Bradford 0 – 1 Bolton

Bolton reached the Sky Bet League One play-off final with a 1–0 victory in the second leg of the semi-final at Bradford. Xavier Simmons’ lone goal secured a 2-0 win.

For the most part, it was a scrappy and fraught encounter at Valley Parade where chances came at a premium. It was 68 minutes until the first shot on target.

At 68 seconds-and-a-half seconds, they came to the decisive moment of the game.

Bantams forward Kayden Jackson was adjudged to be offside when he headed in and Xavier Simmons headed home from the ensuing counter-attack to put the game out of their reach.

Steven Schumacher’s side face Stockport at Wembley on Sunday 24 May, with a place in the Sky Bet Championship up for grabs.

Bolton reached their second play-off final in three seasons

Bolton were in control in the first half and managed eight shots. At times they played like the home team. But they had a total xG value of just 0.66 – and none were on target.

Despite needing just a goal to level the tie, Bradford seemingly lacked the necessary urgency before the break – and for more than 15 minutes afterwards before they were denied in spectacular fashion.

The ball was passed to Max Power, who unleashed a thunderous first-time strike from the edge of the box, which was destined for the net before goalkeeper Jack Bonham acrobatically tipped it onto the crossbar.

The pressure continued to build for the hosts, and they thought they had leveled the tie on aggregate when Nick Powell’s header from a corner from the right, followed by Kayden Jackson’s header, was parried by Bonham. The second, however, strayed offside and the goal did not count.

Just 68 seconds later, Bolton hit their opponent with a sucker punch. The counter-attack was quick, Simmons’ finishing was strong. With just nine minutes to play in the 90’s, it was too far for Bradford to find a way back.

‘A truly professional performance from Bolton’

Sky Sports’ Joby McAnuff:

“The disappointing thing from Bradford’s point of view is how much they got themselves into the game. Little changes in the second half meant they looked a lot better but Bolton stood out in those moments.

“The goal killed the move. A really professional performance from Bolton but that’s how you get through the play-offs and into the final.”

Alexander: We have to feel the pain – but I’m very proud of my team

Bradford manager Graham Alexander speaking to Sky Sports:

“I’ve just said to the players that in almost 40 years of football, I’ve never seen a support base recognize the effort of a team after a game that we’ve ever beaten. It’s about the special feeling we have at this club; the players, their work ethic, their commitment to the game. If you’re going to go down, you’re going to go down like that.

“That was some performance from my team, I thought, and it’s a pain to take because we want to win. But those scenes at the end will live with me for a long time.

“I’ve been around and have a way of demeanor and commitment and my players have been absolutely brilliant this season. To follow on from promotion last season, finish fourth and go toe-to-toe with a club like Bolton – that was recognized by the supporters and they’re not stupid, they know what they see.

“I’m proud of everyone connected to our club today, but we have to feel the pain. It’s as simple as that.”

Schumacher: It was stressful, very stressful!

Bolton head coach Steven Schumacher speaking to Sky Sports:

“Stressful! Very stressful. I thought it was a tight game, Bradford were really good in the second half. To their credit, they’ve had a really good season.

“Graham (Alexander) can be proud of his team. Fortunately, we came out on top in a tight game. We wanted to play our usual style but Bradford’s pressure, intensity was high, it was difficult for us to find space.

“We created one or two moments in the first half but in the second half, we were too careless. Once we showed composure, we went in and Jav (Simmons) pulled it off.”