MATCH REPORT: BRISLINGTON 0-4 BRADFORD

Brislington 0–4 Bradford Town

There was fantastic support at the Poplar Stadium as the Brislington faithful turned out to see new manager Matt Lewton lead his side for the first time, with added excitement for the home debuts of returning favourites Shea Mannings and Jordan Scadding.

With three wins on the bounce, the mood was upbeat and the hosts nearly gave the crowd the start they wanted as early chances fell to young striker Radway and left-back Clarke.

Disaster struck on 16 minutes when goalkeeper Schofield went down in what seemed an innocuous moment. After a lengthy stoppage, he was forced off, leaving Lewton with an early problem. With no substitute keeper available, striker Oaklan Buck bravely pulled on the gloves.

It was a crucial disruption and the momentum soon shifted Bradford’s way. Buck, to his credit, looked assured with his kicking and drew vocal support from the Brislington crowd as he was called into action. But around the half-hour mark, a loose ball on halfway was seized upon by Bradford, and Gallazi broke the deadlock with a well-timed run and finish. The Bobcats nearly doubled their lead soon after, but went into the break just one goal ahead.

Lewton’s half-time words would have carried context and encouragement, but the challenge got harder just three minutes into the restart as Gallazi calmly converted his second of the evening.

From then on, Brislington struggled to fashion clear openings, while the visitors looked composed and organised. On 63 minutes, any lingering hopes were quashed when a defensive mix-up allowed the lively Jensen Wakefield to squeeze in Bradford’s third.

The evening went from bad to worse when Scadding, already on a booking, was dismissed for dissent, leaving Brislington down to ten men. Bradford took full control and capped the night with a fourth – a strike of real quality that sealed the points.

For the second time this season, Bradford hit four past Brislington to take maximum points. For Lewton, this was an evening defined by misfortune that changed the complexion of the contest, though nothing should be taken away from a Bradford side who looked sharp and capable throughout.