Bradford City 2, Norwich City 2: John Roe should put in for a credit in the Michael Branch late, late show.

Branch grabbed the limelight for the stoppage-time equaliser which kicked off City's new era in thrilling fashion.

But the seeds of that goal went back further than the hit-and-hope free-kick launched from deep that Norwich failed to deal with in their penalty area.

June 23 to be precise. The Monday morning that the Bantams clocked in for pre-season duty.

City were one of the first clubs back from the summer break. A week ahead of many, a fortnight before some and there were predictably plenty of grumbles among the sun tans.

But there was a good reason why Nicky Law hauled his troops back so soon. With the game becoming quicker with every campaign, he wanted to make sure City could last the pace.

That's where fitness coach Roe came in, working with the players to make sure everyone was up to speed, not just the whipper-snappers brought in from Premiership reserves.

Chairman Gordon Gibb, a big fan of the sports science approach, diagnosed the squad "fit as hell" on the eve of the Norwich opener. The proof was delivered about 4.55 on Saturday when Branch sent team-mates and fans alike into ecstasy.

The temperature gauge was nudging 38 degrees centigrade at pitch level, that's nearly 100 in old money. It would have been easy to wilt.

But City refused to roll over in the strength-sapping heat after going two goals down.

Ben Muirhead's arrival in the 56th minute for Tom Kearney provided an extra injection of raw pace. His goal brought belief and then debut boy Branch popped up with the perfect finale.

Branch said: "It was just becoming one of those days when we thought it wouldn't happen. Then Ben came on and gave us a bit of life.

"By the end Norwich were the only team that wanted the game to end, we would have loved to play on.

"This is the first time I've enjoyed a game of football for a long time so I must be doing something right.

"It's a couple of seasons since I've played on the opening day and to score like that on your home debut is just great.

"Playing up front is my favourite position and hopefully scoring might help keep my place. I know I can get sharper but that's as fit as I have felt."

Branch, a nearly man at Everton and never was at Wolves, typifies the "new type" that Law has introduced. He is clearly a talented player but lost his way after finding himself pushed in the background at bigger clubs.

Law said: "Michael was a forgotten man at Wolves and it will take a month or so to get him back into it. But he's got great pace, he's hungry again and he was positive.

"The goal was excellent and just shows what he can do. He just needs his confidence building up now and that will come - when he discovers his form again he will be a good find."

Branch, one of five debutants if you count the returning Dean Windass, was up from 6.30am thanks to baby son Mikey whose presence also made sure any Saturday night celebrations were strictly low key.

The striker smiled: "Gone are the days out with the lads. Now it's a quiet meal with the girlfriend.

"But the early starts don't affect me. Having a baby has changed the way I look at life and if I can keep playing regularly, I couldn't be happier."

Law, who pitched in Mark Paston ahead of Alan Combe, had little to worry about until three minutes before half-time.

Norwich, despite the promptings of midfield engines Damien Francis and Gary Holt, had created nothing. Then Paul Evans made the only blip in an excellent return when he was deceived by the spin of the ball and sent Francis tumbling in the corner of the box.

Paston guessed right but his six foot six inch frame could not reach the spot-kick from Mark Rivers.

And straight after the break, the giant Kiwi was bending down into his net to retrieve the ball again after Clint Easton had followed up his near-post block.

At that stage City needed a break and quickly. They got it when Malky Mackay clumsily man-handled Branch to concede a second penalty in front of the TL Dallas Stand.

Unfortunately Andy Gray chose a bad time to miss from the spot, his first failure in five attempts.

He clattered Robert Green's left post and 15 minutes later Evans rapped a free-kick against the right.

In between, Windass had seen a goal-bound volley smash into the face of Adam Drury on the line, almost knocking the Norwich skipper sparko.

Nothing seemed to be coming off, until Muirhead zipped inside two tackles with eight minutes left and fired home pinball-style.

Norwich had little left in the tank, bar a wild effort into the crowd from David Nielsen, and City got their reward in added time as Branch latched onto the loose ball as the defenders played statues. Backroom boys, take a bow.

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