League Two side Bradford City pulled off another huge League Cup upset this evening, beating Aston Villa 3-1 in the semi-final first leg.
Nahki Wells gave the Bantams a shock lead at half time, before Rory McArdle doubled this lead after the break.
Andreas Weimann pulled one back for the Premier League side, but Carl McHugh restored the hosts' two-goal lead to secure a historic win.
Bradford will take their 3-1 lead into the second leg at Villa Park on January 22.
Read how events unfolded on this magical night of cup football with Sports Mole's play-by-play commentary below.
Good evening! Thanks for joining Sports Mole for what promises to be another magical cup night!
There is only one place to start this evening, and that is looking at surprise package Bradford City. They are the fourth fourth-tier club to make it to this stage of the competition, and the first since 2007, so let's see how they got here...
The Bantams' League Cup campaign began back in August as they beat Notts County 1-0 after extra time. An away win over Watford followed, before extra time was required again to overcome Burton Albion in their first home tie of the competition. Then came the Premier League's Wigan Athletic, who were beaten on penalties after a 0-0 draw, while Arsenal came to Valley Parade and were duly dispatched, also on penalties.
So Bradford have only won one of their ties in normal time, but they won't care. Today, however, there will be no extra time or penalties to save them, so a huge effort in the 90 minutes will be required.
Their form since that famous win over Arsenal hasn't been great, however. Phil Parkinson's men have only won one of their six matches since then, a run which has seen them eliminated from the FA Cup and drop to seventh in League Two.
They face a tough test, then, against an Aston Villa side who have turned the corner since a dreadful festive period. Let's take a look at how Paul Lambert's men reached the semi-final...
Well, the Villans have claimed a fair number of big scalps themselves. They began with a routine 3-0 win over Tranmere, but followed that up with a fine 4-2 win away to Manchester City, albeit via extra time. A 3-2 win over Swindon Town followed before their 4-1 victory against Norwich City. Tonight will see them play away for the fourth time in a row in this competition.
As previously mentioned, Villa suffered a nightmare Christmas period, losing 8-0 to Chelsea, 4-0 to Tottenham and 3-0 to Wigan. However, a draw against Swansea and progress in the FA Cup courtesy of a win over Ipswich have steadied the ship somewhat.
Their manager, Paul Lambert, may be able to sympathise with tonight's opponents, however. The last time a team from the fourth tier reached the semi-finals of the League Cup was Wycombe Wanderers in 2007. And guess who was manager of Wycombe then? Yep, that's right, Lambert himself.
One damning statistic that Bradford will be looking to overcome tonight is that only one team from the fourth tier has ever reached the final of this competition - Rochdale in 1961-62 - and in that year many of the top teams did not take part.
Incidentally, Rochdale were trying to take the League Cup crown from Villa that year, after they had won the inaugural competition in 1961.
That's not the full extent of Villa's League Cup pedigree, however. The Midlands outfit has won the trophy five times, with the most recent success coming in 1996. They also have a recent taste of the final, reaching it in 2010 only to lose 2-1 against Manchester United.
This won't be their first experience of playing a fourth-tier side in the semis either. In 1975 they took on Chester, drawing 2-2 in the first leg before edging a 3-2 win in the return leg at Villa Park.
These two sides have met each other twice in the League Cup before, and both occasions have provided plenty of goals. In 1961 they beat the Bantams 4-3 before thrashing them 7-1 three years later.
The last time these two teams met in any competition was back in 2001, when Bradford fell to a 3-0 defeat in the Premier League. Tonight could provide a rare piece of nostalgia for the home fans after their brief stint in English football's top division.
So, historically Villa certainly have the edge and you have to say that they have the edge tonight as well. Everything points towards a comfortable win for the Premier League side, but it did the same for Arsenal.
Right, time to bring you folks some team news! The headline news is that there is no place for striker Darren Bent in the Villa lineup, while Shay Given gets a rare start. Full team news on its way...
