Bradford promoted with virtually the last kick of the season
Bradford City 1 - 0 Fleetwood Town
Bradford City secured a dramatic late victory over Fleetwood Town to confirm their return to League One after six years in the fourth tier.
Author - Sophie T
Stadium - University of Bradford Stadium
The Bantams, who began the day in third place, appeared set for the play-offs until Antoni Sarcevic diverted a mis-hit George Lapslie shot into the bottom corner deep into stoppage time.
The goal sparked jubilant scenes at the stadium as home supporters poured onto the pitch, causing a lengthy delay. Players were temporarily taken off before returning to complete the final moments of the match.
Once the final whistle was blown, celebrations began in earnest. Bradford now join Doncaster and Port Vale as the three automatically promoted clubs from League Two.
A closer look at how Braford achieved promotion after a dramatic season
The West Yorkshire side were 12th on Christmas Day after a 3-0 defeat at Notts County on 21 December. However, a club-record run of 10 straight home victories set them on their way for their first automatic promotion since 1999.
They into this final game of the season knowing that they needed to match or better Walsall's result at Crewe to secure promotion. Despite dominating possession, the home side struggled to create clear chances, and tension grew as news filtered through that Walsall had taken the lead.
READ MORW: EFL: 2024/2025
With just seconds remaining, Sarcevic made amends for an earlier miss. Reacting quickest to Lapslie’s scuffed effort, he guided the ball beyond the Fleetwood goalkeeper, sending the stadium into raptures. It marked a record eighth career promotion for the midfielder.
The wider impact on the city as a whole
The scale of Graham Alexander’s achievement at Bradford City this season should not be underestimated. Where his predecessors often struggled to make Valley Parade a stronghold, the 2024–25 campaign has seen the stadium transformed into one of the most formidable home grounds in the country.
Only Championship winners Leeds United and League One champions Birmingham City collected more points at home across the EFL. The shift in performance has not gone unnoticed. Supporters have reconnected with the team, their belief renewed, their pride restored.
The year 2025 was always likely to carry extra weight for Bradford. The UK City of Culture title has brought a sense of optimism for the future.
The best reaction
Thomas, a Bradford City, was still in an almost philosophical mood. He said: "Little did we know that in November 2023, Graham Alexander's humility and pragmatism would mark a much-needed turning point for the club.
He added: "In the early stages of his tenure, it became clear that his understanding of the club, its supporters, and the Bradford area was translating positively onto the pitch. There was a recognition that they might not be the best team, but they would approach every game with a strong work ethic."
