Match report

Cardiff Stuns Bradford with Late Hold for 2-1 Win in League One

Bradford
Bradford
1–2
FT
Cardiff
Cardiff
Jan 17, 2026

Cardiff stunned home side Bradford with an impressive display to secure a crucial 2-1 win at Valley Parade. Goals from D. Turnbull and C. Chambers put Cardiff in control early on, but Bradford fought back through J. Metcalfe's effort to narrow the gap. Despite Bradford's late push, Cardiff held on for the victory in League One action.

Key Facts

  • • Goals: D. Turnbull (14', Cardiff), C. Chambers (24', Cardiff), J. Metcalfe (59', Bradford)
  • • Yellow Cards: Curtis Tilt (Bradford, 26'), J. Colwill (Cardiff, 75'), J. White (Bradford, 87')
  • • Substitutions: Perry Ng for J. Colwill (46' Cardiff), T. Wright for L. Sibley (46', Bradford)

Lineups

Bradford

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Starting XI

  • 1 S. Walker (G)
  • 15 A. Baldwin (D)
  • 26 C. Tilt (D)
  • 3 I. Touray (D)
  • 7 J. Neufville (M)
  • 6 M. Power (M)
  • 21 J. Metcalfe
  • 17 T. Wright (M)
  • 10 A. Sarcevic (F)
  • 23 B. Pointon (F)
  • 24 W. Swan (F)

Substitutes

  • 25 J. Hilton
  • 4 J. Wright
  • 11 S. Humphrys
  • 20 T. Leigh
  • 30 J. White
  • 2 H. Ashby
  • 18 L. Sibley

Cardiff

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 13 N. Trott (G)
  • 38 P. Ng (D)
  • 4 G. Osho (D)
  • 12 C. Chambers (D)
  • 3 J. Bagan (D)
  • 6 R. Wintle (M)
  • 18 A. Robertson (M)
  • 11 O. Tanner (M)
  • 14 D. Turnbull (M)
  • 16 C. Willock (M)
  • 22 Y. Salech (F)

Substitutes

  • 41 M. Turner
  • 2 W. Fish
  • 48 D. Lawlor
  • 27 J. Colwill
  • 45 C. Ashford
  • 39 I. Davies
  • 47 C. Robinson

Timeline

  1. Cardiff
    14' Cardiff Goal · Normal Goal
    D. Turnbull · Assist: Ollie Tanner
  2. Cardiff
    24' Cardiff Goal · Normal Goal
    C. Chambers · Assist: Ollie Tanner
  3. Bradford
    26' Bradford Card · Yellow Card
    Curtis Tilt

    Foul

  4. Cardiff
    31' Cardiff Card · Yellow Card
    C. Willock

    Time wasting

  5. Cardiff
    46' Cardiff subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Perry Ng · On: J. Colwill
  6. Bradford
    46' Bradford subst · Substitution 2
    Off: T. Wright · On: L. Sibley
  7. Bradford
    59' Bradford Goal · Normal Goal
    J. Metcalfe · Assist: Josh Neufville
  8. Cardiff
    64' Cardiff subst · Substitution 2
    Off: C. Willock · On: C. Ashford
  9. Cardiff
    64' Cardiff subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Ollie Tanner · On: I. Davies
  10. Bradford
    68' Bradford subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Bobby Pointon · On: J. White
  11. Bradford
    68' Bradford subst · Substitution 4
    Off: Josh Neufville · On: H. Ashby
  12. Bradford
    70' Bradford Card · Yellow Card
    A. Baldwin

    Foul

  13. Cardiff
    75' Cardiff Card · Yellow Card
    J. Colwill

    Foul

  14. Cardiff
    78' Cardiff subst · Substitution 4
    Off: Alex Robertson · On: C. Robinson
  15. Cardiff
    85' Cardiff subst · Substitution 5
    Off: Y. Salech · On: W. Fish
  16. Bradford
    87' Bradford Card · Yellow Card
    J. White

    Foul

  17. Bradford
    90'+5 Bradford subst · Substitution 5
    Off: Ibou Touray · On: J. Wright

Match Stats

Stat Bradford Cardiff
Fouls 10 9
Pass Accuracy 70% 66%
Offsides 2 0
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 12 10
Corners 2 2
Total Passes 460 421
Yellow Cards 3 2
Blocked Shots 5 2
Shots on Target 1 5
xG 1.14 0.69
Shots off Target 6 3
Possession 53% 47%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 321 277
Shots Inside Box 8 4
Saves 3 0
Shots Outside Box 4 6

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Cardiff took an early two-goal lead with goals from D. Turnbull and C. Chambers within ten minutes, setting the tone of dominance.
  • ▸ Bradford's J. Metcalfe scored in the 59th minute to ignite a comeback attempt, but Cardiff defended resolutely to secure the win.