Bradford City secured their berth in the League One play‑offs with a solid 2‑1 triumph over Exeter City, a result that simultaneously condemned the Grecians to relegation back to League Two. The victory not only gave the Bantams a place in the post‑season but also set up a two‑legged semi‑final showdown with Bolton Wanderers, thanks to goals from Kayden Jackson and Antoni Sarcevic that settled the match. For Exeter, the defeat marked a bleak conclusion to a four‑year spell in the third tier of English football. The Grecians entered the game needing a win to stay up, especially after Leyton Orient could only manage a draw against Burton Albion.
Unfortunately for Matt Taylor’s side, they were unable to muster the necessary response, and the loss confirmed their descent to the fourth division. From the opening whistle, Bradford imposed themselves on the game, pressing high and generating a number of quality chances. Their sustained pressure finally paid off in the 27th minute. Kayden Jackson, who was celebrating his 450th appearance for the club, received a clever through‑ball from midfield partner George Lapslie.
Jackson then slotted the ball under Exeter goalkeeper Jack Bycroft from approximately 18 yards out, giving the Bantams an early lead and putting Exeter on the back foot. The second half began with Exeter making a double substitution in an attempt to change the tempo. The changes injected a brief spark; Carlos Mendes Gomes unleashed a powerful shot that forced Bradford keeper Sam Walker into a reflex save.
Despite a few half‑chances and a more assertive approach, Exeter’s hopes were dashed in the 80th minute. A mis‑timed back‑header from Jack McMillan fell short, allowing Antoni Sarcevic to pounce and tap the ball beyond the Exeter keeper, extending Bradford’s lead to 2‑0.
Exeter managed to pull one back in stoppage time when Josh Magennis flicked a corner delivered by Ryan Rydel into the net, but the consolation came too late to alter the outcome. The Grecians left the field with the bitter taste of relegation, while Bradford celebrated a ticket to the play‑off semi‑finals, where they will face Bolton on May 9 at 20:00, with the return leg scheduled for May 14.
Bradford’s manager praised his side’s composure and execution, noting that the win was a testament to the squad’s experience and tactical discipline. He highlighted the importance of maintaining concentration throughout the match, especially in high‑stakes fixtures where a single mistake can be decisive.
Exeter’s boss, Matt Taylor, expressed disappointment in his post‑match interview. He admitted that the team fell short in both performance and result, emphasizing a noticeable gap in experience and technical ability compared to their opponents.
Taylor reflected on the first half, describing it as “poor” and suggesting that the pressure of the situation hampered the players’ ability to retain possession and create meaningful chances. He admitted that the early goal was a significant blow and that an honest error in the second half led to the decisive second goal, culminating in a painful end to their campaign. The play‑off schedule continues with other fixtures: Stevenage will host Stockport on May 9 at 15:00 for the first leg, followed by the second leg on May 13 at 20:00. The winners of the semi‑finals will meet at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, May 24, to contest the final promotion spot.
For fans looking to follow the action, the EFL matches are available on the Sky Sports app for Sky subscribers. Those without a Sky subscription can obtain instant access without a contract, ensuring that supporters can watch the drama unfold live. Additionally, a promotional offer is running alongside the play‑offs: the Super 6 competition offers a £250,000 prize pool, and entry is completely free of charge. Participants must submit their entries by 15:00 on Saturday to be eligible.
This side‑bet adds an extra layer of excitement for fans eager to engage with the competition beyond the on‑field action. In summary, Bradford’s 2‑1 victory over Exeter not only secured their place in the play‑offs but also confirmed Exeter’s relegation after a disappointing season. The upcoming semi‑finals promise further intrigue, with Bradford set to test Bolton’s resolve over two legs, while the broader play‑off picture continues to develop across the remaining fixtures.