Caltex Socceroo defender James Meredith’s Bradford City have missed out on promotion to the English Championship after a despairing 1-0 loss to Millwall in the League One playoff final at Wembley overnight.
Meredith played the full 90 minutes for Bradford who dominated large periods of the match but were undone right near fulltime.
Veteran Millwall striker Steve Morison stole in at the far post as the tie appeared destined for extra-time to grab an 85th-minute winner and end the Londoners' two-year absence from the Championship.
Meredith was a constant threat for City down the left and went closest to opening the scoring in the early stages but his shit from just inside the box was straight at the keeper.
It’s the second straight year Bradford have succumbed to Millwall in the playoffs, losing to the Lions in the semi-final stage in 2016.
The end of the match was marred as jubilant Millwall fans stormed onto the Wembley pitch to celebrate their side’s promotion.
“I think Wembley have got to learn now, everyone knew that the fans were coming on. I still don’t understand the fans wanting to do it, to goad myself, my staff and players when they’ve just won a game. Just enjoy your moment,” Bradford boss Stuart McCall said.
“I was close to clocking a couple who were coming up in my face, but that’s not sour grapes, it’s something you’ve got to learn from.”
The Caltex Socceroos tackle Saudi Arabia in a crucial World Cup Qualifer in Adelaide on June 8. Click Here for Tickets
