Bantams Soaring: Bradford City Enjoying Thrilling Start to Life Back in League One.

Bradford City’s long-awaited return to League One has been nothing short of spectacular, with Graham Alexander’s side firmly entrenched in the automatic promotion battle as the season approaches its late October climax. As of today, the Bantams are flying high, occupying a coveted 3rd position in the league table. Having secured promotion from League Two last season, many pundits predicted a campaign of consolidation, but Bradford have defied expectations, showcasing an attacking verve and a Valley Parade fortress that has made them one of the division’s most exciting teams.

The League One Run

Through 12 League One matches, Bradford City have accumulated an impressive 25 points, placing them level with second-placed Stevenage and fourth-placed AFC Wimbledon, just one point behind leaders Cardiff City. Their record stands at 7 wins, 4 draws, and just 1 solitary defeat.

A significant factor in this superb start has been their prolific goal-scoring form. The Bantams are currently among the top scorers in the division, netting 22 goals so far, with a healthy goal difference of +7. The attack has been spearheaded by a handful of key individuals, most notably Antoni Sarcevic and Bobby Pointon, who have both found the net five times, demonstrating the depth of quality Alexander has at his disposal.

The club’s home form has been particularly outstanding, with an undefeated record at Valley Parade (5 wins, 1 draw) that has seen them drop just two points in front of the home faithful.

Key League Results Up To Date:

• August Highlights: The season started with a bang, recording wins against Wycombe (2-1) and Luton (2-1) at home, alongside a commendable away victory at Stockport (2-1). The only league defeat so far came on the road at Doncaster (1-3) in early September.
• September & October Form: The Bantams have shown excellent resilience, bouncing back from that loss with key wins over Huddersfield (3-1) and Blackpool (1-0). Their most recent League One fixture on October 18th saw them share the spoils in a thrilling 2-2 draw with rivals Barnsley at Valley Parade, with Sarcevic and Stephen Humphrys finding the net. Another recent result was a hard-fought 2-2 draw away at Rotherham United.

Cup Competitions

While the league has been the primary success story, Bradford City have also held their own in the cup competitions.

• EFL Cup: The run was brought to a halt in the Third Round with a 4-1 defeat away to Premier League giants Newcastle United, after successfully navigating past Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City.
• EFL Trophy: The Bantams have made a strong start to the group stage, with victories over Grimsby Town and a dominant 5-1 win against Everton U21s.

Manager’s Verdict

Under Graham Alexander, the team has embraced an attacking philosophy that has been widely praised. The combination of experienced signings like Max Power and the impressive scoring form of younger talent like Pointon has provided a perfect blend for success.

(Photo credit: @ThomasGaddPhoto)

The early-season form has dramatically shifted expectations for the 2025/26 campaign from one of stability to one of serious contention for an immediate return to the Championship. With key fixtures against fellow high-flyers Stevenage and Lincoln City on the horizon, the Bantams will be looking to maintain their blistering pace and turn a fantastic start into a memorable season.