In a one-sided Carabao Cup second-round tie on 26 August 2025, Bradford City delivered a commanding performance to eliminate Stoke City with a 3-0 victory at the bet365 Stadium. Will Swan, Brad Halliday, and George Lapslie each found the net, handing the League Two side a memorable upset and ending Stoke’s perfect start to the season.
Who Won Stoke City vs Bradford City?
Bradford City claimed a decisive 3-0 win over Stoke City in the second round of the 2025-26 Carabao Cup. The result sent the Bantams through to the third round and brought Stoke’s five-match winning streak in all competitions to an abrupt halt.
Final Score: Stoke City 0-3 Bradford City
Carabao Cup Second Round – 26 August 2025
Date: 26 August 2025
Venue: bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent
Competition: Carabao Cup Second Round
- Bradford City (League Two) knocked out Stoke City (Championship) in a significant cup upset.
- Stoke had won all five of their opening 2025-26 matches before this defeat.
- Bradford had already eliminated Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the first round.
- This victory sends Bradford into the Carabao Cup third round for the first time since 2019.
- Bradford’s disciplined counter-attacks neutralised Stoke’s high press throughout the match.
| Statistic | Stoke City | Bradford City |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 59.4% | 40.6% |
| Shots | 13 | 15 |
| Shots on target | 2 | 4 |
| Shots off target | 4 | 7 |
| Blocked shots | 7 | 4 |
| Passing accuracy | 83.1% | 72.2% |
| Clear-cut chances | 0 | 1 |
| Corners | 4 | 7 |
| Tackles won | 53.8% | 80.8% |
| Aerial duels | 46.2% | 53.8% |
| Yellow cards | 0 | 2 |
| Saves | 1 | 2 |
Stats are sourced from Sky Sports and other aggregators; official match data may carry slight variations.
Where and When Was the Match Played?
The match took place at the bet365 Stadium in Stoke-on-Trent, the home ground of Stoke City. It was held on 26 August 2025 as part of the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Venue: bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent
The bet365 Stadium has a capacity of over 30,000. An attendance of 9,947 was recorded for this cup fixture.
Date and Kick-Off Time: 26 August 2025, 18:45 UTC
The 18:45 kick-off time placed the match in the evening slot typically reserved for midweek Carabao Cup ties.
Despite the modest attendance, Bradford’s travelling supporters witnessed their side score three goals and record a rare away victory over higher-league opposition.
How Did the Match Unfold? Key Moments
Bradford seized control from the opening minutes and never allowed Stoke to settle. The visitors’ early goal changed the match state and forced Stoke into a chasing game they could not win.
First Half: Bradford take early control
Will Swan put Bradford ahead in the 12th minute, scoring the opener that immediately put Stoke on the back foot. Brad Halliday doubled the lead in the 31st minute, meaning Stoke went into the break trailing 2-0 despite enjoying the majority of possession.
Second Half: Sealing the win
George Lapslie made it 3-0 in the 62nd minute, effectively ending the contest. Stoke pressed forward but created only two shots on target across the full 90 minutes. Jamie Donley had a late attempt from outside the box in the 94th minute, but it was saved and went wide. The final whistle confirmed a 3-0 win for Bradford.
Bradford’s 12th-minute goal by Will Swan forced Stoke to open up, which played directly into the visitors’ counter-attacking strength. The second goal before half-time made Stoke’s task significantly harder.
What Were the Official Lineups and Formations?
Stoke City fielded a strong starting eleven, but the side could not break down Bradford’s organised defence. Bradford’s lineup, as reported by the club’s official channels, featured the three goalscorers.
Stoke City Starting XI
According to ESPN’s match page, Stoke’s starting lineup included: Jack Bonham, Maksym Talovierov, Ashley Phillips, Eric Bocat, Jaden Mears, Jamie Donley, Bosun Lawal, Tatsuki Seko, Ben Pearson, Robert Bozenik, and Chinonso Chibueze. Substitutes used or listed included Sorba Thomas, Frank Fielding, Junior Tchamadeu, Bae Jun-Ho, Million Manhoef, and Lewis Baker.
Bradford City Starting XI
Bradford’s confirmed scorers were Will Swan (12′), Brad Halliday (31′), and George Lapslie (62′). The specific formation and full lineup details for Bradford are available via the club’s official post-match coverage.
Bradford’s full starting eleven and substitutes have not been consolidated in the available match data. Official club sources may provide the complete lineup.
What Is the Head-to-Head Record Between Stoke City and Bradford City?
The historical head-to-head between these two sides is limited. According to records from 11v11, which compiles historical encounters, Stoke and Bradford had met only twice before this match, both in the League Cup.
Previous Encounters (since 2003)
Stoke City won both previous meetings – one in 2003 and another in 2008 – both in the League Cup. This match marks the first time the two clubs have faced each other since 2008.
Bradford City’s First Victory Over Stoke
The 3-0 scoreline represents Bradford City’s first ever win against Stoke City in any competition. It also extended Bradford’s recent head-to-head advantage in the limited sample of meetings.
