Amazing moments in sports are truly unforgettable…take for example, the time we clinched the Americas Cup…or when Aston Villa’s soccer team was outplayed by a League Two striker, even while he had a broken toe.
Despite not training for 10 days, James Hanson proved he was far better than Paul Lambert’s Premier League stars, leading Bradford City to one of the most significant upsets in English football history.
Thanks to Hanson’s powerful header in the 55th minute, the Yorkshire underdogs became the first fourth-tier club to secure a spot in a major final at Wembley.
Bantams manager Phil Parkinson remarked: “James had a crack in the bone in his toe. He practiced for the first time yesterday in 10 days and received an injection just minutes before the match began.
“He plays unselfishly, and I’m thrilled he’ll get the recognition he deserves. This exemplifies what can be achieved.”
Hanson, aged 25, is the only player for whom the club has paid a transfer fee, shelling out $11,000 to Guiseley to acquire him.
He exclaimed: “I can’t believe it. During the first half, we had to dig deep, and it felt like it was going to be a tough challenge. However, I felt we were at ease in the second half.”
Bradford entered the second leg of the astonishing Capital One Cup semi-final with a 3-1 lead, but Christian Benteke sparked hope for Villa with a brilliant finish in the 24th minute.
Nevertheless, center-forward Hanson decisively headed the ball into the net, sending Parkinson’s heroes to Wembley, even in light of Andreas Weimann’s late goal for Villa. Hanson stated: “For that goal, I aimed to make contact. I’ve never been to Wembley before, but the last three years with the club have been incredible.”
Back in August, Bradford was listed at 2,000-1 odds to triumph in the tournament and has undergone administration twice since their Premier League relegation over ten years ago.
Set to face either Swansea or Chelsea in the final on February 24, Parky joked: “It might be somewhat far-fetched to claim we can win it now, but reaching Wembley is fantastic for us.
“This marks the pinnacle of my career. It’s essential to take the club to a Wembley final.
“Numerous players and managers miss out on such opportunities to be in a semi-final. Taking a League Two team to Wembley is a dream, and we plan to relish every moment.
“We believed we had a chance at making history, and we accomplished that. The supporters turned out in droves, and at Wembley, I believe we could fill the entire stadium.”
Bradford goalkeeper Matt Duke, who excelled in both matches, expressed: “I’m at a loss for words; the lads performed phenomenally once again. It feels surreal.
“As a child, you envision playing at Wembley, and now we are a League Two team on our way there with a large following.
“Why shouldn’t we aspire to win it? Let us dream. I’m not sure this will ever truly register with me.”
The defeat increased the pressure on an already beleaguered Villa boss Lambert, while former defender Shaun Teale tweeted: “It’s embarrassing that these players will leave the pitch while the fans are devastated. Too many just aren’t good enough.”
Lambert commented: “I am absolutely heartbroken, disappointed, and hurt—everything.
“Everyone is feeling the pain. You won’t get a better opportunity to reach a cup final throughout your career, especially for the younger players.
“They might not come close again for ten or twelve years. That’s the painful reality.
“I share the hurt with the fans completely. It’s my responsibility. I fully understand their feelings as I am experiencing the same.”
While Bradford fans chanted ‘You’re getting sacked in the morning,’ Lambert remains convinced he’s the right person to lead Villa through their rebuilding phase.
He stated: “Am I still the right man for Villa? Yes, absolutely. There are two paths to take.
“You either succumb or you fight back. I refuse to surrender.
“Over two games, we’ve conceded four goals from set-pieces, which is unacceptable. I’m embarrassed.
“In the first half, we played admirably and scored a decent goal, but if we can’t defend corners, that’s inadequate. We are conceding too many from set pieces.
“It’s crucial to defend corners, and that’s the fundamental issue.
“We will be hurting, but we need to lift ourselves. We must regroup. That’s football.
“Although we got the second goal, it was too little too late. It’s pointless to respond once it’s too late.
“What I discussed with the players will remain confidential. No manager will disclose dressing room discussions.
“Congratulations to Bradford and good luck in the final. It’s a remarkable achievement, and anything can happen.”
Back in 1962, Rochdale was at the lowest tier of English football when they reached the League Cup final, but they did not have the opportunity to play at Wembley, as that final was held over two legs.
by Terence Johns
