Bradford City powered into the EFL Trophy knockout stages with a dominant 5-1 win over Everton U21s at the University of Bradford Stadium.
The Bantams, semi-finalists in each of the past 2 seasons, ensured another strong run in the competition with a ruthless first-half display that left their Premier League visitors shell-shocked.
Manager Graham Alexander, who has long defended the value of the Trophy, saw his heavily rotated side deliver a performance full of energy and conviction. With 10 changes to the line-up that last featured at Rotherham, City still took complete control within the opening half-hour.
What Happened and Why It Matters
After only 8 minutes, returning forward Calum Kavanagh marked his comeback from injury with the opening goal, sweeping home from close range after Stephen Humphrys’ effort was deflected into his path. It was the 21-year-old’s first appearance of the season and first goal since his hat-trick at Swindon in April.
Everton, fielding senior duo Nathan Patterson and Dwight McNeil alongside academy prospects, looked unsettled. Brad Halliday fired narrowly wide before Humphrys doubled the advantage, punishing a loose pass from Adam Aznou to make it 2-0.
Moments later, Neill Byrne’s header was kept out on the line, but City were relentless, and Humphrys soon added his second, rifling home from 15 yards after a long throw was flicked on by Joe Wright.
Graham Alexander has secured the 250th win of his managerial career this evening. 🙌
Congratulation on another milestone, Graham! 👏#BCAFC pic.twitter.com/gz161AWlmN
— Bradford City AFC (@officialbantams) October 14, 2025
With the visitors’ defence in disarray, the fourth came before the break. Humphrys again provided the assist, driving down the right and squaring for George Lapslie to slide in a composed finish. A 4-0 half-time scoreline reflected total dominance, as the home crowd of 4,170 roared their side toward the next round.
Alexander’s side managed the second half with maturity, avoiding complacency and giving vital minutes to returning players. Lewis Richards, back from a long-term hamstring injury, completed a planned hour without setback, while substitutes Alex Pattison and Tyreik Wright added fresh legs.
Humphrys chased a first senior hat-trick and was unfortunate not to complete it, seeing one header saved and another effort deflected wide.
A five-star performance from the Bantams this evening. ⭐️#BCAFC | #BRAvEVE | @OFFICEINTERIOR5 pic.twitter.com/IDShyfrbfH
— Bradford City AFC (@officialbantams) October 14, 2025
The game was paused for nearly 10 minutes after a serious ankle injury to Everton winger Joel Catesby, who was stretchered off following a collision with Halliday. Replacement Justin Clarke pulled one back for the visitors when his shot was deflected in off Wright, but it was little consolation on a bruising night for Paul Tait’s young team.
City weren’t finished. With 5 minutes left, Pattison’s first effort was parried by goalkeeper George Pickford, yet the midfielder reacted quickly to nod home the rebound for a fifth. Pickford made two further saves in added time to prevent further damage, but the outcome had long been decided.
Reaction, Impact, and What Comes Next
For Bradford, this emphatic win reaffirms their Trophy ambitions after back-to-back semi-final exits, while boosting morale ahead of Saturday’s League One derby with Barnsley. Humphrys’ brace and two assists signalled a return to form for the striker, and Kavanagh’s sharpness was a welcome bonus after months out.
Everton, meanwhile, face a dead rubber against Grimsby, knowing they are already eliminated from the group. Their inclusion of experienced names could not disguise the gulf between a well-drilled League One unit and an under-21 side still learning the demands of senior football.
