Bradford City produced a stunning second-half turnaround to claim a 2-1 victory away at Stockport County.
Goals from Will Swan and Antoni Sarcevic earned the Bantams their third win of the League One campaign after falling behind early.
City Rally After Difficult First Half
Sam Walker was the star of the show as Graham Alexander’s side rode their luck in the opening 45 minutes at Edgeley Park. Stockport dominated possession and created a string of chances, with Walker saving efforts from Jack Diamond and Malik Mothersille before Owen Moxon drilled home a precise finish after 16 minutes.
Bradford, who handed league starts to Ciaran Kelly and Jenson Metcalfe, struggled to find a foothold and failed to register a shot on target before the break. The hosts, under Dave Challinor, looked likely to extend their advantage but were denied by determined defending and several outstanding interventions from Walker.
Alexander responded at half-time by introducing Alex Pattison and Swan, changes that completely altered the contest.
Swan and Sarcevic Seal Dramatic Win
Four minutes after the restart, Stephen Humphrys delivered a dangerous cross from the right and Swan arrived to guide the ball past Corey Addai, stunning the home crowd. The equaliser sparked a renewed confidence, with Humphrys and Max Power both going close as Bradford pressed for a winner.
That breakthrough arrived on 72 minutes when Pattison slipped a clever pass into Sarcevic, who rifled an unstoppable drive from a tight angle beyond Addai. It was a fitting strike from the midfielder against his former club, underlining the growing Edgeley Park connection within the Bantams’ squad.
Stockport pushed for a leveller late on but found Walker in imperious form. The experienced goalkeeper denied Jayden Fevrier twice before pulling off a remarkable stoppage-time save to claw Beno Andresson’s close-range header off the line.
Momentum Builds for Alexander’s Side
The victory ensured Bradford became the first team to win at Edgeley Park since January, extending their impressive start to life back in League One. With Sarcevic and Ibou Touray impressing against their former club and new recruit Nick Powell waiting in the wings, competition for places is increasing.
Writer’s View
Bradford City showed character in abundance to turn a game that appeared lost into another landmark win. Walker’s brilliance in goal laid the platform, but the impact of Swan and Sarcevic after the break highlighted the squad depth Alexander now has at his disposal. The comeback reinforced growing belief around Valley Parade that the Bantams can be more than just competitive on their return to League One.
If they continue to combine resilience with moments of quality in attack, they could establish themselves as genuine challengers.
