointon, one of the introductions, set up Powell to level the scores in the 59th minute.
Powell then completed the turnaround eleven minutes later, converting a cross from Corey O'Keeffe to put City ahead. The hosts saw out the game despite late pressure, which included a red card for Newcastle's Johnny Emerson in stoppage time for violent conduct.
League leaders march on
The result extends Bradford City's winning run to five games in all competitions, a streak that has propelled them to the top of the League One table. They sit first with 15 points from seven matches, one point clear of Sheffield Wednesday.
Alexander rotated his squad heavily for the Trophy fixture, making five changes in total. Key players were rested ahead of a return to league action this weekend. The Bantams will look to continue their momentum when they host Barnsley at Valley Parade on Saturday. Barnsley currently occupy 18th place in the table.
City's next challenge is to maintain their league form against Barnsley on 26 September.
Nick Powell has revealed he considered retiring in January. The 32-year-old forward told reporters, "I was going to retire in January, it was a dark time for me." He has since signed a new one-year deal and has scored four goals as a substitute this season. Powell's double in the 2-1 win over Newcastle United U21 on 22 September helped maintain Bradford's five-game winning run. The League One leaders host Barnsley on 26 September.
