Exciting Match Recap: Swindon Town Triumphs Over Bradford City in a Thrilling 5-4 Showdown

In a match that will be kept in mind for its large strength, the nine-goal thriller at the County Ground saw Swindon Town manage an amazing resurgence to beat Bradford City with a last rating of 5-4. The remarkable encounter was filled with action, including a red card, own objectives, and a supervisor getting a yellow card, all adding to the enjoyment that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

The result has actually considerably affected Bradford’s aspirations for automated promo in League Two, as they now deal with an obstacle following this unforeseen defeat. Swindon’s success has actually moved them approximately the 12th position in the league table, showcasing their durability and decision.

Calum Kavanagh was the star of the very first half for Bradford, scoring an impressive hat-trick that put them in a commanding position at 3-1 by the 35th minute. However, the tide turned when Swindon taken advantage of Richie Smallwood’s early termination, leveling ball game before a vital stoppage-time own objective by Jack Shepherd sealed Bradford’s fate.

Manager Ian Holloway Praises Supporters for Their Unwavering Loyalty

In the after-effects of the match, Swindon’s supervisor, Ian Holloway, revealed enormous pride in the advocates, specifying, “The supporters made me proud. No one moaned when we were two down with a terrible start like that.” His words highlighted the important function the fans played in boosting the group throughout tough minutes in the video game.

He continued, highlighting the significance of the fans’ assistance: “That’s a difference that allowed me to do things, allowing the lads to not go too deep and then believe we could score.” Holloway acknowledged the efforts of his gamers, who handled to get rid of the chances and protect a remarkable success regardless of yielding 2 objectives versus ten males, a scenario generally deemed undesirable for a supervisor.

Bantams supervisor Graham Alexander, noticeably annoyed after the match, had actually gotten a yellow card for objecting to Smallwood’s termination. He regreted the loss, specifying, “I’m just really gutted for the players and the supporters that we didn’t win that game when we should have.”

“With a two-goal lead, we usually excel in such positions, but today it just didn’t work out for us,” he included, reviewing how the group handled to press forward even after being decreased to ten gamers. Alexander applauded the gamers’ spirit and dedication, highlighting their impressive durability even after yielding the equalizer.

“The endeavor and the team ethic of these players is frightening at times, but unfortunately, we could not see it through to the end. I am always proud of these players,” he concluded.

Match Summary: Swindon Town 5-4 Bradford City
Half-time Score: Swindon Town 2-3 Bradford City

Key Match Events:
6′ Calum Kavanagh ratings
10′ Calum Kavanagh ratings
14′ Richard Smallwood sent
22′ Neill Byrne ratings (og)
28′ Dani Gonzalez-Birchall changed Billy Kirkman
30′ Brandon Khela warned
35′ Calum Kavanagh ratings
45+4′ Kabongo Tshimanga ratings
46′ C Kelly changed Alexander Pattison
46′ Callum Johnson changed Bobby Pointon
46′ Daniel Butterworth changed Ollie Clarke
46′ Joe Westley changed Gavin Kilkenny
62′ H. Smith ratings
64′ Brad Halliday warned
74′ Antoni Sarcevic changed Brandon Khela
75′ George Cox changed T. Nichols
76′ Nnamdi Ofoborh changed Paul Glatzel
78′ Brad Halliday ratings
80′ Jack Shepherd warned
82′ Daniel Butterworth warned
82′ Omotayo Adaramola warned
90′ H. Smith ratings
90+3′ H. Smith warned
90+5′ Jack Shepherd ratings (og)
90+7′ Michael Mellon changed Omotayo Adaramola
90+7′ Tyreik Wright changed Romoney Crichlow-Noble

Fan Reactions on Twitter to the Thrilling Match: Swindon 5-4 Bradford

@cadmunkey: Dock Smallwood a year’s salaries!

@MarkBCAFC: It’s a hard one to take, however I can’t fault the lads on the field. They provided whatever. There’s still whatever to bet.

@PargeyBCAFC: Graham and Richie Smallwood, you’ve got some severe discussing to do.

@bowers_bcafc12: Honestly humiliating. We were 3-1 up. Smallwood cost us the video game, end of.

@OllieSmitherman: You guys were seriously unfortunate. That referee altered the video game. Good luck on your title charge; I hope you get it over Vale.

@SHD_Backup: If you don’t laugh, you’ll sob. You can’t fault the effort. Smallwood let the group and club down today; it’s unforgivable to do that at this phase of the season.

@rachw101: I still desire Clem & Crooks gone, however you cannot reject the effect of Holloway. My lord, today was unbelievable. Friends and football… what Saturdays have to do with #STFC

@j_rstck: I’m 99.9% persuaded we’re in a simulation to see just how much you can put individuals through before they break #bcafc

@leefer3: What a video game! This group never ever quits… fortunate 13 now in your home unbeaten. I can’t inform you just how much I took pleasure in that #stfc

@Chris_Taylor32: Some overreaction here. Yes, it was a terrible method to lose, however to state the cars are gone is outrageous. We’re presently second. It’s in our hands, and it’s clear the only factor we lost was because of a red card in the 14th minute. Apart from Vale, nobody is putting a run together #bcafc

@andyrichardson_: Incredible video game! This is the spirit Holloway has actually instilled in this group. Bradford require to blame Smallwood, not the ref. That was a negligent take on, clear red card. That stated, I hope they increase still.

@stfcleigh96: Ian Holloway’s red and white army! Some stunning protecting, however these lads never ever give up! We require to keep a great deal of them together for next season with a couple of additions in the summertime. He’s here, he’s there, he’s all over – Harry Smith!

@bowers_bcafc12: Deserved success for Swindon. We were stunning, and the red was silly. But it was a fantastic video game of football!

@stfcjosh: Quality side, excellent fans, excellent match to see today, and I really hope you still increase. Best of luck!

@MattBcafc_: If we don’t increase this season, this will be the video game we reflect on and believe, “If we hadn’t conceded two 90th-minute goals, we might have actually achieved something this season.” Absolute bottlers.

@TRWellock: We played well considering we had 10 males for 75 minutes. An absence of concentration expense us, however we revealed character we haven’t seen in years. The reality they’re commemorating like they’ve won the league simply demonstrates how hard that was for them.

@DirewolfBCFC: Well, that’s how not to do it. Get a hat technique and misuse whatever. Alexander’s half-time modifications simply brought Swindon onto us. We played well, however simply unsatisfactory versus 11 males.

@JuneEFLTransfer: Smallwood much better brought out an apology letter since he requires to stroll home; don’t send him on the bus.

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— Mitchell Radford (@RaddersOnSport) April 12, 2025