Bradford City claimed a shock 3-1 win over Aston Villa in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final this evening.
Having previously claimed the Premier League scalps of Wigan Athletic and Arsenal, the League Two side added Villa to their collection courtesy of goals from Nahki Wells, Rory McArdle and Carl McHugh.
Andreas Weimann got a goal back for Aston Villa, who must now win by two clear goals in the return leg at Villa Park on January 22.
Here, Sports Mole take an in-depth look at another phenomenal night of cup football for Bradford.
Match statistics:
Bradford:
Shots 20
On target 12
Possession 47%
Corners 8
Fouls 7
Aston Villa:
Shots 18
On target 13
Possession 53%
Corners 9
Fouls 10
Was the result fair?
You'd have to say yes. If you didn't know beforehand, you'd have never known that Bradford are three divisions below Aston Villa. The hosts' performance was full of guts, determination and heart, but there was quality involved as well. Villa may have had more clear-cut chances but take nothing away from Bradford, they put in a titanic effort and were deservedly rewarded for it.
Bradford's performance
They could not have wished for any more. Threatening going forward and solid at the back, Bradford looked every bit Villa's equal. They refused to be undone by the open nature of the match and played good, attacking football. Manager Phil Parkinson got his tactics spot on, and his players carried their individual tasks out to perfection.
Aston Villa's performance
Perhaps the biggest compliment you could give to Bradford is that Villa didn't play too badly. They created a number of good chances but found themselves up against a keeper in inspired form. They played their part in a thoroughly entertaining match and will still fancy their chances in their return leg, but today was just not their day.
Sports Mole's man of the match
Matt Duke: Every single Bradford player should be proud of their own individual performance, but Duke's performance was a sight to behold. The keeper even topped his man-of-the-match performance against Arsenal in the previous round, making a number of top-quality saves. He could do nothing about Villa's goal, but kept his side in the tie on a number of occasions. Nahki Wells and James Hanson also deserve a mention.
Biggest gaffe
Only one winner here: Darren Bent's miss. The striker followed up a Charles N'Zogbia shot that Duke had parried but, with an open goal gaping, put his header over the bar. He was under pressure from the defender, but a player of his quality should be able to finish them with his eyes closed. That would've made it 1-1, and who knows what difference that could've made in the end?
Referee performance
Howard Webb had a very solid game, as did his assistants. The biggest decision was whether to allow Wells's opener, and they got it spot on. The Bermudan striker looked offside as he slid the ball past Shay Given, but replays showed that he had been onside when the initial shot was taken. A very good decision from the linesman which set the hosts on their way to the famous victory.
What next?
Bradford: It's back to reality for the Bantams as they face mid-table Oxford United on Saturday before playing Crewe in the Northern section semi-final of the Football League trophy.
Aston Villa: Villa, meanwhile, face a big Premier League match against fellow strugglers Southampton before a trip to West Bromwich Albion.
Barney Corkhill
