McCartan nets winner as Bradford defeat high-flying Robins

Posted Sunday, October 06, 2019 by PA

Substitute Shay McCartan scored a 79th-minute winner to give Bradford a 2-1 win over fifth-placed Swindon and end the visitors’ unbeaten away record.

All three goals came in the 10-minute spell in the second half, with McCartan’s strike proving decisive after Swindon striker Jerry Yates had cancelled out Hope Akpan’s opener at Valley Parade.

Bradford enjoyed more of the possession in a lively first half, but the nearest they came to scoring was in the 38th minute when Connor Wood’s left-wing cross found its way to Zeli Ismail whose shot hit the base of the post.

The home side continued to dominate the play in the second half and, after Clayton Donaldson had a goal ruled out for offside in the 58th minute, they took a deserved lead 11 minutes later.

Swindon goalkeeper Luke McCormick failed to hold Donaldson’s fierce shot from 10 yards and the rebound came out to Akpan who headed the ball into the net.

Town hit back well to equalise in the 74th minute when the Bradford defence failed to clear Kaiyne Woolery’s right-wing cross and Yates turned sharply to fire into the net from close range.

However, Bradford regained the lead when McCartan cut in from the left and scored with a low shot from edge of the penalty which crept into the net off the inside of the post.