BRADFORD CITY AFC

A youthful-looking City XI earned a creditable 2-2 draw from a private friendly with West Yorkshire neighbours Leeds United this Tuesday.

Held at Leeds' Thorp Arch training ground, the match gave the watching Phil Parkinson and Steve Parkin an opportunity to cast their eye over members of both City's senior and youth squads.

Despite coming up against an experienced Leeds side containing the likes of Noel Hunt, Paul Green, Danny Pugh, Marius Zaliukas and Dominic Poleon, City held the half-time lead thanks to apprentice Nathan Curtis' well-taken goal just before the half-hour mark.

Two goals within a few minutes in the second period gave Leeds the advantage though, with Hunt equalising from the spot before Chris Dawson fired the hosts in front with a fine individual goal shortly afterwards.

The Bantams weren't finished in the game, however, as later in the half apprentice midfielder Sam Wright levelled for City in splendid fashion when he latched onto a poor clearance from Leeds 'keeper Eric Grimes before beating the shot-stopper with an ambitious effort from distance.

Along with Curtis and Wright, as many as eight other members of City's all-conquering youth team saw action at some point during the behind-closed-doors match.

Senior squad members Matt Taylor, Arron Jameson, Jordan Graham, Oliver McBurnie and Louie Swain all started the game.