Bradford lose League One top spot after 1-1 draw at Reading

Bradford City slipped behind Plymouth on goal difference at the top of League One after drawing 1-1 at Reading on Saturday, October 3. Sky Sports reported that Udoka Godwin-Malife's second-half equaliser cancelled out Jake Beesley's early header, leaving interim managers Mark Trueman and Colin Doyle with a point at the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

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The match followed Graham Alexander's departure for Preston North End earlier in the week. According to the Bolton News report carried by Yahoo Sports, Alexander replaced Paul Heckingbottom at the Championship club, with assistant Chris Lucketti also making the move. Alexander had taken Bradford up from League Two and into the play-offs the following season, when they lost to Bolton in the semi-finals.

Bradford went ahead after four minutes when Bobby Pointon advanced on the left and delivered the cross for Beesley to head in his first goal of the season. Reading were without injured leading scorer Jack Marriott, whose eight goals had made him their principal scoring threat, according to Sky Sports' match report.

Cameron Dawson kept Bradford in front before the interval, saving Lewis Wing's shot in the 22nd minute and Paddy Lane's header eight minutes later, as recorded in Sky Sports' event log. Reading defender Paudie O'Connor headed over after the restart. At the other end, Joel Pereira stopped Pointon's effort in the 65th minute, denying Bradford a second goal.

Reading equalised a minute later after a long throw from Randell Williams created an opening. Godwin-Malife struck the loose ball home for his first goal for the club. Bradford responded with a double substitution in the 67th minute, sending on Nick Powell for Beesley and George Lapslie for Adam Phillips.

The visitors continued to seek a winner. Powell shot wide in the 76th minute and Lapslie missed to the left three minutes later. Reading also had opportunities, with Benn Ward firing over before Daniel Kyerewaa had an effort blocked. Late Bradford attempts from Kayden Jackson and Antoni Sarcevic failed to produce a decisive goal, and the match finished level.