Bradford City secured their berth in the League One promotion play‑offs with a solid 2‑1 triumph over Exeter City, a result that simultaneously condemned the Grecians to relegation to League Two. The victory, achieved at Exeter’s St James Park, not only handed the Bantams a place in the post‑season but also set up a two‑legged semi‑final clash with Bolton Wanderers. The match opened with Bradford imposing themselves on the game from the first whistle.
Their early pressure produced several promising chances, and the breakthrough finally arrived in the 27th minute. Kayden Jackson, celebrating his 450th appearance for the club, received a through ball from midfielder George Lapslie. Jackson calmly slotted the ball under Exeter goalkeeper Jack Bycroft from approximately 18 yards, giving the Bantams a deserved lead. Exeter, aware that a win was essential to preserve their status after four seasons in the third tier, attempted to respond but struggled to find rhythm.
The home side made a double substitution at the interval, bringing on Carlos Mendes Gomes among others. Mendes Gomes immediately threatened the Bradford defence, firing a shot that forced goalkeeper Sam Walker into a reflex save. Despite a handful of half‑chances, Exeter could not convert their efforts into a goal before the hour‑mark. The turning point arrived in the 80th minute.
Jack McMillan, attempting to clear a cross, mis‑directed a back‑header, allowing Bradford’s Antoni Sarcevic to pounce. Sarcevic tapped the loose ball past the Exeter keeper, extending the lead to 2‑0 and effectively sealing the Grecians’ fate. The Bantams celebrated the second strike, knowing that the win not only secured a play‑off place but also pushed Exeter toward an inevitable drop. In stoppage time, Exeter managed to pull one back.
Forward Josh Magennis flicked a corner delivered by Ryan Rydel into the net, reducing the deficit to 2‑1. However, the consolation came too late to alter the outcome, and the final whistle confirmed Exeter’s relegation. Bradford’s manager expressed satisfaction with the result, highlighting the importance of the goals from Jackson and Sarcevic. "We knew we had to be clinical," he said, "and the players delivered when it mattered most.
Now we can focus on preparing for the semi‑final against Bolton." Exeter’s boss, Matt Taylor, was candid about his side’s performance. "It was not the result we wanted and not the performance either.
We were short today – and well short. There was a gulf in levels in terms of experience, know‑how and game contribution.
They looked bigger, faster and stronger than us in so many areas and it puts more pressure on our output with the ball," Taylor remarked. He added that the first half was particularly poor, citing a lack of basic passing sequences and ineffective set‑piece execution. "Everything we wanted from that first half we didn't do and the goal was a big blow in relation to that," he continued, acknowledging that the pressure of the situation may have contributed to the sub‑par display. Looking ahead, Bradford will travel to Bolton for the first leg of the semi‑final on May 9, with the return fixture scheduled for May 14.
The play‑off final is set for Sunday, May 24, at Wembley Stadium, where the winner will earn promotion to the Championship. Meanwhile, Exeter will begin preparations for life in League Two, hoping to regroup and mount a swift return to the third tier. For fans wishing to follow the action, the matches are available on the Sky Sports app for subscribers, with a free, contract‑free option also offered for those without Sky.
The play‑off semi‑final schedule is as follows: Stevenage versus Stockport on Saturday, May 9 at 3 pm, Bolton versus Bradford on the same day at 8 pm, followed by the second‑leg fixtures on May 13 and May 14 respectively. The culmination of the play‑offs will take place at Wembley on May 24.
In addition to the on‑field drama, a £250,000 prize is up for grabs through the Super 6 competition, which remains free to enter. Entries must be submitted by 3 pm on Saturday to qualify.
This added incentive provides an extra layer of excitement for supporters following the play‑off journey. Overall, Bradford’s victory encapsulated a decisive performance that secured their play‑off ambitions while simultaneously delivering a harsh reality check for Exeter, whose four‑year tenure in League One ends with relegation. Both clubs now turn their attention to the challenges ahead – Bradford toward a potential promotion, and Exeter toward rebuilding in the fourth tier.