In an afternoon clash at The County Ground, Bradford City faced a 2-0 defeat against Swindon Town. The hosts secured an early lead through a penalty converted by captain Charlie Austin, followed by Dawson Devoy’s close-range strike just before halftime, securing the crucial points.
Despite a halftime shakeup with the return of Jake Young and Lewis Richards, City struggled to mount a comeback and ultimately couldn’t find a response.
The first opportunity of the game came in the eighth minute when Tyler Smith latched onto a Brad Halliday cross, but his effort veered wide of the post, only to be flagged offside by the assistant referee. Smith pressed forward again, but Swindon defenders crowded him out, blocking and clearing his subsequent effort.
The turning point arrived in the 16th minute when Ciarán Kelly conceded a penalty for a foul on Paul Glatzel, who had penetrated the Bantams’ backline. Swindon skipper Austin calmly dispatched the spot-kick, giving the home side a one-goal advantage, despite Sam Walker’s correct dive in the right direction.
City sought a response, with Andy Cook meeting Alex Gilliead’s cross just before half-time, but Jack Bycroft’s save denied the equalizer. In the second minute of injury time, Swindon capitalized on a counter-attack, with Glatzel turning Sam Stubbs’ challenge and setting up Devoy, who doubled the lead.
A triple substitution at halftime, introducing Young, Richards, and Harry Chapman, aimed to reignite City’s chances. Young posed a threat, nearly scoring with a curling left-footed effort well parried by Bycroft.
Despite continued efforts, City failed to find a breakthrough. In the dying moments, a scuffed shot from Chapman fell into the keeper’s arms, leaving Graham Alexander’s side empty-handed as Swindon Town secured a convincing victory.
