Bradford saw off Leyton Orient 3-1 in the League Cup Round of 32 on Tuesday evening. The visitors took control after a difficult start, overturning an own goal deficit to claim a comfortable victory at home soil. Orient had led for most of the first half before Bradford's response changed the complexion of the tie.
The opening twist came at minute 38 when Bradford's own Macauley Gillesphey bundled the ball into his own net, handing Orient an unexpected lead. By then Orient were comfortable enough to believe their luck would hold. Will Swan equalised for Bradford just before half-time, and the momentum shifted. Stephen Humphrys put the visitors ahead at minute 58, and Nick Powell sealed it at minute 88.
Bradford were clinical despite having less possession. They finished with 1.97 expected goals against 1.47 for the hosts, and their nine shots on target told the story. Orient dominated possession at 52 per cent but wasted chances — their six shots off target and blocked efforts showed the frustration of a side unable to convert territory into goals.
The visitors have now extended their unbeaten run with this victory. Orient's recent results suggest they can spring a surprise, but this format of knockout football demands efficiency. Bradford showed that when the opportunity came, they were ready to take it.
