Bolton grind out first-leg advantage over Bradford | OneFootball

Bolton Wanderers will head to Valley Parade with a narrow advantage after edging Bradford City 1-0 in a tense first leg of their League One play-off semi-final.

Amario Cozier-Duberry proved the difference at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, curling a superb left-footed finish into the far corner just after the hour mark to give Wanderers a deserved lead.

The winger almost doubled both his tally and Bolton’s advantage moments later, only to see another clever effort strike the post. The Trotters controlled long spells of the contest, particularly in the first half, but struggled to turn their dominance into clear-cut chances.

The visitors offered little going forward but remained firmly in the tie thanks to a disciplined defensive display and a crucial save from Sam Walker. Both teams also saw penalty appeals waved away during a physical encounter.

Steven Schumacher's side will now travel to Yorkshire knowing a draw on Thursday night would be enough to book their place at Wembley.

Bradford, meanwhile, will take confidence from their strong home form this season as they look to overturn the deficit in front of a packed Valley Parade crowd.