Bradford City powered to the top of League One with an impressive 3-1 victory over Cardiff City at the Cardiff City Stadium, ending the Bluebirds’ unbeaten start to the season.
First Half
Cardiff started brightly, but it was Bradford who struck first. Tommy Leigh opened the scoring in the 16th minute, firing home from outside the area after Tyreik Wright’s corner found him in space. The goal marked the first time Cardiff had conceded from open play this season.
Bradford doubled their lead on the half-hour mark. Gabriel Osho brought down Antoni Sarcevic in the box, and Sarcevic confidently converted the resulting penalty to make it 2-0. Cardiff tried to respond, with Yousef Salech and David Turnbull both going close, but the visitors’ defence held firm.
Second Half
Bradford extended their lead early in the second half. Josh Neufville finished off a low cross from Bobby Pointon to make it 3-0, leaving Cardiff with a mountain to climb.
The Bluebirds pushed forward, with Salech hitting the post and substitute Isaak Davies creating chances. Their persistence paid off in the 77th minute when Callum Robinson slid home his first League One goal for Cardiff, giving the home fans hope of a late comeback.
Cardiff pressed hard in the closing stages, with Robinson and Rubin Colwill both going close, but Bradford’s defence stood strong to secure all three points.
Key Moments
16’ – Leigh scores from outside the area (0-1)
30’ – Sarcevic converts penalty after Osho foul (0-2)
47’ – Neufville finishes Pointon’s cross (0-3)
77’ – Robinson pulls one back for Cardiff (1-3)
Summary
Bradford’s clinical finishing and defensive resilience proved too much for Cardiff, who suffered their first defeat of the season. The result sees Bradford climb to the top of League One, while Cardiff will look to bounce back in their next fixture.
Final Score:
Cardiff City 1–3 Bradford City
Cardiff City Scorer: Robinson (77’)
Bradford City Scorers: Leigh (16’), Sarcevic (30’ pen), Neufville (47’)
Cardiff City: Trott, Kpakio (Ng 46’), Fish, Osho (J. Colwill 78’), Bagan, Wintle (Robinson 57’), Turnbull, R. Colwill, Ashford (Davies 57’), Salech, Willock (Kellyman 57’). Subs not used: Turner, Chambers.
Bradford City: Walker, Touray, Power, Neufville, Sarcevic (Halliday 90+2’), Baldwin (McIntyre 72’), Wright, Leigh (Metcalfe 46’), Pointon, Swan (Powell 68’), Pennington. Subs not used: Hilton, Cook, Humphrys.