BRADFORD: Duke; Darby, McArdle, McHugh, Good; Hines, Jones, Doyle, Atkinson; Wells, Hanson
ASTON VILLA: Given; Lowton, Clark, Baker, Bennett; Bannan, Delph; Weimann, N'Zogbia, Agbonlahor; Benteke
Statistically they have no right to, but Bradford will feel quietly confident going into this one. Their recent form hasn't been great, but wins over Wigan and Arsenal, as well as the prospect of what will probably be a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Wembley for most of their players, should spur them on.
Indeed, manager Phil Parkinson has said as much. He believes that his side can exploit the weaknesses in Villa's defence that has seen them concede 18 goals in their last five matches.
Don't think for one second that Bradford's desire will be any greater than that of Aston Villa, however. Silverware would turn a poor league season into a respectable all-round campaign and, with Lambert's job reportedly under threat, he will be desperate for anything that might strengthen his position. He has spoken of how phenomenal it would be for the Villains to return to Wembley.
So we now know the teams for both sides, let's have a look at the dangermen on show today.
Nahki Wells is the top scorer for Bradford so far this season, netting 12 times in all competitions, while James Hanson has also weighed in with five goals. Alan Connell has struck seven times, but finds himself on the bench this evening.
Villa, meanwhile, will be looking to Christian Benteke as their main provider of goals. He has scored six times this season, while Bradford will also need to be aware of Andreas Weimann, who has netted four times in the current campaign.
Moving away from Valley Parade briefly, the first leg of the second semi-final will take place tomorrow evening and will see Swansea take on Chelsea.
Which, of course, means that if (and that is a big if) Bradford can pull off another huge upset in this two-legged tie then another Premier League team would await them. No doubting, then, that they would've earned the trophy if they make it!
Right, we're 10 minutes away from kickoff here, which means it's prediction time! Bradford won't make it easy for Villa and will still be buzzing from the Arsenal win, but I think that their luck may run out tonight. I'm going for a 2-1 win for Villa.
Bradford boss Phil Parkinson: "If we perform like we did against Arsenal then there is a good chance that we will be go to Villa Park still in the tie."
Asked would he take a draw now, Parkinson answers "yes" in a heartbeat. Needless to say that a win is the preferred option, but a draw is the more realistic target and would make for a very interesting second leg.
Right, we're five minutes from kickoff now. The Bradford players are psyching themselves up for arguably the biggest match in their careers, while Villa boss Lambert will be urging his side to play the match, not the occasion.
The fans at Valley Parade will have to do their best to spur their side on today. It won't be easy and they may have to defend for long periods at a time, but a similar atmosphere to the match between Bradford and Arsenal will make it an intimidating place for the visitors.
The music from Rocky blares around the stadium, increasing the 'underdog' status even further!
Out come the teams, and Valley Parade gives a rousing reception to the home side.
Howard Webb will be the man in the middle for tonight's match, and his name is booed by the home support when it is read out! I don't know how wise that is, they may need him on their side this evening!
Bradford get us underway!
Hines tries to find a way down the right and almost manages to squeeze a cross in, but the ball was out. Bradford have started very positively here!
The home faithful are making a fantastic noise, be it cheering their own team or booing when Villa have the ball.
The first shot of the day comes from Bradford's Wells, who carves out space in the box, but his effort is blocked.
SHOT! The hosts trouble Villa with the physical presence in the box and the ball falls to Jones in the edge of the area, but his shot bounces wide of the post. Good start for the Bantams!
SAVE! Duke is called into action for the first time as N'Zogbia shows good pace and strength to bundle his way into the box before unleashing a powerful shot which the Bradford keeper has to beat away at his near post.
Agbonlahor cuts inside and looks to find space to shoot on the edge of the box. It just doesn't sit up right for him, though, and he tries to square it but his pass is easily intercepted.
Wells finds himself in the box again, but his cross is plucked out of the air by Given. Villa break and Weimann has space to shoot, but instead of going for goal himself he tries to find Benteke, only for his cross to be cleared behind for a corner.
