Wells better prepared this time

From the opening minutes at Wembley, it was clear Swansea were a step too far for Bradford City.

And so it proved — 5-0 was generous to the Bantams, if truth be told.

For Nahki Wells, it was a tough day. Not only did he have to cope with the occasion but he was starved of any service up front and left ball-chasing. 

His second-half substitution capped an afternoon where nothing went right for him or his team.

I expected, therefore, to be greeted post-match by an inconsolable, monosyllabic striker.

He was disappointed, naturally, but he also spoke of his pride at the team’s achievement and of the need to regroup and focus on getting out of League Two.

His mature reaction to being subbed — on the biggest day of his career so far, don’t forget — suggested his confidence was unharmed.

And the manner in which he has subsequently pulled himself out of his own post-Wembley slump to fire City past Burton Albion in the play-off semi-final proved his form had returned at the perfect time.

After a number of games on the bench, the former Dandy Town man and CedarBridge Academy pupil now has seven in his past eight games.

It’s a product of a genuine return to the sharpness that characterized his blistering early-season form, which had the likes of Leeds United, Huddersfield and Wolves keeping tabs on his progress. Burnley are the latest to be linked with a move for the 22-year-old.

That won’t be in his immediate thoughts, though. With his season’s tally at an impressive 25, Wells spoke this week of his burning desire to finish the campaign off in style.

“Twenty-five is the exact number I set out for myself to score at the beginning of the season so I’m delighted to reach it,” he told the Telegraph and Argus.

“But I know there are more to come yet. I’ve got two more in my locker – I’ll save them for Wembley.

“I’ve scored against (play-off finalists) Northampton already so I’m confident that I can do it again and help us get promoted.”

Wells has an affinity with the supporters and a trust in manager Phil Parkinson that makes staying at City more than a strong possibility should they go up.

He added: “The fans have been the 12th man throughout our entire season. Without them, I don’t think any of it was possible.

“It’s not easy for some people working nine to five every day and spending their earnings to come and watch us play. We’ll do whatever it takes to make them proud. They are such big supporters of the club and we want to do our best and make sure we put a smile on their faces.

“Promotion would do that for everyone. That’s the most important thing.”

Goal droughts are the bane of all but a few strikers in world football, and the Bermudian’s ability to come through his first one  suggests he has the mental strength and intelligence to deal with the expectations of the fans he holds in such high esteem.

With his Wembley debut still fresh in his mind, Wells will head back to the capital knowing he can deal with whatever awaits him. I expect Nahki to seize the moment.