Bradford City's injury problems worsened when midfield player David Hopkin and full back Ian Nolan were carried off during the Worthington Cup match at Darlington.

Hopkin, who was the victim of a nasty tackle by Darlington midfield player Martin Gray during the first half, will have an X-ray on a badly swollen ankle today while Nolan will have a scan on his hamstring.

Injuries to these two key players marred the 1-0 victory and add to City's injury problems. Defenders Andrew O'Brien (broken collar bone) and Andy Myers (hamstring) are out of action along with striker Dean Saunders (knee).

Italian striker Benito Carbone and winger Peter Beagrie also missed last night's match through injury.

Hutchings said: "David Hopkin has done something to the ankle ligaments, but we will wait and see what the X-ray shows. He left the ground on crutches. His injury is a blow to us.

"Ian Nolan tweaked his hamstring towards the end of the game, but we will see how he is later today."

The City manager was particularly upset at Gray's challenge on Hopkin which left the Darlington player lucky to escape with a booking. "We have seen players sent off for tackles like that," he said. "You are looking for a bit of consistency from referees. It was a bad tackle."

Hutchings said he was happy with the result and the performance, but added: "We are only halfway through the tie. We still have the second leg to come at home next Monday."

Goalscorer Gareth Whalley said: "It was a good cross from Lee Sharpe and I was in a good position to score. I don't normally score with my right foot. I was surprised how much time and room I had.

"They worked very hard to close us down and we always knew it would be difficult. I have played against some of their players and a few of them have played at a higher level.

"The surface was skiddy because of the rain and that suited the way we like to pass the ball around. The only problem was that sometimes the ball skidded out of play."

Liverpool's Patrik Berger and Titi Camara will make their comebacks from injury for Liverpool tonight in the reserves match against City at Anfield. Robbie Fowler and Vegard Heggem will also play.