Playoffs confirmed as Bradford City beat (and relegate) Exeter

Written by Lee Pasquariello

Bradford City have officially confirmed a place in the playoffs. 

It’s the post I’ve been waiting to write about since I started writing back in November, and to be honest it’s a truly amazing achievement to do it in our first season back in League One after 7 seasons away. 

I think myself and the majority of City fans never expected this. At the start of the season, I predicted we’d finish lower mid table, around 15-20th, as we got used to life in League One. I thought we’d be lucky to stay up given how much it has changed over the years, but instead we’ve defied all the odds, finished FOURTH, and confirmed our place in the playoffs. 

As for the game itself on the final day of the season? it wasn’t a classic by any means. Apart from 2 well taken goals from Kayden Jackson and Antoni Sarcevic (the second one came out of nowhere by the way) there’s nothing really to note about the performance. But at this stage of the season as long as we pick up the points the performance doesn’t really matter. 

Whilst City confirmed their place, it meant that Exeter were relegated as they needed a win to stay up, even though they managed to score a late goal deep in added time, it wasn’t enough, and they will play in League 2 next season. 

Watching the match in a Bradford city centre pub, the atmosphere in there was brilliant, and once the second goal went in you could feel the excitement from everyone, as it was sinking in that City were going to do it. It’s moments like these where you realise how football means so much to so many people. 

Moving onto the playoffs then, City are confirmed to play Bolton Wanderers. It’s quite funny to be honest because after the game last week I was having a conversation on my way out of the ground and I remember I said “I think that’s who we play in the playoffs, that felt like a playoff tie” and here we are!

The first leg will be away next Saturday, and the second leg will be the following Thursday. 

Having the second leg at home could be absolutely huge for City’s chances. We’ve done really well to get here, so hopefully we can end this season by reaching Wembley for a chance of being promoted back to back. 

Whatever happens though, I’m so proud of this squad, and it’s been an absolutely fantastic season. Let’s enjoy the rest of it now.