Bradford City travelled to Premier League side Newcastle United midweek in the 3rd round of the EFL Cup. However, with them losing 4-1, they were knocked out by a strong Magpies side, who were on the front foot from minute one and looking to defend the trophy, with them being the previous winners of the EFL Cup.
Boyhood Newcastle fan Andy Cook made the bench, with him still recovering from his long-term injury.
The striker entered the pitch in the 62nd minute, replacing former Barnsley man Stephen Humphrys.
When he came on, he lived his dream by scoring against Newcastle, who he has been supporting since he was a kid.
Newcastle vs Bradford: Andy Cook pulls one back for Bradford! | Football News | Sky Sports
Graham Alexander’s Reaction
ALEXANDER UPBEAT AFTER NEWCASTLE TIE – Bradford City AFC
Alexander said, “You have to hold your hands up and say we ran into a better team.
“We started well and had the first real opportunity of the match with Bobby Pointon’s shot. After that, they scored two in quick succession, which stuck the knife in us a little bit. We responded well to that challenge, though.
“In the second half, we wanted to hold them at bay and then bring on some attacking threat later on.
Alexander added, “There was a lot of talk building up to the game with this being his boyhood club.
“I am buzzing for him to score a brilliant goal, and I am happy it was a great moment for the supporters. It is a great moment for everyone at the club, we are all pleased for him.
“After the year he has had, it is great for him, and it is a big reward for the discipline he has shown. Over the last eight or nine months, the work he has put in will bear fruit, and it is great to have him back up and running.”
Andy Cook’s Reaction
COOK ‘OVER THE MOON’ AFTER ST JAMES’ PARK GOAL – Bradford City AFC
Cook said: “I was just happy to get minutes, but to come on and get a goal, I am over the moon.
“I have dreamt of playing here [St James’ Park] for ages, and to score a goal is unbelievable.
He added: ”All the lads will have been happy Newcastle put a strong team out, I think it is an experience and the lads can hold their heads high and be proud of themselves.
“I just wanted to be involved, get minutes, and be ready when I’m called upon, and keep going, and hopefully, we keep on pushing on.
“I cannot wait to be involved more; all I want to do now is to be available and to get minutes.”
Looking Ahead To Blackpool
Bradford City host Blackpool this weekend for the first meeting between the two sides since 2019.
Against Newcastle, Graham Alexander made 5 changes to the starting line-up from the Bantams’ latest 3-1 victory away at Cardiff City in the league. This shows intent to keep their winning home run going.
The West Yorkshire based side comes into this game sitting at the top of the league and on 20 points after playing 9 matches.
However, Blackpool have had a poor start to the season under Steve Bruce, with them sitting 22nd on 7 points, but they will be looking to build on their latest 1-0 victory against Barnsley at home.
I can see Blackpool struggling in this game, with them not picking up a single point away from home in 4 matches.
So I am going to go with a 2-1 victory for the Bantams, even though Blackpool are going to come and frustrate. Considering the home side’s electric home form and the side resting players against Newcastle mid-week they are going to scrape three points in this one.
