Manchester City Reserves 3, Bradford City Reserves 0 - Jamie Lawrence shone on his return from a two-month injury lay-off but couldn't prevent Bradford City Reserves slipping to a 3-0 defeat at Hyde last night.

Lawrence, playing his first game since breaking a hand, was at the heart of most of City's best moments and enjoyed a far happier time than trialist Kali Ongala, whose much-delayed debut ended after only 11 minutes when he went off with an ankle injury.

Manchester City's strong line-up included former Leeds striker Darren Huckerby and Republic of Ireland midfielder Kevin Horlock.

Dean Saunders had an early chance when he weaved his way through three home players but the ball ran to keeper Richard McKinney who kicked it to safety.

Scott Kerr shot over from Ian Nolan's pass before Lawrence fashioned City's first shot on target with a drive straight at McKinney.

But the Bantams had a let-off when Lewis Emanuel lost the ball to Etuhu who slipped it to Huckerby. His shot cannoned against the post.

Five minutes before the break Rhys Day was unlucky when two consecutive headers were just off target.

The home side's pressure told after 57 minutes when Aidan Davison was powerless to prevent Etuhu scoring from close range.

Two minutes later Lawrence ran from the halfway line before crossing to Saunders whose header went over.

Davison prevented Huckerby from increasing the home side's lead after 64 minutes when the ball hit his legs as he dived to the left.

Emanuel was dispossessed by Leon Mike after 66 minutes and with the striker, who spent a loan spell with Halifax, homing in on goal the City youngster chased and retrieved the ball to make up for his mistake.

Manchester City's second goal arrived in the 68th minute when Huckerby showed his pace to race clear and toe-poke the ball over Davison.

A minute later Kerr tried the same for City but was not as successful.

Terry Cooke forced a fine save from Davison who had to get down to his left quickly with five minutes left.

There was still time for Gareth Grant to force McKinney into action and in the dying seconds for Etuhu to net a third when he rose in the crowded penalty area to head home.

Manchester City Res: McKinney, Edghill, Holmes, Dunfield, Day, Jordan, Cooke, Huckerby, Mike (Killen), Horlock, Etuhu. Subs (not used): Mears, Hodgson, Whelan.

City Reserves: Davison, Nolan (Brodie), Brown, Emanuel, Morgan, Kerr, Lawrence, McKinlay, Saunders, Ongala (Jones), Grant. Subs (not used): Worsnop, Lee, Fishlock