Bradford City secured a 2-0 win over Stevenage to return to the top of the League One standings. Antoni Sarcevic's 79th-minute penalty and Will Swan's 87th-minute finish at Valley Parade on Saturday delivered three vital points.
The victory pushes Michael Duff's side to second in the table on 17 points from nine games, just two points behind leaders Plymouth. It extends their unbeaten run to five matches, a sequence that includes three wins and two draws. Their recent form has seen them average over 2.0 goals per game during this unbeaten streak. They now face a quick turnaround with a trip to 10th-placed Burton Albion on Tuesday for their next fixture.
Late goals seal the points
After a goalless first half where both sides had chances, the game turned in the final quarter. Substitute Nick Powell, one of five changes made by Duff, saw an effort fly over the bar. The breakthrough arrived when another replacement, Stephen Humphrys, was involved in a move that led to a penalty. Sarcevic stepped up and blasted the spot-kick straight down the middle past goalkeeper Setford.
Eight minutes later, the points were safe. Humphrys delivered a low cut-back that Setford could only fumble, and Swan was on hand to tap in from close range. The second goal sparked celebrations in the stands, with the Kop chanting, "We're on our way to the Championship."
Control and substitutions
Bradford controlled 56% of possession and created the better chances, registering 13 shots to Stevenage's 12. The 3-4-2-1 formation allowed for impactful substitutions, with Powell, Humphrys and Swan all entering the fray and directly influencing the goals. Sarcevic received a standing ovation when he was replaced by Macauley Gillesphey in the seventh minute of added time.
Stevenage, managed by Revell, made several changes of their own but could not find a way past Jon McCracken. The Bradford keeper had earlier tipped a Dan Kemp shot over the bar. Connolly was booked for the hosts, while Adam Phillips, making his first league start of the season, was also cautioned.
The win sets up a key midweek fixture away at Burton Albion. Bradford will look to avenge a 2-1 defeat at the Pirelli Stadium from last March when they meet on Tuesday night. Manager Michael Duff praised the impact of his substitutes, stating the changes were necessary to manage the squad's fitness ahead of the busy schedule. Stevenage boss Revell acknowledged his side's lack of cutting edge in the final third, a problem they will need to address before their next match.
