Bradford City are gearing up for the League One play-off semi-finals, and manager Graham Alexander believes his squad's big-game experience will be their secret weapon. The Bantams face Bolton Wanderers in the first leg away from home this Saturday (20:00 BST), with a shot at back-to-back promotions on the line.

This isn't new territory for Bradford. Two years ago, they missed out on a League Two play-off spot on the final day, only to bounce back with a dramatic late winner to secure automatic promotion last season. Now, in their first year back in the third tier since 2019, a commanding fourth-place finish—clinched with a win at Exeter City—has set the stage for another shot at glory.

"We can all use our experience," Alexander told BBC Radio Leeds. "For the last two years here, we've been involved in those types of games. We've been building that mentality up. Towards the end of the season, they're big games, and there's pressure—but that's where you want to be. We box it off properly in our minds and focus on what's needed. It will stand us in good stead."

Bradford have been a fixture in the top six for all but one matchday this season, consistently holding a play-off spot since December. That resilience puts them in position to emulate Wrexham's feat of successive promotions from League Two to League One—a journey that began with Antoni Sarcevic's unforgettable goal against Fleetwood Town last May.

Alexander is proud of how his team has tackled the step up. "Qualifying for the play-offs was a good step forward for us as a club," he said. "Being a newly promoted team, to validate the work we've done—not just from day one in pre-season, but the preparation over the summer—it just gives us an opportunity. It doesn't give us anything longer term, but another opportunity."

For the Bantams, it's all about turning that know-how into a winning edge. With the play-offs looming, their experience in high-stakes moments could be the difference-maker against Bolton.