Bolton’s season will end in the League One play-off final for the second time in three seasons.
They suffered a tame 2-0 defeat by Oxford United in the final under Ian Evatt two years ago, but will hope for a better showing in 10 days as they look to end their seven-year wait for Championship football.
Steven Schumacher’s men kept Bradford from registering a shot on target across both legs of the tie until Power’s excellent effort was kept out by Bonham’s great stop with 22 minutes to play.
The Bantams pushed on in search of an equaliser and thought they had one when Jackson bundled in after Bonham’s reaction save from Nick Powell’s header.
The assistant’s flag meant any joy was short-lived and worse was to follow moments later.
John McAtee played fellow substitute Thierry Gale down the inside left channel and, despite a heavy touch, he cut the ball back and Simons confidently dispatched the loose ball after the home defence failed to clear.
There was still 10 minutes to go and Graham Alexander’s men continued to push for a goal but Bonham was not forced into any meaningful work as Bolton held out.