Bradford's second and final visit to Bramall Lane

Bradford paid their second visit to Bramall Lane to play United reserves just a few weeks before the club finally abandoned its first flirtation with the association game.

The game was well attended as the scoreboard provided regular updates from the Cutlers' (as they were then called) FA Cup quarter final at Nottingham Forest. United would go on to win the FA Cup for the first time, beating Derby County 4-1 in the final at the old Crystal Palace ground.

Local historian Graeme Wright has traced a match report which is reproduced below by kind permission. Graeme has also sourced a very rare programme for this match, the only publication thus far found for this early incarnation of the Bradford club.

YORKSHIRE LEAGUE

UNITED RESERVES V. BRADFORD

These teams met at Bramall lane on Saturday afternoon in the Yorkshire League, before one of the largest gates seen at this ground in a minor match. The good attendance was, of course, an indication of the interest taken in the Cup-ties, the record of the scores every 15 minutes being registered.  The weather was very fine, but the ground was in a slippery condition down the centre of the field.  United kicked towards Shoreham street with the sun at their backs, and appeared to be much the superior team, for they kept the ball in the visitors' quarters, and frequently shot in.  After the game had been in progress about five minutes some pretty passing by the United forwards ended in Atkinson scoring for United with a shot which gave David Menzies no chance whatsoever. The home forwards continued to hold the Bradford players in their own quarters, being considerably aided in this direction by the half-back line, of which Howard was very conspicuous.  On one occasion Johnson was unfortunate in an attempt to head the ball, running with his head against Thompson's foot. He had to retire, but soon returned again.  United continued to press and forced a corner on the left, which was taken by Whelan.  Moore (United), who got the ball, shot just over the bar.  The Bradford forwards then began to press with method, and Garner (left outside), who was the best man in the visiting team, ran between several players and scored.  Twice later Garner sent in fine shots, almost from the corner flag, but these were not utilised.  The play was soon transferred to the other end, where a number of shots were put in, only one of which, from Johnson when close in, proved successful.  Half-time arrived with United leading by 3 goals to 1. 

In the second half United continued to gather round the Bradford goal, and sent in several shots. After some smart passing the whole of United attacking line got in front of the goal, and Thacker scored the fourth point. About this time the spectators were considerably amused by the almost superhuman efforts of Landhorne, the Bradford outside right, to play football.  He was heartedly cheered whenever he managed to kick the ball.  The home forwards continued to attack, and Moore getting the ball, ran through the visitors' line of defence, and scored the fifth and best goal of the match.  The home forwards continued to press, and eventually, for Thompson fouling Whelan, a penalty kick was awarded.  Palin took this, and shot straight into Menzies' hands, who cleared the ball away.  Just as the penalty was awarded the score-board showed that United had scored a goal.  Considerable enthusiasm was displayed by both spectators and home players.  Cheer after cheer went up, in which Mick Whitham, who had been officiating as linesman, enthusiastically joined.  The Bradford forwards made strenuous efforts to increase their score, and on one occasion Moore (Bradford) looked like getting through, but Bradshaw, who was the only player between him and the goal, got the ball away.  Towards the end of the game Atkinson, who had played very well, considering that he had been ill in bed during the week, left the field.  United continued to have the best of the game, but did not score again, and at the end the score stood:-

• UNITED RESERVE … 5 goals.
  BRADFORD … 1 GOAL.

• UNITED RESERVE.-Bradshaw, goal; Clarke and Shaw, backs; Pilgrim, Palin, and Howard, half-backs; Whelan, Moore, Thacker, Atkinson, and Johnson, forwards.
  BRADFORD.-David Menzies, goal; Thompson and Gray, backs; Duncan Menzies, Enoch, and Ellison, half-backs; Garner, Devine, Moore, Denby, and Langhorne, forwards.