Bradford City Cruise into League Cup Second Round with 2-0 Win Over Rochdale

Bradford City eased into the next round of the English Football League Cup with a composed 2-0 victory over Rochdale at Valley Parade on Saturday night. The League Two side controlled the tie from start to finish, with two well-taken goals in the first half proving enough to see off their Sky Bet League One opponents in front of a lively home crowd.

The Bantams started brightly, pressing high and forcing Rochdale into early errors. The opening goal arrived in the 18th minute when a sweeping move down the left was finished at the near post by winger Alex Pattison, who had drifted inside to meet a low cross from right-back Brad Halliday. The energy in the stadium lifted immediately, and Bradford never looked back.

Clinical Second Goal Seals the Tie

Rochdale struggled to respond, and Bradford doubled their advantage just six minutes later. A well-worked corner routine released midfielder Richie Smallwood on the edge of the box, and his deflected strike looped over the visiting goalkeeper to make it 2-0. From that point, the tie was effectively over, with Bradford showing the kind of game management that their supporters have come to expect under the current coaching staff.

The second half was a quieter affair. Rochdale enjoyed more possession but created little of note, as Bradford's centre-back pairing of Matthew Platt and captain Sam Stubbs—so impressive in League Two this season—stood firm. The hosts could have added a third on the counter, but the night belonged to a professional, disciplined performance.

League Cup Context and What's Next

For Bradford City, this win continues a strong start to the 2026-27 campaign and provides a welcome burst of cup momentum. Rochdale, meanwhile, can focus their attention on League One after a competition exit that lacked the intensity needed to trouble a well-organised home side.

The draw for the second round will be made later this week, and Bradford fans will be dreaming of a run to the third round—where Premier League clubs enter the competition. Performances like this suggest they are more than capable of springing a surprise.