January 1 – League One Matchday 22 (A) – A Strong Start to the Year
The turn of the new year brought no signs of complacency from Bradford City.
They had been ruthless throughout the first half of the season, storming to the top of the League One table, and Jake had no intention of letting standards slip.
The EFL Cup Semi-Final First Leg loomed on the horizon, but before that, they had business to handle in the league.
Away to Exeter City.
Jake had made one thing clear before kickoff:
"We handle this first. No thinking about Newcastle. No saving legs for later. We win tonight, and we keep the momentum rolling."
There was no room for rotations—not yet.
Silva and Barnes were both in the lineup, still available before their nightmare at St. James' Park.
However, Jake did make two key changes.
Walsh was handed a start in midfield, given the chance to dictate play from deep. Castellon came in up front, offering fresh legs in attack alongside Novak.
