Swindon Town pulled off one of the most remarkable comebacks of the season as they came from behind multiple times to beat ten-man Bradford City 5-4 in a dramatic contest at the County Ground.
Callum Kavanagh scored a first-half hat-trick for the visitors – all from long throw-ins – but Swindon remained in the fight thanks to a red card for Richie Smallwood, an own goal, and Kabongo Tshimanga’s composed finish before half-time.
Harry Smith struck twice in the second half, either side of a Brad Halliday goal, before a dramatic stoppage-time own goal from Jack Shepherd secured a sensational victory for Ian Holloway’s side.
End-to-end drama defines a chaotic contest
Bradford began the match strongly, looking far from a side that had struggled away from home, and found themselves two goals up inside 18 minutes through Kavanagh’s instinctive finishing from long throws by Halliday. A third would follow before the break in similar fashion.
Swindon’s hopes were lifted when Smallwood was dismissed for a reckless challenge on Paul Glatzel after a bright spell of pressure from the hosts. That moment shifted the momentum entirely, as Swindon went on the hunt.
The first Swindon goal came courtesy of misfortune for Neill Byrne, who diverted a Billy Kirkman cross into his own net. Tshimanga then added a second for Town just before the break, latching onto a loose ball after Connor Clarke’s mishit effort.
Holloway introduced Botan Ameen early, and the wide man quickly became a key attacking outlet, forcing Bradford to double-mark him after repeatedly beating his man down the right.
Town drew level after the break when Ameen teed up Smith, who finished with a bouncing strike that beat Sam Walker. But Halliday’s follow-up from a parried save restored Bradford’s lead against the run of play.
Undeterred, Swindon threw everything forward. In the 90th minute, Smith headed in to make it 4-4, his second of the game. Moments later, Miguel Freckleton delivered a dangerous ball into the box, and with Smith lurking, Shepherd turned into his own net, sealing an astonishing comeback and sending the home crowd into celebration.
Writer’s view
This was the type of match that defines seasons – and character. Swindon Town’s relentless spirit, refusal to panic, and attacking bravery in the face of chaos turned what looked like defeat into one of their most dramatic wins in recent memory. The energy, substitutions, and sheer belief on display underline the progress being made under Ian Holloway.
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