N'Zogbia is enjoying some space in these opening stages and he fires at goal again, but his effort is blocked out for another corner.
CHANCE! Big chance for Benteke. The corner comes in and Benteke steals in behind two players to nod wide when he really should've done better.
This has been a good start to this match. Both sides are full of attacking intent and I can't see it staying goalless for long if it carries on like this!
SAVE! N'Zogbia runs at the defence again, and again moves the ball onto his left foot before letting fly. This time his shot is easy for Duke to gather, but they can't keep letting him move onto his stronger foot.
CHANCE! Delph, a Bradford-born boy, sends a ball through to Benteke, who tries to find the far corner having beaten the offside trap, but Duke is equal to it. He won't be happy with how busy he has been early on!
Benteke, meanwhile, has had two chances that he could have scored. The first was better than the second, but he will be disappointed with himself on both counts.
Bradford's main source of attack seems to be coming via crosses into the box, but Given has dealt with them well so far.
GOAL! Bradford 1-0 Aston Villa (Nahki Wells)
Bradford are doing it again! The corner is initially cleared away, only to be fired back in from the edge of the box. The shot takes a big deflection off an Aston Villa arm in the box and falls into the path of Wells, who slots it beyond Given. Great decision from the linesman to not flag for offside.
The hosts almost break away again but Wells just can't get his pass right! This place is bouncing right now, can Bradford pull off another huge upset?!
Jones gives the ball away in midfield but shows great hunger and desire to win it straight back for his side. That's what they need if they want to hold on to this lead!
Barry Bannan gets a talking to from Howard Webb for a cynical trip, and Bradford have a chance to hoist it into the box... but it's too long for everyone and goes out for a goalkick.
Hines makes a great tackle before picking up the ball and advancing up the right. He slides the ball into Hanson in the box, but his first time effort is scuffed and easy for Given.
SAVE! N'Zogbia is certainly looking like Villa's most dangerous player so far tonight. He goes the long way round the defence to once again find space to shoot on his left, but this one is easy for Duke.
Hanson towers above his man from a long free kick, nodding the ball down but Given easily collects.
SAVE! A tougher save from Duke's point of view this time. Benteke fires a decent effort in from outside the box that moves a bit in the air, but Duke does exactly the right thing by beating it around the post.
SHOT! That just shows the confidence in Wells! He goes for a highly ambitious effort from the corner of the box which flies high and wide. He was never going to beat Given from there, but it's good to see that he isn't scared of trying!
Almost a chance for Villa as Benteke gets onto the end of a long ball to the back post. He tries to send it back in but once again a Bradford defender is there to halt the attack.
Villa are now looking for Benteke aerially. He's their version of Bradford's James Hanson!
CHANCE! Bradford are finding Hines regularly now, and the tricky winger twists and turns inside the box, beating his man and lashing a fierce shot towards the near post. Given is equal to it, though, and the visitors eventually clear the danger. Great play from Hines, though, a chance entirely of his own making.
OFF THE LINE! Oh my word! Bradford are so nearly 2-0 up! A corner comes in and is met by a fantastic header from Hanson, but Delph is in the right place at the right time to clear it off the line! A goalmouth scramble ensues, which Villa frantically clear.
SHOT! Hines again beats his man, this time selling Delph up the river with a fake shot before cutting inside and blasting a very real shot high and wide.
A bit of urgency is already creeping into Villa's game. Weimann gives the ball away and races to the touchline to get it back and give it to Bradford to take the throw-in.
CHANCE! Oh if Hanson had connected with that the way he had with his effort from the corner it'd be 2-0 right now. Another fine cross is met by the big striker, who gets across his man at the near post but can only head his effort into the ground. Big chance, and Bradford look like the team most likely to score at the moment!
"Are you Arsenal is disguise?" ask the Bradford faithful. They're determined to make the most of this while it lasts, and it looks like lasting a fair while the way things are!
