BRADFORD CITY AFC

A City XI came away with a creditable draw from a private friendly match with Sheffield United this Tuesday afternoon.

United took the lead of the behind-closed-doors fixture early into the second period but an Alan Connell penalty twenty-five minutes from the end ensured the game finished 1-1.

The game, which was played at Sheffield United's Academy, gave both sides a chance to give some football to members of their first team squad.

For City, goalscorer Connell, Raffaele De Vita, Jason Kennedy and Andy Gray all received ninety minutes. After making his return from injury by playing just under 75 minutes in a friendly at York City last month, this Tuesday's match was the first full fixture Gray has completed since the experienced striker broke his arm back in July.

Following his start against Shrewsbury Town in Sky Bet League 1 at the weekend, Luke Oliver was given an hour against the Blades, while Ricky Ravenhill, Connor Ripley and Carl McHugh, who has recently returned from a hip problem, all played until just after the 70 minute mark.

Hosts Sheffield United used the match to give run-outs to nine of the group of players they brought to the Coral Windows Stadium earlier this season for their league fixture with City, including striker Lyle Taylor, midfielders Ryan Flynn, Conor Coady and Jamie Murphy, plus defenders Sean McGinty and Darryl Westlake.