It’s a replay for The Posh and the Bantams in The Emirates FA Cup second round proper as they draw 2-2.
The ABAX Stadium held an Emirates FA Cup second round tie contested between two sides currently at opposite ends of the Sky Bet League One table.
Whilst Peterborough United (The Posh) are currently fourth in the standings under the guidance of Steve Evans, Bradford City (Bantams) find themselves at the bottom of the table, six points off safety.
Just a fortnight ago, these two sides faced each other at the same location in the league, where The Posh and the Bantams drew 1-1.
In recent years both sides have experienced the memories this competition can bring. In 2014/15, Bradford knocked out eight-time winners Chelsea and Sunderland on their way to the quarter-finals. Peterborough also faced Chelsea in the third round two seasons ago, only to be beaten 5-1 at Stamford Bridge. However, last year, they beat Aston Villa away from home under Grant McCann's management.
Peterborough supporter Doug Rycraft, who has followed the club for 65 years, remembers last season’s trip to Villa Park fondly and hopes to be able to make more memories in this competition supporting The Posh.
He said: “It would mean a lot to win today, we can try and get a big team in the third round and build on it to get some cash to help the club.
“My best FA Cup memory was at Aston Villa last year, when we went and won there. We proved what we can do, and it took us to the next round to face Leicester City. It is what we live for, we live for Peterborough.”
Match details
The hosts got the opening goal through Ivan Toney shortly before the half-hour mark. A swift counter-attack from the hosts culminated when Marcus Maddison’s pinpoint pass split apart the Bradford defence and found Toney, who fired home with a crisp half-volley.
Maestro Siriki Dembele, who looked dangerous all afternoon, doubled the hosts’ lead on the stroke of half-time. He was sent through on goal by a clever through ball by Toney, and placed his shot off the inside of the post and in.
Bradford pulled a goal back in the final ten minutes through defender, Kelvin Mellor, whose unstoppable long-range effort from 25 yards out flew into the top corner.
Substitute Luca Colville’s shot in the final moments of the game, which deflected off Rhys Bennett, left home goalkeeper Aaron Chapman wrong-footed, forcing the tie to a replay.
Reaction
Bradford defender Mellor was left delighted after his superb goal rejuvenated the Bantams into earning a replay at Valley Parade.
Describing his goal, he said: “I just saw the open space and fortunately, it found the top corner. The lads were laughing at me because I was celebrating on my own, but at the time, it was nice to get the goal.
“It’s an exciting time; I would love to face Liverpool or someone like that, I am a fan. I wouldn’t mind where; our fans would take on their fans no problem at all.”
Find all of the upcoming Emirates FA Cup fixtures, including replays.
