Bradford City's goalscoring hero Peter Beagrie has admitted that he feared his second half penalty miss may cost the Bantams automatic promotion.

Paul Jewell's side were coasting to victory when they were awarded a 77th minute penalty after Jamie Lawrence was upended by former City star Dean Richards.

Beagrie stepped forward to hit the penalty hoping to put City 4-1 ahead only for Wolves keeper Mike Stowell to pull off a fine save.

And then three minutes later, Paul Simpson pulled a goal back to ensure a nervous finale to the game.

Beagrie was substituted in the 84th minute and said: "I was in tears when I came off. The lads tried to console me but those words meant nothing at the time. I am just so glad we held on.

"When it was awarded I thought if I stick this in, it is all over. I tried a double bluff. Keith Curle (Wolves skipper) told the keeper where I was going to put it so I went along with it and pointed to the corner of the goal.

"I thought he might think I was kidding and go the other way. Unfortunately he saved it."

City held on to seal all three points and a place in the Premiership and Beagrie responded by crying in the dressing room, but this time he was shedding tears of joy.

He told the Telegraph & Argus: "I feel so emotional and this is comfortably the best moment of my career. This is a massive, massive achievement and I am so happy at playing my part."

Beagrie brought City level with a fine individual goal after 25 minutes before top scorer Lee Mills put the Bantams ahead just before the break.

The City striker said: "It is a fairytale come true for me. After the final whistle, I just looked up at my family and I cried. I can't remember the last time I cried."

Mills also revealed how manager Paul Jewell had helped him come to terms with the pressure of being a big money signing last summer.

"I was the first £1 million player for Bradford City and that is real pressure. But I feel I have answered any critics I had.

"The gaffer has been great throughout and has appreciated my contribution, which is all that matters.

"I said to Andy O'Brien after the final whistle 'You're not worth £2 million any more, you are worth £4 million'. A player's price doubles in the Premiership.

"Being up there is what football is all about. I am looking forward to pitting my wits against the best players. That is a great motivation for me and I can't wait for next season."

Another player relishing next season already is Robbie Blake, whose 64th minute strike proved decisive in City claiming second place.

He said: "This is the best feeling I have ever had. I am so proud to be part of it because this is so special to a lot of people. I meet our fans all the time and they say it is the best team they have ever had. The spirit is superb.

"This really is the proudest moment of my life. As for the goal, all I can remember is Lee Mills getting in front of the defender and I just shouted 'Leave it'. All you can do is hit the target.

"I was linked with the Premier League in the papers a few months ago but I have got there with Bradford, which means absolutely everything to me.

"Everyone had written us off, whether it be Sky or the papers. We have proved we are the second best team in the league and there is no doubt about it."

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