GREAT SAVE! Almost the commentator's curse for Bradford there! N'Zogbia again attacks his man and pulls the ball back to Agbonlahor, who is in space just inside the box. He takes a touch before firing a hlaf-volley goalwards, but Duke pulls off an inspired save to deny the visitors. He is in sparkling form so far tonight!
One minute added time...
HALF-TIME: Bradford 1-0 Aston Villa
Well, well, well. This tie is shaping up very nicely! Bradford will be delighted with their first half performance. Not only are they leading, but they are good value for their lead too. Wells's goal has been matched with some splendid saves from Duke at the other end, and Hines has enjoyed success down the right too. Can they hold out or even grab another in the second half?
Villa haven't been without their chances, however. Benteke in particular has missed a couple of really good chances, while N'Zogbia has looked lively whenever he has been given the opportunity to attack the defence. He is always looking to get on his left foot, and always seems able to, which is something Phil Parkinson will be pointing out during the break, I'm sure.
All in all it has been a thoroughly entertaining half. Both sides came out looking to attack, and they kept that up throughout the half. It's a very open game, which could suit Villa in the long run, but Bradford have coped admirably so far. Better still, they looked the most likely to score in the latter stages of the first 45.
The first half stats look favourably in Bradford's favour, neutrals will be happy to hear. Let's have a look at some...
The Bantams have enjoyed 51% possession, firing in 11 shots, seven of which have been on target.
Villa, meanwhile, have had just 49% possession, also putting seven of their 10 shots on target.
I'm sure some people would have predicted a shock here, but few people would have had Bradford leading the possession stats at the break! They deserve huge credit for their first half performance.
There is, of course, a long way to go in this tie. If Bradford hold out tonight they still have to travel to Villa Park in the second leg, so Parkinson will be desperate for any extra advantage that they can gather.
Right, the teams are back out, and we're about to get underway again.
Here we go again! Aston Villa kick us off in this second half!
SAVES! Villa go straight on the attack and Benteke flicks the ball on to Agbonlahor, but Duke gets out to steal the ball off his toe before kicking it out for a corner.
CHANCE! Oh that was a great opening for Clark! The corner is flicked on at the near post, and Clark is in acres of space at the back post! His first touch is woeful, however, and Bradford clear it away. A better touch and that was certainly 1-1!
CHANCE! Duke pulls of another special save! Bannan drifts a ball in to Benteke, whose diving header boucnes awkwardly right in front of Duke, who dives low to his left to scoop it away. Will he be beaten tonight?!
Villa have made a very good start to this half. Bradford can't get their foot on the ball and Villa are attacking at will.
CHANCE! Another fine save from Duke as Agbonlahor fires a shot in on the volley from just outside the six yard box. The ball goes between a defender's legs, unsighting Duke, but he still gets enough on it to put it wide. The man is on fire!
N'Zogbia just lobs the ball into a dangerous areas, and it's cleared behind for a corner. The cross comes in, but Duke is there again to claim it. It looks like he will need to keep up this form judging by Villa's start to this half!
Bradford need to get back into their rhythm here. It's one-way traffic at the moment.
...and as I say that Bradford attack and win a corner. Baker's strong tackle on Hines results in the set piece for Bradford, which McHugh meets but puts over.
SUB: Lambert decides to make the first change of the match, bringing on Darren Bent for Agbonlahor.
Hines whips a cross in that Hanson swings his leg out. Baker does just enough to put him off, however, and the ball goes out for a goal kick. Better from Bradford.
N'Zogbia leaves Darby halfway up the field before racing into a good crossing position, but he is eventually crowded out. More lively play from N'Zogbia, though.
YELLOW CARD! N'Zogbia becomes the first man in Howard Webb's notebook this evening courtesy of a tackle born from frustration.
SHOT! Benteke flicks Delph's cross on to Bent at the back post, and the England striker attaempts a highly ambitious first-time volley from an acute angle. Very tough chance, but Bent got a good connection on it as it flies over the bar.
Hines winds himself up from distance before shooting, but his effort goes high over the crossbar. That's the first time Bradford have hit it from long range tonight.
