Fixtures

Burton Albion Vs. Bradford City - Sat, Mar 21 2026, 15:00

Despite a late fight back from Bradford City, Graham Alexander’s men suffered a narrow defeat to Burton Albion in Sky Bet League One.

The first chance of the game fell City’s way as a fast break up the pitch culminated with Bobby Pointon finding Tyreik Wright, who tested Brad Collins within three minutes at the Pirelli Stadium with a low, powerful shot.

The opening periods were dominated by the Bantams, although Sam Walker was called into action within the initial quarter, denying Tyrese Shade, who found a little bit of space inside the box after working an effort onto his left foot.

Alexander’s men continued to press high and attack at pace, with Wright forcing another smart foot save out of the Brewers’ shot stopper before Pointon narrowly stroked wide of the upright just before the half-hour mark.

As the first period headed towards its end, Matt Pennington produced a fine block to deny Jake Beesley after the ball fell kindly for him following a headed clearance from the City backline.

However, Gary Bowyer’s men did take the lead in the 41st minute as Alex Hartridge met George Evans’ free-kick. The defender directed his header into the ground with the ball bouncing into the top corner, giving his side the advantage heading into the interval.

Alexander’s side, on the hunt for an equaliser, attacked through Max Power, who carried the ball forward, with the captain eventually hitting the stanchion.

The Brewers went on to double their tally just before the 60th minute, as Toby Sibbick held the ball up well before finding Shade just inside the penalty box. The forward then turned quickly before arrowing his shot into the bottom corner.

Jenson Metcalfe and Stephen Humphrys went close with free-kicks later in the half, with the latter forcing a really good save out of Collins, who clawed Humphrys' shot away from the top corner.

Wright did pull back a late consolation for the Bantams, as he got on the end of Lee Evans through ball, before placing a low shot beyond the Burton keeper.

Despite City’s attempts to find a late leveller, Alexander’s side headed back to BD8 empty-handed.

Burton Albion XI: Brad Collins, Udoka Godwin-Malifé, Toby Sibbick, Jake Beesley, Tyrese Shade (Kain Adom 83’), George Evans, Kyran Lofthouse, Alex Hartridge, Jasper Moon, Sulyman Krubally (Dylan Williams 74’), Andy Cannon (JJ McKiernan 74’).

Unused subs: Kamil Dudek, Jack Armer, Fábio Tavares, Julian Larsson.

Goals: Alex Hartridge (41’), Tyrese Shade (58’).

City XI: Sam Walker, Max Power, Josh Neufville (Lee Evans 46’), Antoni Sarcevic (Stephen Humphrys 35’), Aden Baldwin, Tyreik Wright, Jenson Metcalfe (Joe Wright 90+4’), Bobby Pointon (Paul Mullin 66’), Will Swan (Ethan Wheatley 46’), Curtis Tilt, Matt Pennington.

Unused subs: Joe Hilton, Ibou Touray.

Goal: Tyreik Wright (90+2’).

Attendance: 4,522 (1,594 away).

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