Key Events Timeline
A minute-by-minute account of the defining moments of the match, based on available match data and broadcast reports.
- 12′ – Will Swan scores for Bradford City (1-0).
- 31′ — Brad Halliday doubles the lead for Bradford (2-0).
- 45′ — Half-time: Stoke City 0-2 Bradford City.
- 62′ — George Lapslie makes it 3-0 for Bradford.
- 78′ — Stoke make a substitution, bringing on a forward in an attempt to find a way back into the match.
- 90+4′ — Jamie Donley’s shot from outside the box is saved or misses wide. Full-time is called shortly after.
What Information Has Been Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
While the core result and match statistics are well established, some details from the night have not yet been officially confirmed by club or competition sources.
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Final score: Stoke City 0-3 Bradford City | Exact goal assist details for each scorer |
| Match date: 26 August 2025, kick-off at 18:45 UTC | Full official attendance figure (reported as 9,947 from one source) |
| Venue: bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent | Manager post-match quotes from both sides |
| Competition: Carabao Cup second round | Official formation and full Bradford City lineup |
| Goal scorers: Will Swan, Brad Halliday, George Lapslie | Any injury updates from the match |
| Bradford City advances to the third round | Potential disciplinary matters, if any |
What Does This Result Mean for Both Teams?
The result has different implications for each side. For Stoke, it ends an otherwise flawless start to the season. For Bradford, it represents a landmark cup run and a major confidence boost.
Stoke City: End of Five-Match Winning Streak
Stoke entered this match with five consecutive wins across all competitions in the 2025-26 campaign. The defeat exposes potential defensive vulnerabilities, particularly against well-organised counter-attacking sides. Stoke’s league form remains the priority, but the manner of this exit will require attention.
Bradford City: Carabao Cup Progress and Confidence Boost
Bradford have now eliminated two Championship clubs from this season’s Carabao Cup – Blackburn Rovers in the first round and Stoke City in the second. The victory propels them into the third round for the first time since 2019 and builds significant momentum for both their cup run and League Two aspirations.
Next Fixtures for Both Teams
Stoke City will turn their focus back to Championship fixtures. Bradford City await the third-round draw while also continuing their League Two schedule. Further details on opponents and dates can be found on the EFL Carabao Cup official page.
Where Can I See Post-Match Quotes and Analysis?
Post-match reactions from both managers are expected to be published on the official club websites. The BBC Sport match report provides live text commentary and post-match analysis. The Stoke City official website and Bradford City official website remain the primary sources for verified club statements and manager interviews.
For detailed in-game statistics and lineups, SofaScore’s match page offers a comprehensive data set, including player performance metrics and event timelines.
Summary: A Cup Upset That Delivered on Every Level
Bradford City’s 3-0 win at the bet365 Stadium was built on early goals, defensive discipline, and clinical finishing. Stoke City, despite controlling possession, could not convert their territorial advantage into genuine chances. The result ends Stoke’s winning run, gives Bradford a landmark cup victory, and sets up a third-round tie that will be eagerly anticipated. For readers interested in similar match-ups, see the Hull City vs Sunderland – Head-to-Head Stats & Preview for another in-depth analysis of an English club competition fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the attendance at Stoke City vs Bradford City?
The attendance was reported as 9,947 for the match at the bet365 Stadium. Official confirmation from both clubs may be published in their respective match reports.
Where can I watch highlights of the match?
Highlights are available on the Carabao Cup official YouTube channel and the EFL website. Both Stoke City and Bradford City also typically share match highlights on their official channels.
Has Bradford City ever beaten Stoke City before?
No, this was Bradford City’s first victory over Stoke City. Stoke had won both previous meetings in 2003 and 2008, both in the League Cup.
How did Stoke City perform in the 2024-25 season?
Stoke City finished mid-table in the Championship in 2024-25. In the 2025-26 season before this cup defeat, they had won all five opening matches across all competitions.
What is the Carabao Cup format?
The Carabao Cup is a knockout competition organised by the English Football League. The second round includes Championship teams and some League One and League Two sides. Matches are single elimination.
Did any players get sent off in this match?
No red cards were shown during the match. Two yellow cards were issued to Bradford City players; Stoke City received none.
Who scored for Bradford City?
Will Swan scored in the 12th minute, Brad Halliday in the 31st minute, and George Lapslie in the 62nd minute.
Who was Stoke City’s starting goalkeeper?
Jack Bonham started in goal for Stoke City in this Carabao Cup second-round match.
What does Bradford City’s win mean for their season?
The win takes Bradford into the third round of the Carabao Cup for the first time since 2019 and builds confidence after they had already knocked out Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the first round.
Where can I find the full match stats?
Full match statistics, including possession, shots, passing accuracy, and tackle data, were published by Sky Sports and SofaScore during and after the match.
For more detailed football analysis of other matches, you can also read West Ham vs Liverpool – Match Report and 5-2 Result Analysis for a breakdown of another high-scoring English fixture.
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Isabelle Knight is TV & Streaming Editor at StoryNative.uk, covering television, streaming platforms, broadcast schedules and platform news.