McCartan brace helps Bradford to victory

Posted Wednesday, February 12, 2020 by PA

Shay McCartan bagged a brace as Bradford came from behind to beat Sky Bet League Two’s basement club Stevenage 3-1 and earn boss Stuart McCall a first victory since his return to the club.

Both sides created chances in an even start to the first half before Stevenage broke the deadlock in the 26th minute when Charlie Carter thumped the ball into the top of the net with a delightful strike from inside the area.

The hosts had several opportunities to level things up before the break, with McCartan looking certain to score after being put through on goal by Lee Novak in the 43rd minute, only for goalkeeper Paul Farman to pull off an outstanding save with his feet to protect Boro’s lead.

But Bradford flew out of the blocks in the second half and equalised in the 49th minute when McCartan fired into the bottom corner from distance.

And the Northern Irishman turned the game on its head five minutes later, connecting with Connor Wood’s cross from close range to put Bradford 2-1 up.

The Bantams kept their foot on the gas and only a top save from Farman prevented McCartan from completing his hat-trick with a stunning long-range volley in the 65th minute.

Novak completed with scoring with a fine goal on the break deep into second-half stoppage time.