In a season where the stakes were sky-high and the city’s hopes even higher, Bradford City FC delivered a moment that will live long in the hearts of its people. A dramatic last-minute winner against Fleetwood Town has sealed the Bantams’ return to League One — their first automatic promotion in 26 years — and it couldn’t have come at a more symbolic time for Bradford.
Antoni Sarcevic, the man with a golden touch when it comes to promotion battles, stretched a leg in the dying seconds to redirect George Lapslie’s scuffed shot into the bottom corner, triggering wild celebrations both inside Valley Parade and across the city. Bradford’s place in League One is now secure — and with it, a renewed sense of belief for a city on the rise.
Going into the final day of the League Two season, the Bantams knew only victory would do. They sat in third, needing to better Walsall’s result at Crewe to guarantee promotion. Yet Fleetwood, despite having little to play for, proved stubborn opposition. Sam Walker was called upon to keep Bradford alive, pulling off a crucial save from Matty Virtue, while Calum Kavanagh’s header rattled the bar in a nervy first half.
Tension gripped Valley Parade as news filtered through that Walsall had taken the lead. The atmosphere turned anxious. Opportunities came and went — Jack Shepherd struck the post after being thrown forward, and Sarcevic, moments before his winner, blazed over from close range.
But in the 96th minute, with hope fading, Sarcevic — who has now achieved a staggering eight career promotions — found a way. The goal was scrappy, but it didn’t matter. It was decisive. Supporters spilled onto the pitch in jubilation, and Bradford’s long wait was over.
As the dust settles, this promotion means far more than a step up in footballing terms. In its Year of Culture, Bradford is a city undergoing transformation. The long-awaited reopening of Bradford Live, fresh announcements of new acts, and widespread regeneration projects are breathing new life into the district. This win adds fuel to that resurgence.
Under manager Graham Alexander, Valley Parade has become a fortress. Only Leeds United and Birmingham City have bettered Bradford’s home points tally across the entire EFL this season. After years of underachievement, belief has been restored. The fans have returned — and they’re proud again.
This is a victory that ties past to present. As the city prepares to mark 40 years since the Valley Parade Fire tragedy, Sarcevic’s goal and the scenes it unleashed serve as a reminder of the power football has to unite, uplift, and inspire.
Bradford is back. Not just in League One — but back on the map, back in the conversation, and back where it belongs.
