Looking back at Bradford City's best games from 2023

The Bantams finish the year once again in the same division as they started it after a first visit to the play-offs for six seasons ended in semi-final heartbreak in Cumbria.

At the halfway stage of the current campaign, their 33-point tally is six down on the same stage last term – but signs that things are on the up under Graham Alexander.

As we prepare to wave goodbye to the year against Stockport tonight, here are some of the stand-out results of the past 12 months.

STEVENAGE AWAY

City ripped up the formbook to upset the best home record in the division in February.

Even some typical Steve Evans nonsense before kick-off – and then falling behind at half-time – could not shake off the Bantams.

Jamie Walker slots home City's third goal at Stevenage (Image: Thomas Gadd)

Matt Derbyshire, having missed one big chance, got off the mark for his new club in style before an Andy Cook penalty and Jamie Walker secured a first memorable win for five games.

GILLINGHAM AWAY

Visit one or two? Take your pick.

Richie Smallwood’s header was backed up by Andy Cook’s virtuoso solo goal of the season to secure an impressive February win at Priestfield. Who says you can’t do it on a cold Tuesday night in Gillingham?

Then Graham Alexander’s Bantams repeated the trick a couple of weeks ago with Andy Cook continuing his hoodoo over the Kent side after Jamie Walker’s opener.

COLCHESTER HOME

A record fourth-tier Valley Parade crowd enjoyed a dramatic outcome – provided they stayed until the very end.

Any early leavers would have missed all the drama on an afternoon when Colchester, who hadn’t lost in BD8 since 1981, came to frustrate a home side desperate for a fifth win in six games.

Colchester at home. They were dogged in defence and we created so many chances. Then the release when Cook scored that header was unbelievable, won’t forget it for a long time!

— Have Bradford City Won Today? (@bcafcwin) December 28, 2023

The clock had ticked to 93 minutes when the deadlock was finally broken as Andy Cook marked his 100th City game by burying Harry Chapman’s corner.

Bedlam ensued and there was still time for Scott Banks to slap some gloss on the final score three minutes later. Stoppage time has never felt so good.

ROCHDALE AWAY

Spotland has been a welcoming venue for City in recent years – and the shortest trip of the season did not disappoint in April.

There was even a first goal of the season from a defender!

Scott Banks celebrates with a golf swing at Rochdale (Image: Thomas Gadd)

Sam Stubbs got that monkey off City’s back before two decisive deflections from the home back four did for former Bantams keeper Richard O’Donnell to seal an emphatic away day for over 3,000 travelling fans.

CARLISLE HOME

Another Valley Parade audience topping 20,000 witnessed City’s first play-off appearance since losing the League One final at Wembley in 2017.

An electric atmosphere saw Jamie Walker draw the first blood for the Bantams, who had kicked off the anticipated tight tussle in positive fashion.

Scorer Jamie Walker disappears under a pile of City bodies (Image: PA)

Carlisle came back into it in the second half and missed chances. The warning was there – one that Mark Hughes’ men sadly did not heed in the Brunton Park return.

NEWPORT AWAY

Having romped to the League Two golden boot last season, Andy Cook had made a slow start.

But it all came good as he returned from injury with a dominant display in south Wales.

Cook’s second hat-trick in City colours was backed up with a goal from loanee Rayhaan Tulloch to clinch an emphatic win – their last for Mark Hughes.

And the best of the lot according to a straw poll of fans on Twitter?

NORTHAMPTON AWAY

The fans had turned up at Sixfields for a promotion party.

But it was the visitors living it up as City denied Northampton their day of celebration – for a week at least.

City away fans had an afternoon to remember at Sixfields (Image: Thomas Gadd)

Romoney Crichlow chose the perfect moment to score the only goal of his season-long stint at the club, serving up a late, late winner to shatter home dreams.

Andy Cook reached the 30 mark with a header before Northampton roared back to equalise. But Harry Lewis was in superb form in goal before Crichlow had the final say for City.

It ultimately counted for nothing in the bigger picture. But any fan will know that you put up with all the disappointments and frustration for magic moments like that.

Happy new year!