Bantams hammer Championship leaders

League One side Bradford City continued their impressive start to the season with a commanding victory over Championship leaders Stoke City in the Carabao Cup second round.

Bradford took control early on, with Will Swan heading home from Tyreik Wright's near-post corner. Brad Halliday then doubled the lead before halftime with a powerful strike, putting the visitors firmly in command.

Stoke, who made 10 changes to the side that defeated Southampton in the league just days earlier, struggled to create meaningful opportunities throughout the match.

In the second half, George Lapslie sealed the victory for Bradford, tapping in the rebound after Jack Bonham could only parry Swan's initial effort.

The win extends Bradford’s unbeaten start to the season, following their first-round triumph over Championship side Blackburn Rovers. Meanwhile, Stoke’s perfect record to open the campaign came to an abrupt end.

Bradford manager made five changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Peterborough, and the fresh legs paid off. Swan’s early header marked his fourth goal of the season, while Halliday’s composed finish capped a well-worked team move involving both Swan and Lapslie.

Stoke boss Mark Robbins opted to rest key players, leaving regular starters such as Sorba Thomas, Million Manhoef, and Lewis Baker on the bench for much of the match.

This was the first meeting between the two sides since May 2004, and Bradford made the most of the occasion with a performance full of energy and intent.

As beaten finalists in the 2013 competition, Bradford will now look ahead to Wednesday’s third-round draw with optimism before shifting focus to their League One clash against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

Stoke, meanwhile, turn their attention to the Championship, where they will host West Brom in one of three lunchtime fixtures this weekend.