Written by Omar Eliwi (images by John Dewhirst)

I am going to be honest straight off the bat. Like many, many other City supporters, I am not a fan of the EFL Trophy. A few years back, a hefty spit in the face was handed out to League One and Two clubs when it was decided that Premier League clubs could let their U21 squads participate. A real insult to good, honest 3rd and 4th division players.

And, following the announcement of the new format, dwindling crowds soon followed. In fact, I can remember one EFL trophy game in recent times that saw less than 1,000 souls show up to Valley Parade (was it THE Kai Brunker game?).  A crowd that small at home was completely unprecedented in the modern history of Bradford City AFC.

However, tonight the lure of seeing how the much an inevitable heavily changed starting 11 (compared to the last league game away at Rotherham) would perform in the circumstances under the lights at Valley Parade, and the promise of a post match curry at ’The Kash’ proved to be too big an opportunity to miss. Those factors as well as our great leader – Mr Graham Alexander – stating religiously that every game that we play in, we take extremely seriously. So, if the players and management have that attitude, I felt, as a die hard Bradford City supporter, a jaunt across the M62 from South Yorkshire was the very least I could do.

The announcement of the 10 changes in the City side included long awaited returns for Calum Kavanagh and Lewis Richards. It was great to see them both back in claret and amber.

Stephen Humphrys led the line up top, with much made in the press of his great attitude shown in recent weeks where he personally decided to postpone a tonsil operation in order to knuckle down and fight for his place in the City team. Sparingly used so far this season – George Lapslie and Brad Halliday linked up on the right hand side of City’s attack.

Truth be told – this was an embarrassingly easy night’s work for City. The term ‘men vs boys’ was literally the case here and City were completely superior in every aspect of tonight’s match.

City were out of the blocks quick and on seven minutes the absolutely outstanding Jenson Metcalfe slid in to intercept an Everton possession. The ball fell to Stephen Humphrys who twisted and turned, and his cross fell to Kavanagh at the far post who showed great composure to make it 1-0. A few minutes later, Kavanagh returned the favour to Humphrys when he pounced on an awful side-ways pass from Everton – and then proceeded to slip the former Barnsley man in. Humphrys drilled a shot that was bound for the bottom corner, but then diverted into the middle of a goal via an Everton defender. 2-0 and less than 15 on the clock.

Humphrys added a ‘cleaner’ 3rd when Brad Halliday’s long throw was flicked on by Joe Wright, and Neil Byrne squared to Humphrys who slotted home.

City effectively ended the match as a competitive contest when Humphrys whipped in a delicious first time cross from the right, where Kavanagh in the middle dummied with aplomb which allowed the onrushing George Lapslie to slot home. 4-0 at HT.

The only blemish on City’s night was a rare Everton attack in the second half when a cross from the left was whipped in, and deflected into his own net by Joe Wright. City rounded off the scoring with an Alex Pattison goal that he scored with his head, following on from his own strike that the Everton keeper had kept out following a skilful flick that took the midfielder round his defender.

City could have had more. Humphrys was ‘hattrick hunting’ throughout the second half and came close a number of times. City won with plenty of gears to spare. This was a really impressive victory from players that many would regard as ‘squad players’ – on the fringe of the Bradford City first team. But Graham Alexander would not agree with that statement. Every single one of this squad is capable of going on an extended run in the side. The days of naming a 1-11 with 3 subs are well and truly over. Different players are required for different games and then of course there needs to be quality coverage for injuries and suspensions.

Everton looked very weak by comparison. City were more aggressive, more poised, more ruthless, superior in every single way. Not one Everton youngster stood out – which must be a worry for them. Certainly no Wayne Rooneys or Ross Barkleys appear to be breaking through this youth set up. The already established pro Dwight McNeil was the only player who came out with any credit at all.

On a side note, I know I will echo everyone’s thoughts on wishing young Joel Catesby a very speedy recovery following his injury tonight which looked like a bad one.

So onto Saturday. We know that Barnsley will provide a much sterner test to City than they experienced tonight. I am 100% confident of that. It is special game in my family as my sister in law’s family and my nephews all support the Reds and will be in the TL Dallas when Saturday comes.

I know that nobody will be looking forward to playing us at the moment – particularly at Valley Parade where we have recorded seven wins from seven games. Having said that, form tends to go out of the window in derbies and they certainly have players who can hurt us. After such an excellent performance tonight, Graham Alexander will have his work cut out on deciding the best team to peck the Tykes :).

With this in mind, here are my thoughts on the players performances tonight and my prediction for our starting line up on Saturday. Alexander’s selections are always hard to predict, so I will do well if I get even half right 🙂

Player reviews from tonight:

Joe Hilton – Didn’t have much to do, but handling was solid as was distribution.

Neil Byrne – A lot stronger performance than his showing against Rotherham. Personally would not be first choice for Saturday if possible, but GA rates his professionalism and work ethic so would not hesitate on using him if required.

Joe Wright – Won everything in the air (as usual) unlucky with the own goal. Seems to be prone to mistakes at times which have led to a couple of opposition goals this season, but fully fit, I believe he is still out first choice central CB.

Brad Halliday – The irrepressible Mr Halliday was electric going forward tonight. And was just as solid defensively. How we cannot find a regular spot in the team for him is a crying shame, but Josh Neufville is someone who, when fit, you really cannot leave out.

Lewis Richards – Solid contributions tonight if not spectacular. Did not see much of the ball, but was great to get minutes on the board following his long term injury.

Max Power – Quiet night for the skipper – used this game as a fitness/sharpness exercise ahead of him inevitably ( deservedly) starting on Saturday.

Jenson Metcalfe – Outstanding from the first whistle. His chasing down of an Everton attack on the stroke of half time when we were 4-0 up really sums up this player. GA will have to find out a way to blood him more into league games in the upcoming weeks and months.

George Lapslie – Lively throughout and certainly putting plenty of effort in. Another player who deserves to be playing more, but we can’t quite find the minutes for him.

Callum Kavanagh – Very lively return where he showed his quality with his selfless decision making and deadly finishing. Stephen Humphrys – Very strong outing, surely his best in City colours so far. Surely GA cannot leave him out for the big game against his former club on Saturday…or can he? 🙂

Subs – Neufville, Touray and Leigh all came on and played okay – the stand out sub was Pattison who drove forward at every opportunity and really staked his claim for a start on Saturday.

Predicted team for Barnsley game:

Cook

    Pointon                     Sarcevic

Power Pattison

Wright T                        Neufville


Touray        Wright        Pennington


Walker S

Categories: Match Reviews

Tags: 2025/26, BCAFC, Everton, Football league Tophy