SOME things in life are just worth the wait. Six years may be pushing it, but after 2,282 days since City last walked the Valley Parade turf as a League One club, the return was exactly what we had hoped for.

This club has trademarked football drama following its last-gasp promotion three months ago. However, after being stuck in the basement division for so long, the first 13 minutes were like a comeback script.

For the long-suffering fans, this was the glorious vindication of all those agonising journeys to places like Crawley, Gillingham, Bromley, and Forest Green.

The reward for remaining supportive even during the most difficult times. For those in charge of the club, this was the bright light at the end of a seemingly never-ending tunnel since their self-inflicted relegation in 2019.

Stefan Rupp, the club’s owner, was all smiles before the game as he chatted with fans outside the stadium, shopping bag in hand after raiding the club store for replica shirts.

How he will have enjoyed seeing the next phase of his tenure begin in such a positive manner, as the club claws its way back to the level it was at when he arrived.

League One is a whole new ballpark now. When City last crashed through the floor, they had blown a top-four budget.

This time, they’re going up against Huddersfield, who are buying anyone who moves, Luton, who are still flush with parachute money, and Bolton, who are investing heavily following last season’s dip.

However, by defeating Wycombe, the division’s fifth best team in May, City demonstrated that they are prepared to fight.

Stephen Humphrys could have scored two or three yesterday. (Image: Thomas Gadd) Last season, the Bantams dominated Valley Parade, winning 17 games and amassing 55 points. Such a large weapon in the arsenal appears to be as sharp as ever.

Wycombe were certainly stunned after a whirlwind start that they could have predicted but had no idea how to execute. All of the City talk this summer has been about recruitment – big-name arrivals and departures.

Seven of the nine new signings made their debuts, with only two outfield players who started that unforgettable afternoon against Fleetwood remaining on the roster.

There were some mitigating factors to this ruthless changing of the guard, with Alex Pattison, Calum Kavanagh, Ciaran Kelly, and Neill Byrne suffering pre-season injuries and Aden Baldwin serving a lingering suspension for his Doncaster rush of blood.

However, Antoni Sarcevic and Bobby Pointon were the only survivors from the May miracle, and both made an immediate impact with the first goals of the new era.

With Pattison out, Tommy Leigh was given the nod in the central midfield position he wants to own after trying unsuccessfully since January.

He settled in well alongside new captain Max Power, and his passing range should help him win over his Valley Parade doubters.

Sam Walker, of course, was still present, and he would play an important role in the nerve-racking final stages, making a huge smothering save to frustrate Wycombe substitute Bradley Fink. But the rest was all new, if not particularly shiny given the wealth of experience on display.

A rebuilt back three of Curtis Tilt, Joe Wright, and Matt Pennington stood firm against a Wycombe attack weakened by the absence of League One player of the year Richard Kone, who is awaiting a move to the Championship.

Wing-backs Ibou Touray and Josh Neufville attacked at will, with Neufville looking like an exciting talent as he tied the visitors up.

Taylor Allen was beaten 3-0 in his last Valley Parade appearance in January, when Walsall’s bandwagon’s wheels were wrenched off and never restored.

He was in for another tense afternoon trying to control Neufville, who frequently left him as perplexed and out of place as the numbering on the back of Wycombe’s chequered shirts.

The centre halves did not have it easy against Stephen Humphrys, whose power and pace should reassure those who are concerned about where the goals will come from.

Humphrys didn’t score, but he could have had two or three on another day. The sharpness of a full Alexander pre-season, however, was evident, as he never faltered while keeping Wycombe’s backline on their toes.

The rousing rendition of “Take Me Home” had raised the hairs on the back of the neck prior to the teams’ arrival.

Antoni Sarcevic got City up and running after only five minutes (Image: Thomas Gadd). And it didn’t take long for the decibel level to skyrocket in response to City’s opening strike. It began, inevitably, with Neufville’s deception.

He teased and tormented Allen on his way to the box before adding the cheekiest of back-heels to the mix. Humphrys pounced on the unconventional cross, but Mikki van Sas saved his shot.

City kept the ball alive when Touray found Humphrys again, and his second attempt was only saved by the young Dutch custodian, with Sarcevic lurking in the right place to steer the ball home and spark the chaos.

Valley Parade soon erupted for the second time. Claret shirts swarmed around the box, looking for an opening to unleash, and Pointon eventually took the initiative to have a crack, arrowing a drive into the bottom corner. The extra turn of the volume dial when the local lad delivered elevated the occasion.

City should have had more, but van Sas made amends for his earlier weakness with a stunning second-half save from Humphrys, and other opportunities went unnoticed.

Wycombe came out strong after the break, and Dan Udoh’s quick thinking from a free kick sent nerves jangling.

However, the growing trust that Alexander mentions between the pitch and the stands came to the forefront as the crowd rallied City through the difficult moments.

It was tense, but it never threatened to become tense as the Bantams triumphed in front of a wall of cheers.

Wycombe yelled for a stoppage-time penalty after Udoh’s shot flashed off Wright’s arm.

That would have been beyond cruel, but referee Seb Stockbridge remained unmoved – nothing would spoil a day we had all been looking forward to.

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