The Bantams were unable to secure a victory and settled for a 1-1 draw against Stockport County.
Despite gaining the upper hand shortly after halftime and taking the lead, City couldn’t clinch all three points on their journey back over the Pennines. A late missed penalty by Andy Cook thwarted their chances of victory, forcing them to share the spoils with their opponents.
The match began cautiously, and the initial significant opportunity favoured Stockport’s Will Collar, who connected with a well-placed ball. However, City’s goalkeeper Harry Lewis thwarted the attempt with a diving save to his left.
During the first half, both teams managed a few partial chances. City’s Richie Smallwood sent a corner kick to Cook, whose header grazed the top of the County’s net. Meanwhile, Stockport’s captain Paddy Madden failed to keep his close-range shot on target.
As the first half ended, the game remained evenly balanced.
The second half commenced with City aggressively pushing forward, and before long, the deadlock was broken. In the 47th minute, Smallwood gained possession high up the field and delivered a precise pass to Cook down the right side. Cook’s low cross found Alex Pattison, who confidently struck the ball past County’s goalkeeper, Hinchliffe, securing his third goal in as many City matches.
Stockport reacted, striving to equalise and generating multiple chances. However, City’s defence, along with Harry Lewis, remained resolute.
With just 10 minutes remaining, County managed to level the score. After Lewis parried an initial header from a corner, the ball landed at the feet of substitute Isaac Olaofe, who slotted it home from close range.
Shortly after, City received a prime opportunity to regain the lead as they earned a penalty. Pattison was brought down by Ibou Touray just inside the box, leading to a penalty kick. Cook took the shot, but County’s goalkeeper, Ben Hinchliffe, made a diving save to his right to deny Cook’s attempt.
In stoppage time, Cook had another chance to secure victory when he found himself one-on-one with County’s goalkeeper. Unfortunately, a heavy touch sent the ball straight into Hinchliffe’s waiting arms, leaving the Bantams with only a share of the points.
