Harrogate Town and Bradford City have developed a competitive Yorkshire rivalry in recent years, primarily contested in League Two. The two clubs, separated by just 20 miles, have faced each other 12 times since 2007, with Harrogate Town holding a surprising advantage in the head-to-head record.
This article examines their rivalry, recent performances, and notable matches between these Yorkshire neighbors.
Head-to-head record
Harrogate Town has dominated the head-to-head encounters against their more established neighbors. Of the 12 matches played since 2007, Harrogate Town has won 7 matches compared to Bradford City’s 3 victories. The remaining 2 matches ended in draws. This record might surprise many football fans given Bradford City’s historically higher standing in English football.
The rivalry has primarily been contested in League Two, with one notable FA Cup match on November 5, 2022, which Harrogate Town won 1-0, This cup victory further cemented Harrogate’s surprising dominance in this Yorkshire derby.
Recent performances
Bradford City has shown stronger recent form in their last five matches. The Bantams won 3 matches and drew 2, remaining undefeated while scoring an average of 2.0 goals per match. Their defense has been somewhat vulnerable, however, conceding 2.2 goals per match during this period.
Harrogate Town’s recent form has been less impressive. In their last five matches, they managed just 1 win alongside 2 draws and 2 losses. Their attacking output matched Bradford’s at 2.0 goals per match, while defensively they performed slightly better, conceding 1.8 goals per match.
League positions
The two clubs typically occupy different positions in the League Two table:
- Bradford City has generally maintained a higher position, ranking as high as 3rd in recent seasons
- Harrogate Town has typically been positioned in the lower half of the table, often around 18th-20th
- The disparity in league position makes Harrogate’s head-to-head advantage even more remarkable
- Bradford City’s higher position reflects their status as the historically larger club with previous experience in higher divisions
Despite Bradford City’s superior league standing, this hasn’t translated to dominance in direct encounters with their smaller neighbor.
Notable matches
Several memorable matches have defined this Yorkshire rivalry in recent years. On April 17, 2021, Harrogate Town secured a 2-1 victory over Bradford City, followed by another win on February 5, 2022, with a more comfortable 2-0 scoreline.
Bradford City managed to turn the tide somewhat in late 2022. The Bantams secured a 2-1 victory on October 1, 2022, and followed this with a narrow 1-0 win on December 29, 2022. However, sandwiched between these league victories was Harrogate’s 1-0 FA Cup triumph in November 2022.
Significance of the rivalry
The Harrogate Town vs Bradford City fixture has grown in significance since Harrogate’s promotion to the Football League in 2020. As one of the newer Yorkshire derbies in professional football, it represents a classic contest between an established former Premier League club and a relative newcomer to the professional ranks.
Bradford City’s larger fanbase and stadium capacity contrast with Harrogate’s more modest setup. Yet on the pitch, Harrogate has often punched above their weight against their more illustrious neighbors. This dynamic creates an intriguing matchup whenever these two Yorkshire clubs meet.