Kurtis Guthrie expressed his delight at being among the goals, following the Bantams’ pre-season outing against Doncaster Rovers.
The frontman netted twice as McCall’s men narrowly lost out 4-3 to Sky Bet League One opposition at the Utilita Energy Stadium.
The 27-year-old recognised the importance of match minutes ahead of the start of the 2020/21 season.
He said: “It was good to stretch the legs and see where we were at. It was also great to get on the scoresheet.
“It has been a long time since some of us have played, and it was nice to hit the back of the net again.
“Getting forward and scoring goals in any game is always enjoyable. At the moment, a lot of teams have not played much football.
“Everyone is getting that rust off and trying to find their feet again. I am sure that will come with more minutes under our belts.
“The lads have been working hard. There have been a few mistakes, here and there, which we are trying to cut out.”
Since the return to pre-season training, Guthrie has been impressed by how diligently the Bantams have prepared - ahead of the new campaign.
As the first competitive fixture moves closer, the former Stevenage man is hoping his side can become more consistent and continue to improve.
He added: “Everyone has been working hard in training and, hopefully, we will become a more consistent side.
“If you look at some of the stuff we played, it was good. Doncaster are a side who are known for keeping the ball and playing neat football.
“Although we leaked goals, we scored three against a good opponent. There are plenty of positives to take away from the game.
“One of the hardest things in football is to put the ball in the back of the net. To be able to start scoring goals early on is very good.
“If we can start cutting out the mistakes and the manner of the goals we are conceding, and continue scoring, then we will be shaping up very well ahead of the season.”
McCall’s men travel to West Yorkshire neighbours Huddersfield Town next Wednesday (August 26) for their next pre-season friendly (7.00pm).