Bradford City Reserves 1, Newcastle United Reserves 2 - Valley Parade was treated to its first glimpse of Juanjo in Bradford City colours.
The Spanish winger was rushed into the reserves to face Newcastle last night after City cut through red tape with a couple of hours to spare.
Juanjo's contract at Hearts was not due to run out until midnight, but the Scottish club agreed to rip it up a day early and, after a frantic afternoon of faxes flying across the border, he got clearance to appear as a non-contract player.
And, despite City going down 2-1, it was an encouraging start for the 24-year-old.
Juanjo played the full game and twice went close to scoring, including one effort from 30 yards that flew just wide.
He was also involved in the first-half incident which saw Newcastle's Olivier Bernard dismissed after appearing to strike Juanjo.
Claus Jorgensen headed City in front after 37 minutes, but Newcastle scored two late goals to take the points.
Lomana Lualua equalised in the 83rd minute, and within 60 seconds substitute Michael Chopra got what turned out to be the winner.
Juanjo began on his favourite right wing before switching to a striker's role midway through the first half when Danny Forrest went off injured.
He said: "It's good for me to be able to play in several positions. I'm normally a right winger, but I can play on the left as well and also behind the strikers so it's not a problem."
As well as trying his luck from distance, Juanjo produced another close-range effort from a tight angle which was well saved by Newcastle goalkeeper Jonathan Brain.
The result left City at the bottom of the Premiership Reserve League North with only one win from five games.
CITY RESERVES: Davison, Brodie (Morgan), Emanuel, Atherton, Bower, Jorgensen, Juanjo, Makel (Fishlock), Forrest (Bentham), Grant, Lee. Subs (not used): Worsnop, Sanasy.
NEWCASTLE RESERVES: Brain, McGuffy, Quinn (Chopra), Caldwell, Distin, Kerr (Green), Bassedas, McClen, Ameobi, Lualua, Bernard. Subs (not used): Bell, Boyd, McMenamin.
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