Bradford City's promotion to EFL League One on Saturday following a dramatic 1-0 win over Fleetwood Town highlights the excitement inherent in soccer's promotion and relegation system. After a challenging season that saw them in 12th place on Christmas Day, Bradford experienced a significant turnaround with 12 wins in 15 games. Heading into their final match, they needed to match the performance of fourth-placed Walsall. A last-minute goal in the 96th minute secured their promotion, creating a scene of unrestrained jubilation among the fans.
ABSOLUTE BEDLAM IN BRADFORD 😱😱😱THE SCENES. IMMACULATE. ❤️Bradford City secure their promotion to EFL League One with a stoppage time goal over Fleetwood Town 👏 pic.twitter.com/VoDthtKreM- CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) May 3, 2025
Saturday's burst of emotion came after a truly rollercoaster season. Bradford City were in 12th place on Christmas Day 2024, with promotion just another word in the dictionary.
In third place before kickoff, the math was simple: match or better what fourth-place Walsall could do at Port Vale in order to clinch that third and final automatic promotion spot to League One.
Then, in the 96th minute -- literally the last minute of injury time -- Andoni Sarcevic deflected a shot by teammate George Lapslie beyond Fleetwood Town goalkeeper Jay Lynch, sending the home fans into absolute delirium.
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