City loanees Reece Staunton and Jorge Sikora were on opposing sides over the weekend - as Bradford (Park Avenue) and Spennymoor Town played out a 1-1 draw at the Horsfall Stadium in the Vanarama National League North.
While both teenagers were part of backlines which proved unable to keep a clean sheet, the two City academy graduates enjoyed 90 minutes apiece, putting in impressive performances.
Just three days after registering his first-ever senior assist in the Bantams’ Papa John’s Trophy encounter away at Sunderland, Staunton was sent out on loan to city neighbours Avenue - for the second time in his career.
This was the versatile 19-year-old’s second debut for the club, and he is confident this loan spell will be hugely beneficial for when he returns to City.
Staunton said: “The game went well. I think Spennymoor are going to be up there this season.
“Of course, they have the top goal-scorer in the division (Glenn Taylor) and I thought our back three dealt with his threat quite well.
“Even though he scored, we kept him quiet for the majority of the game.
“It is going well here. Obviously, I know a lot of the lads from last time - and Dylan Mottley-Henry who was with us last season. They have all welcomed me in well.
“Playing regularly will be beneficial, especially after the injuries I had last season.
“In terms of getting game time at City this season, coming to Park Avenue to get first-team football has done me the world of good.
“The more I play, the more it will only strengthen my hamstring up and get me match fit.
“Hopefully, when I return to City, I will be ready to step into the first team.”
Sikora was recently loaned out by the Bantams to Spennymoor and he has already made four appearances for the club, completing 90 minutes in three of them.
The Bradford-born defender is so far enjoying his loan spell at the Durham-based outfit and, like Staunton, is confident the loan move will benefit his future career with the Bantams.
Sikora said: “This game was probably the best performance out of the four I have been involved in, and it was also great to get another 90 minutes under my belt.
“I thought we deserved more, and were unlucky to only come away with a draw.
“I have enjoyed my time here so far. I am getting regular game-time and finding my feet. I am improving with every game I can, so it has definitely been worth it.
“I just want to prove to Derek Adams that I can do it, and make decisions harder for him.
“Just like at City, the training is intense and very fast-paced. They are all a good set of lads and really good players.”
Elsewhere in the same division, Kian Scales played 90 minutes in central midfield where, on the same side former Bantam James Hanson, Farsley Celtic fell 2-0 away to Gloucester City.
Fellow academy graduate Finn Cousin-Dawson impressed on international duty for Northern Ireland Under-21s, playing his first-ever competitive 90 minutes for his country as they thrashed Lithuania 4-0.
Staunton and Scales will face off next weekend on Saturday November 20 - when Farsley welcome BPA to The Citadel.