In this week’s only League Two game, on Wednesday Bradford City travel to Crewe Alexandra for their fixture that was rearranged due to Crewe players’ international commitments in March. The stakes for Bradford are much higher than they would have been then, with a win over the Railwaymen taking them to 78 points and a guaranteed playoff spot. Their final game of the season then sees the Bantams host league champions Leyton Orient to determine their league position. If Northampton lose or draw and Stockport fail to win, against Tranmere and Hartlepool respectively, Bradford could even clinch the final automatic promotion spot with a win over Richie Wellens’ side as long as they also win on Wednesday, although they are currently even on goal difference with the Cobblers. It might be a long shot, but it’s possible, and it’s the hope that kills you, so hang in there Bantams fans…
On Saturday, Bradford’s Romoney Crichlow’s 94th minute winner over Northampton stalled the Cobblers’ celebrations and opened the door for both Bradford and Stockport to compete for the third automatic promotion slot going into the last games. Over nine meetings between Crewe and Bradford the Bantams have taken three points from four, versus Crewe’s two wins. Bradford will need to hold their nerve, as three points could be transformational for their promotion hopes.
Crewe Alexandra v Bradford City – 7.45pm Wednesday 3rd May 2023 – Gresty Road
Crewe go into their last home game of the season confident after their weekend win over Swindon which saw them come from behind to score two goals in four minutes. In 16th place going into the game, a win over Bradford on Wednesday would take them to 13th, and just one point off ninth position. A top-half final league position would give supporters some encouragement that their 23-24 campaign might be more successful after their fairly average first season after relegation from League One this time last year. Their last game of the season sees them travel to Wales and hosts Newport County who they will leapfrog in the league table with a win over Bradford.
Bradford denied Northampton the opportunity to seal automatic promotion on Saturday, scoring in injury time to take it to 2-1 after a first-half opener from Andy Cook. Northampton’s performance lacked finesse and confidence, but were stronger in the second half, with Bradford keeper Harry Lewis defending against some excellent shots on target to keep them in the game. The Bantams’ win came even with Northampton claiming 59% of possession, and 15 shots versus Bradford’s seven. Most divisive though, was Northampton’s ten corners to Bradford’s one. Bradford will be hoping for an easier game on Wednesday but must not be complacent.
Ones to watch:
Daniel Agyei
Crewe’s top scorer of the season has netted 14 goals this season, and manager Lee Bell will be keen to retain him when his contract is up at the end of the season. Unsurprisingly Agyei is already attracting interest from higher leagues, with suitors including Portsmouth, Luton, Exeter, Salford, and Oxford.
Andy Cook
Claiming an assist for Crichlow’s last-minute winner against Northampton to add to his own 30th minute goal, he sits on 27 goals for the season, and 0.6 goals per game. Losing out to Northampton’s Sam Hoskins for the coveted League Two Player of the Year title, he will surely receive many of Bradford’s club accolades at their own awards.
Form:
Crewe: LWLLW
Goals Scored: 4
Goals Conceded: 9
Bradford: WWLDW
Goals Scored: 10
Goals Conceded: 5
Previous meeting:
Bradford City 0-0 Crewe Alexandra – 27th August 2022
