The tender moment of triumph: Bradford captain seeks out brave kid to seal stunning Villa win with a kiss

By Janine Self for The Mail on Sunday

Published: 07:46 EDT, 23 January 2013 | Updated: 13:31 EDT, 23 January 2013

From braveheart to big heart. Bradford skipper Gary Jones plants a smacker on the head of excited youngster Jake Turton then makes the lad's night by handing over his shirt.

Jones, shaven-headed hero of the League Two club's stunning Capital One Cup triumph over Aston Villa, showed his softer side as he made a beeline for Jake at the final whistle of Tuesday night's second leg.

Picture perfect: Bradford skipper Gary Jones admitted to feeling emotional when seeing this picture of him planting a kiss on young Bradford fan Jake Turton

Raw emotion: Jones made a beeline for Jake who was watching with his dad in the away end at Villa Park

Ordeal: Jake - seen here with his dad Andy and mum Cath - was in a coma for 10 weeks before undergoing months of chemotherapy

Eyes on the prize: Jake clasps Jones's jersey tight after the captain handed him his shirt following the 4-3 aggregate win as his father (left) looks on

Leading the line: Jake Turton, nine, (far left) strides out as mascot with Jones ahead of the first leg win over Aston Villa

The nine-year-old, who has beaten a brain tumour, was a mascot for Bradford in the first leg of the semi-final. On Tuesday night he celebrated wildly alongside father Andy at Villa Park after his team secured a trip to Wembley.

Jake was diagnosed with the tumour three years ago after it had spread to his spine. He had brain surgery, was in a coma for 10 weeks and had to endure months of chemotherapy before being given the all-clear. He has had to learn to walk and talk again and his favourite club are giving him plenty of reasons to smile.

Turton Snr asked Bradford if his son could be mascot at Valley Parade and they were happy to agree.

He told the Bradford Telegraph and Argus: 'We thought it would be a bit of a long shot for Jake to be one of their mascots because there would be so many others wanting to do it but we thought we’d give it a go anyway. he’s been a big fan since he was just a tot.

'They said yes and we were thrilled.'

Jones, who would have introduced the little mascot to the rest of the team, had only one thought at the end - to cap little Jake's night with a very special gift.

Tough cookie: Jake (right) meets Bradford Bulls player James Donaldson (left) during a surprise visit from the rugby league club to his St Paul's Primary School three years ago

Captain fantastic: Jones celebrates reaching Wembley (left) and (right) roaring with delight at Bradford City's opening goal at Villa Park last night