Bradford’s automatic promotion hopes hit after dramatic defeat to Swindon

Bradford saw their League Two automatic promotion hopes suffer a setback following a dramatic 5-4 defeat at Swindon.

Calum Kavanagh’s hat-trick put the Bantams 3-1 ahead inside 35 minutes but Richie Smallwood’s early dismissal proved crucial as Swindon hit back to level before Jack Shepherd’s stoppage-time own goal.

The visitors went ahead after just six minutes when Kavanagh jabbed home from Brad Halliday’s long throw.

The Bantams doubled their lead four minutes later as Kavanagh poked home after the ball fell into his path following a mix-up at the back.

But Smallwood’s vicious lunge on Paul Glatzel saw the defender receive a straight red in the 14th minute.

Town made the most of it when Billy Kirkman drove into the box and his low centre was touched in by defender Neill Byrne.

But Bradford restored the two-goal cushion when Town again failed to clear another Halliday long throw and Kavanagh snuck in to grab his hat-trick.

Town pulled a goal back just before the break after Kabongo Tshimanga slid in at the far post.

Harry Smith then levelled with an emphatic finish in the 62nd minute only for Halliday to slot home a rebound to put Bradford back in front.

However, Smith equalised again with a far-post header before Shepherd’s botched clearance gifted Swindon a stunning win.