For many Bradford City fans, the season had ended by the time April arrived, following a disastrous March in which the club only won two games.
After being knocked out of the play-offs by Carlisle United the previous season, the Bantams were anticipated to finish at least in the play-offs at the start of this season. Carlisle went on to win promotion at Wembley, defeating Stockport County on penalties.
Stockport have already secured promotion to the EFL League One this season, with only one game remaining. Carlisle has been relegated and will return to EFL League Two for the 2024-25 season, basically switching leagues.
Bradford are now hoping to follow in the footsteps of Stockport and play in the level above next season following a strong run of results. Bradford have gone unbeaten since the devastating setback to neighbours Harrogate Town, winning five of the previous six games to give themselves a slight outside chance of promotion as the season comes to an end.
Bradford have had a lot of luck since beating Tranmere Rovers at home at the end of March, but they have also shown incredible grit by fighting back in games to put themselves in a position to take the final play-off spot on Saturday.
A late 93rd-minute penalty to salvage a point away at Grimsby, followed by a Brad Halliday solo goal on his 100th appearance for the club, and then scoring the winner in a 2-1 victory over Salford City, sparked recent speculation about potential play-off football among the Valley Parade faithful.
