Bradford slay Villa to reach final
ASTON VILLA 2 vs BRADFORD CITY 1
Bradford City win 4-3 on aggregate
JUBILANT Bradford manager Phil Parkinson admitted he was in “dreamland” last night after completing another Capital One Cup giant-killing to reach the final – and land a trip to Las Vegas.
James Hanson’s second-half header earned the Bantams an aggregate victory to become the first team from football’s fourth tier to reach the final since 1962.
Christian Benteke’s volley had earlier raised Aston Villa hopes of overturning a two-goal first leg deficit, but Andreas Weimann’s late second was not enough and Bradford held on to claim a third Premier League scalp.
“It’s dreamland,” said Parkinson. “We said we had a chance to make history and tonight we’ve done it. What it means to the club and the city is tremendous.”
Bradford chairman Mark Lawn pledged to take his squad to Vegas in the summer, regardless of the outcome in the final, admitting: “I don’t care who we get. They’ll probably both batter us.”
Europe may yet beckon too. The West Yorkshire club are one win away from reaching the Europa League, although they will have to overcome either Chelsea or Swansea next month.
Beleaguered Villa manager Paul Lambert vowed “absolutely” to continue despite defeat plunging his position into further doubt.