Reading stuns Bradford with late comeback in League One clash

Substitutes Paddy Lane and Matt Ritchie score in final minutes to lift Reading over fellow playoff contender

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Reading fought back from a late deficit to defeat fellow League One playoff hopeful Bradford 2-1 in a dramatic match. After a scoreless first half, Bradford took the lead, but Reading substitutes Paddy Lane and Matt Ritchie scored in the final minutes to secure the comeback victory for the home side.

Why it matters

The win keeps Reading in the hunt for a promotion playoff spot in League One, while the loss is a setback for Bradford's own postseason aspirations. The match showcased the unpredictability and excitement of the tight race for promotion spots in the third tier of English football.

The details

Reading fell behind late in the second half before substitutes Paddy Lane and Matt Ritchie scored in the final minutes to complete the comeback victory. The win was crucial for Reading's playoff push in League One.

  • The match was played on February 28, 2026.

The players

Paddy Lane

A Reading substitute who scored the equalizing goal late in the match.

Matt Ritchie

A Reading substitute who scored the winning goal in the final minutes of the game.

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What they’re saying

“That was a massive win for us in our playoff push. The lads showed great character to fight back and get the three points.”

— Paddy Lane, Reading Substitute (wn.com)

What’s next

Reading will look to build on this comeback victory as they continue their pursuit of a promotion playoff spot in League One.

The takeaway

Reading's dramatic late comeback against a fellow playoff contender demonstrates the unpredictability and excitement of the tight race for promotion in England's third tier.