Bantams brushed aside as Athletic seal Trophy victory

Athletic manager Frankie Bunn guided his side to a big win at Bradford

Athletic are off the mark in the Checkatrade Trophy as they roared to a 4-1 victory at League One Bradford.

Frankie Bunn’s side are now right back in contention in the group stage following their opening-day defeat to Barnsley.

Another two goals from Sam Surridge, as well as Callum Lang and Mohamed Maouche’s first goals for Athletic, secured a comfortable win in Yorkshire.

Kai Brunker did make the game 1-2 at one point, but Athletic had too much quality on the night as they turned in a terrific performance.

Lang opened the scoring in the 10th minute, firing neatly into the corner.

The visitors doubled their lead midway through the opening half as Maouche got on the scoresheet with an excellent finish.

The second half had a different feel as Bradford looked to get back into the game and Zeus De La Paz had to be at his best to deny Nat Knight-Percival from yet another corner.

The Bantams struck when Brunker rose highest to head home past De La Paz.

It was 3-1 to Athletic when Chris O’Grady turned Thomas Isherwood inside out before producing a beautiful cross onto the head of Surridge, who scored comfortably.

Athletic bagged their fourth when O’Grady picked up a loose ball and fed Surridge.

He cut back inside on his right foot and drilled the ball home clinically.

Athletic now have 10 days’ break before their next league fixture, at home against Port Vale on Saturday week, October 20.

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