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29 March 2025

Bradford City And Accrington Stanley Battle To Goalless Draw

Both teams fought hard but failed to find the net in a tense League Two clash

In a thrilling encounter at the Wham Stadium, Bradford City faced Accrington Stanley in a crucial League Two matchup on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The Bantams, aiming to solidify their promotion credentials, entered the game with high hopes, sitting in second place with 70 points, while Accrington struggled at 20th with only 42 points.

The match kicked off at 12:30 PM, and the atmosphere was electric as both teams took to the field. Bradford City, managed by Graham Alexander, lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, featuring key players like captain Ryan Smallwood and forward Brandon Khela. On the other side, Accrington Stanley, under the guidance of John Doolan, opted for a 3-4-1-2 setup, with captain Sean Conneely leading the charge.

From the start, it was evident that Bradford City was determined to assert their dominance. However, the first half saw a lack of clear chances, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Accrington managed to take the initiative with eight shots, but only one was on target, while Bradford's offensive efforts were limited to just one shot, which also failed to hit the target.

As the first half progressed, the tension mounted. In the 39th minute, Accrington's J. Woods received a yellow card, a moment that seemed to ignite the home crowd. Just before the halftime whistle, Bradford's A. Baldwin also saw a yellow card, reflecting the competitive nature of the match. The first half ended with both teams locked in a goalless stalemate, leaving fans eager for a breakthrough.

Despite the scoreline, Bradford City had a slight edge in possession and passing accuracy. They completed 245 passes with 154 accurate, compared to Accrington's 199 passes and 111 accurate passes. The Bantams also showcased their defensive capabilities, with 35 clearances and 36 duels won, compared to Accrington's 25 clearances and 37 duels won.

As the second half kicked off, both teams looked for opportunities to break the deadlock. Bradford's defender Aden Baldwin had emphasized the importance of maintaining their performance level even in front of a smaller crowd, stating, "Every game is different. We can’t expect to be in front of 23,000 every week. But we need to make sure the principles and the way we play stays the same; if that happens and we perform well on the day, then I am sure we will be in a good place." His words resonated with the team as they sought to replicate their recent success, having won four consecutive league games against Accrington.

With the match still tied at 0-0, the tension escalated. Bradford City was aware that a victory would not only boost their promotion hopes but also put pressure on their rivals in the league. The Bantams were keen to capitalize on Accrington's recent struggles, having failed to score in their last four league encounters against them.

As the clock ticked down, both sides pushed for a winner, with Accrington trying to exploit any defensive lapses from Bradford. However, the Bantams' defense held firm, showcasing their resilience and determination. With each passing minute, the urgency grew, and fans from both sides held their breath, hoping for a breakthrough.

In the end, the match concluded without a goal, leaving both teams with a point. The final score remained 0-0, a result that reflected the hard-fought nature of the contest. Bradford City maintained their position in the promotion race, now sitting on 70 points, while Accrington Stanley continued to battle against relegation, holding onto their 42 points.

This match served as a testament to the competitive spirit of League Two, where every point counts and the stakes are high. Bradford City will look to build on this performance as they continue their quest for promotion, while Accrington Stanley will aim to find their scoring touch in the upcoming fixtures.