Bradford City Reserves 2

Aston Villa Reserves 3

Bradford City's young reserve side suffered the heartache of losing to a last-gasp penalty against Aston Villa at Valley Parade last night.

The match was in the third minute of stoppage time when defender Scott Bolton fouled substitute Stephen Crooke in the box and Michael Standing scored from the spot.

It was rough luck on City's youngsters who had done enough to earn a point against a more experienced Villa side that included striker Julian Joachim and close-season signing from Tottenham David Ginola.

Villa wasted a string of chances, particularly in the second half, and City looked set to make them pay for their misses when Scott Kerr put them ahead for the second time in the match 13 minutes from the end. Lloyd Samuel handled and Kerr scored from the spot.

Villa fought back well, though, and Standing equalised after 81 minutes with a superb 15-yard volley from John McGrath's left-wing corner.

City had begun well, Gareth Grant giving them an eighth-minute lead with a well-worked goal from Kerr's free kick. The ball was played to the far post by Kerr, and Peruvian trialist Tony Matellini headed it down for the unmarked Grant to score with a close- range header.

All eyes were on Ginola, but after firing wide he gained attention for the wrong reason by being booked for twice taking a free kick without permission.

Villa stepped up the pressure and it was no surprise when they equalised after 31 minutes. Enterprising left-sided player McGrath exchanged passes with Richard Walker before slotting the ball past goalkeeper Gary Walsh.

Joachim fired over the crossbar with the goal at his mercy, and other chances went begging before City's penalty and that dramatic finish.

Manager Chris Hutchings had originally named a more experienced City side, including some first team players who had been on the bench in the Premiership match against Arsenal

However, he changed his mind, presumably not wanting to risk more injuries to senior players.

Bradford City: Walsh, Tyson, Emanuel, Kerr, Bower, Bolton, Hardy, Matellini (Fishlock 82min), Grant, Jones, Lee. Subs (not used): Worsnop, Dufton, Morgan, Rutherford.

Aston Villa: Enckleman, Delaney (Crooke 61min), McGrath, Standing, Lescott, Samuel, Taylor (Evans 58min), Joachim, Walker, Melaugh, Ginola (Smith 58min). Subs (not used): Cutler, Edwards.