Mark Hughes’ Bantams began their 2023/24 pre-season campaign in perfect fashion, with a 6-0 victory over Bury in what was the first game played at Gigg Lane since 2019.
On the hosts' return to their home, City took a commanding 4-0 lead into the break, with two second-half goals coming courtesy of an entirely different 11 rounding off the win.
It did not take long for the visitors to get on the scoresheet. Emmanuel Osadebe made a well-timed run down the left channel, cut in and laid it off to Alex Pattison who smashed it past Jack Atkinson in the Bury goal just seven minutes in.
Last season's golden boot winner Andy Cook did not take long to open his account for the new season, putting the Bantams further ahead five minutes later.
He latched onto a long ball from Luke Hendrie with his chest, and as the ball dropped, Cook rifled a half-volley into the top-right corner.
Tyler Smith thought he had a third after he converted Ash Taylor's long throw, however the referee had seen something in the box he was not happy with and awarded a Bury free kick.
But in the 28th minute City did find a third. Luke Hendrie squared it to Osadebe who turned home from inside the box. Just a minute later, after a mix-up at the back for Bury, Luke Ridehalgh saw his shot bobble into the bottom corner.
Smith had the ball in the back of the net again just after the half-hour mark, but this time the linesman flagged for offside.
Then Bury had a goal of their own disallowed for offside at the other end. Just before the half-time break, Benito Lowe was played through and dinked it over Harry Lewis, but the flag went up, much to the frustration of the home fans.
Hughes changed the full XI for the second half, getting valuable minutes into as many of his men as he could.
The new-look City side carried on where the first left off. Matt Derbyshire got in behind and stroked into the bottom-right corner to make it 5-0.
Despite still dominating possession, City were made to wait for their final goal. Bury nearly got their goal with minutes to go, but a smart save from Health Richardson denied them.
Jamie Walker rounded off a good outing for the Bantams in the closing stages, tapping home from a low cross by Bobby Pointon, as Hughes' side opened their pre-season campaign at Gigg Lane victorious.
CITY
First Half XI: Harry Lewis, Liam Ridehalgh, Ash Taylor, Matty Platt, Richie Smallwood (C), Emmanuel Osadebe, Andy Cook, Alex Pattison, Tyler Smith, Luke Hendrie, Ciarán Kelly.
Second Half XI: Heath Richardson, Brad Halliday, Jamie Walker, Alex Gilliead, Clarke Odour, Sam Stubbs, Ryan East, Timi Odusina, Daniel Oyegoke, Dylan Youmbi (Bobby Pointon 70’), Matt Derbyshire.
GOALS: Pattison (7’), Cook (12’), Osadebe (27’), Ridehalgh (28’), Derbyshire (53’), Walker (88’).