Bantams duo win sympathy vote

The Evo-Stik Northern Premier League's fans, players and officials might have had more sympathy than most for Bradford City after their 5-0 defeat by Swansea in Sunday's League Cup Final as two former stars of the league had been bidding for glory with the Bantams.

The League Two underdogs had former Guiseley striker James Hanson up front and ex-Matlock Town keeper Matt Duke in goal in front of a sell-out 90,000 crowd at Wembley and a worldwide television audience on Sunday.

The Swans could probably have counted on the support of Hednesford's supporters though with former defender Ashley Williams now a five year veteran at the Welsh outfit. The 28-year-old was with the Pitmen from 2001-2003 before leaving for Stockport County where he also spent five seasons.

Former Eccleshill striker Hanson's chance at Wembley came just four years after helping Guiseley win promotion to the Conference North as league champions in their centenary year. The 25-year-old scored 46 goals for the Lions in two seasons before signing for Bradford in a deal eventually worth £7,500 to Guiseley.

Keeper Duke's route to Wembley from the Evo-Stik NPL started over a decade ago and included a successful battle against testicular cancer in 2008.

The 35-year-old turned pro back in 1999 when he signed for Sheffield United from the Gladiators. From there he moved on to Bury, Burton, Hull, Stockport, Wycombe and Derby County before signing for the Bantams in August 2011.