The good form continued the following season , and from October to mid-December 1984 , City embarked on a 13-match unbeaten run , during which time Campbell became the club 's all-time leading goalscorer , beating Frank O'Rourke 's 70-year-old record . City went top of the division and held onto their lead , opening an 11-point cushion by February . Promotion was secured in April and the club 's first championship title since 1929 after a 2 – 0 win over Bolton Wanderers . The success was overshadowed when fire ripped through Valley Parade 's main stand 40 minutes into the final game of the season on 11 May 1985 against Lincoln City . A total of 56 people died and the club did not play another game at Valley Parade for nearly 20 months
fire
Bradford City stadium fire
History of Bradford City A.F.C.