Benteke flicks it on to Bent, who slips it through to Weimann. Duke is out quickly, but his clearance hits Weimann before going wide. Heart-in-mouth moment for the keeper, although replays show that Weimann was actually offside.
SUB: Off goes Hines, who has been impressive today but looked tired in this second half, and on comes Turgott.
CHANCE! What. A. Chance. Darren Bent, one of the best finishers in English football, misses an absolute sitter. N'Zogbia sends in a fierce shot that Duke stops, but the ball loops up and Bent looks to have an open goal to head into. Under pressure from a defender he mis-times his jump, however, and nods it over the bar. Glorious chance, they probably won't get a better one.
Bent has to deal with physical as well as emotional pain after that sitter. He took a knock while trying to convert it and is not moving freely as all.
Benteke has been formidable in the air today, winning everything, but his flicks aren't falling to teammates and, when he has gone for goal, he hasn't been able to convert it.
Lambert faces a dilemma here. Do they go all-out for the equaliser, risking conceding a second here, or do they back themselves to overturn a one-goal deficit in the second leg?
Breakaway from Bradford sees Wells get the ball. He attacks the defenders and eventually wins a corner through a blocked shot, but the delivery is cleared away by the first man.
GOAL! Bradford 2-0 Aston Villa (Rory McArdle)
Unbelievable scenes! Bradford, of League Two, take a two-goal lead against the Premier League's Aston Villa! Jones whips a cross in and Rory McArdle is unmarked in the box to divert it past Given in the Villa goal!
OFF THE BAR! Wow! So, so close to 3-0 and perhaps tie over! Another cross into the box is this time met by Hanson, whose diving header is superb, beating Given but not beating the bar as it comes off the top of the woodwork!
YELLOW CARD! In the midst of all that, Delph was shown a yellow card, but that is the least of Paul Lambert's concerns right now!
GOAL! Bradford 2-1 Aston Villa (Andreas Weimann)
Villa finally find a way past Duke! Benteke gets another flick on, but this time Weimann is on the same wavelength, latching on to it behind the defence before lifting it past the onrushing keeper. That could be a huge goal in the tie!
SUB: Bent, who came on as a sub earlier, limps off himself to be replaced by Burke.
The game has been quite open throughout the match tonight, but it's even more so after the Villa goal. Bradford want to restore their two-goal lead, and Villa think they can equalise!
GOAL! Bradford 3-1 Aston Villa (Carl McHugh)
Oh my word! I can't believe what I am seeing here! The fairytale is back alive! Jones whips a corner into the Villa box and Carl McHugh gets ahead of Benteke to power a fantastic header into the top corner! That would've beaten any keeper in any league, what a header!
We will have four minutes of added time. Can Bradford hold on? Or could they even get another goal?! I wouldn't rule anything out tonight!
Bradford are still coming forward! Great to see, they've been thoroughly entertaining so far today! A throw-in finds its way to Jones on the edge of the box and his efforts deflects out for a corner. Bradford want a handball, but Howard Webb is having none of it.
The fans want the final whistle...
FULL-TIME: Bradford 3-1 Aston Villa
What a night of League Cup football! Bradford pull off another spectacular cup shock with a highly-impressive win over Aston Villa. It's another Premier League scalp for the League Two side, but they still have another match to play before that potential Wembley final.
Still, they deserve to enjoy tonight. They were fantastic from start to finish. Villa had a good spell at the start of the second half, but Bradford, on the whole, matched the Premier League side.
As an observer, though, let's look ahead to the second leg later this month. Villa now need to beat the Bantams by two clear goals in order to have any chance of reaching the final. Can they do it? Yes. Bradford, however, will be confident of getting a required result to reach their first major cup final since the 1911 FA Cup final.
Right, that's it from Sports Mole on an unbelievable night of League Cup action. Thank you for joining us for this special occasion, and be sure to stick around for the match analysis, which should be on sit in the next 30 minutes. From all of us here, goodbye!
Written by
Barney Corkhill
Barney Corkhill
