Walker edges it with cool strike
JAMIE WALKER’S clinical strike has given Bradford a slender but precious advantage ahead of Saturday’s decisive second leg of this League Two play-off semi-final.
He struck in the 18th minute after 28-goal top scorer Andy Cook and Scott Banks combined to find him in space inside.
Walker kept a cool head to rifle a low right-foot shot past United goalkeeper Tomas Holy.
A crowd of 20,575 – including a 2,415-strong following from Cumbria – witnessed a feisty encounter.
Carlisle could have grabbed an equaliser in the 76th minute but substitute Ryan Edmondson spurned a golden opportunity.
This was Bantams boss Mark Hughes’ first taste of the play-offs and he will not forget it in a hurry.
After a minute’s applause before kick-off for Bradford academy manager Neil Matthews, who died aged 56 last week after a fight with cancer, a hard-fought clash ensued.
The desire of both sides to make it to Wembley on May 28 to face Stockport or Salford was clear to see.
Bradford claimed the all-important goal when Cook flicked on a long ball into the path of Banks, whose touch fell to Walker.
An he had the necessary composure to rifle home.
A Bradford fan ran on to the pitch and was apprehended by stewards before being led away, but Paul Simpson’s team responded strongly.
Set-pieces always appeared their best chance of finding the net but half-chances came and went during the second half.
Bradford remained a lingering threat at the other end but Carlisle missed their big chance when Edmondson headed over.
So the tie remains finely poised ahead of the clash at Brunton Park.