Yorkshire | Bradford City start pre season with win at Non League FC United

FC United of Manchester 1 - 2 Bradford City 

A valuable 90 minutes for Bradford as they start their pre-season campaign 

Author | Liam W

Stadium | Broadhurst Park

The Bantams made a lively start, with Harry Ibbitson striking the post inside the opening two minutes after an inventive backheeled cut-back from Antoni Sarcevic.

Hamid Sidibe responded almost immediately for the hosts, lifting their first effort of the afternoon over the crossbar.

Graham Alexander's side hit the woodwork for a second time inside the opening five minutes when Kayden Jackson's mishit cross-shot clipped the top of the crossbar.

Nick Powell and Bobby Pointon both tested Dan Atherton, who produced two sharp saves to keep the scores level at Broadhurst Park.

Pointon came close again before the interval, stooping to meet Jackson's delivery from the right. His header looked destined for the top corner, but the home goalkeeper produced an outstanding fingertip save to divert it on to the crossbar.

The second half

Bradford continued to create chances after the restart, but it was the hosts who broke the deadlock in the 68th minute. Charlie Hayes-Green rose to meet Charlie Ennis' cross from the left and guided a header into the far corner, giving Zac Hadi no chance.

Watch | Clips from the crowd courtesy of Bradford City Chickens on the Loose podcast

The visitors responded swiftly. A trialist climbed highest to meet Ibou Touray's corner, with his header bouncing into the turf before looping beyond Atherton to restore parity.

Adam Phillips then seized on possession following a Bradford corner and curled a fine effort towards goal. Despite Rydell Hill's attempt to clear on the line, the ball crossed into the net to hand the Bantams the lead with eight minutes remaining.

Having given valuable minutes to his squad, Alexander will be encouraged by a winning start to Bradford's pre-season campaign.