Exeter City Relegated to League Two After Bradford Win; Bantams Secure Play-Off Spot

Key facts

• Exeter City lost 2-1 to Bradford City on the final day of the League One season.
• Bradford City finished fourth and will face Bolton Wanderers in the play-off semi-finals.
• Exeter won only one of their final 20 league games, ending three points from safety.
• Kayden Jackson opened the scoring for Bradford with a low finish in the first half.
• Antoni Sarcevic doubled the lead after a defensive error by Exeter's Jack McMillan.
• Josh Magennis scored a stoppage-time consolation for Exeter.
• Leyton Orient drew 2-2 with Burton Albion, meaning an Exeter win would have kept them up.
• Bradford goalkeeper Sam Walker has played every minute of all 112 league games since joining in 2024.

Relegation Confirmed at St James Park

Exeter City were relegated from League One after a 2-1 loss to Bradford City at St James Park, a result that also secured Bradford's place in the play-offs. The Grecians' fate was sealed when Antoni Sarcevic capitalised on a defensive error in the 78th minute, adding to Kayden Jackson's first-half opener. Josh Magennis pulled one back in stoppage time, but it was too little, too late. Had Exeter won, they would have stayed up, as relegation rivals Leyton Orient were held to a 2-2 draw by Burton Albion. Instead, Exeter will spend next season in League Two for the first time since 2022, a swift fall from the relative stability of mid-table finishes in recent years.

Bradford's Play-Off Path Set

Bradford City's victory ensured they finished fourth in the League One table, setting up a two-legged semi-final against Bolton Wanderers. The Bantams have been in the top six since mid-August and now face a familiar opponent in the play-offs. Goalkeeper Sam Walker, an ever-present since joining in 2024, expressed confidence in his team's ability to handle high-pressure situations. Walker, who has played all 112 league games for Bradford since his arrival, has a history of final-day success. He helped Barnet stay in the Football League at 19, survived relegation deciders with Colchester and Kilmarnock, and was part of Bradford's near-miss last season. 'I love the cut and the thrust of this time of the season,' he said.

Exeter's Collapse Since January

Exeter's relegation was rooted in a catastrophic run of form that saw them win just one of their final 20 league matches. That solitary victory was not enough to lift them clear of the drop zone, and they ended the season three points from safety. The team struggled to create chances against Bradford, managing only a late consolation despite improved second-half possession. Manager Gary Caldwell made changes at half-time, introducing Kevin McDonald and Tymur Tutierov, but clear-cut openings remained elusive. Tutierov blazed over from close range in the 60th minute, summing up Exeter's attacking woes. The defensive lapse that led to Sarcevic's goal—a weak header back to goalkeeper Jack Bycroft by defender Jack McMillan—symbolised a season of costly errors.

Key Moments and Performances

Bradford dominated the first half, with Antoni Sarcevic and Ibou Touray both going close in the opening 15 minutes. Exeter goalkeeper Jack Bycroft made an excellent save from Joe Wright's 25th-minute header, but from the resulting clearance, Bradford broke quickly. Sam Walker's long ball was won in the air by Sarcevic, who fed George Lapslie, and Lapslie set up Jackson for a low finish past Bycroft. The decisive second goal came when McMillan's weak header back to Bycroft was intercepted by Sarcevic, who slotted home. Bycroft had little chance on either goal, but his performance otherwise kept Exeter in the game. Walker, meanwhile, recorded his 14th clean sheet of the season, ranking him fourth in League One, though he was eventually beaten by Magennis's smart finish from Ryan Rydel's cross.

The Cost of a Single Win

Exeter's fate was effectively sealed by their inability to win at home when it mattered most. A victory would have kept them up, regardless of other results, but they failed to deliver. The positive atmosphere at St James Park was punctured early by news of Leyton Orient's opener against Burton, and Exeter never recovered. For Bradford, the win capped a season of consistency. Having held a top-six position since August, they now turn their attention to Bolton. Walker, who has been a cornerstone of the defence, will be crucial in the play-offs. 'We've certainly got good experience of dealing with these big occasions,' he said, reflecting on a career defined by final-day drama.

What Lies Ahead for Both Clubs

Exeter City will now prepare for life in League Two, a division they last played in during the 2021-22 season. The club must rebuild after a campaign that exposed defensive frailties and a lack of cutting edge up front. Manager Caldwell faces questions about his future after a dismal run that saw his team win only once in four months. Bradford City, meanwhile, have a play-off semi-final against Bolton to look forward to. The two-legged tie will determine whether they advance to the final at Wembley, with promotion to the Championship at stake. For a club that has become accustomed to high-stakes final days, the next chapter promises more tension. 'I think as a player, you've got to enjoy and try and really sort of savour those games,' Walker said.

The bottom line

• Exeter City's relegation was sealed by a 2-1 loss to Bradford, with only one win in their final 20 games.
• Bradford City finished fourth and will face Bolton in the play-off semi-finals.
• A defensive error by Jack McMillan led to Antoni Sarcevic's decisive goal.
• Sam Walker has played every minute of Bradford's last 112 league games and kept 14 clean sheets this season.
• Leyton Orient's draw meant Exeter would have stayed up with a win, highlighting the fine margins of relegation.
• Exeter will return to League Two for the first time since 2022, while Bradford chase promotion to the Championship.