Bradford City defender Lee Todd has taken his first steps towards a return to the first team by playing a full game for the reserve side at Scarborough last night.

The Bantams lost 3-2 to a deflected goal from Boro's Chris Tate just two minutes from time, and it was the return of the talented left back which was the most heartening aspect of last night's game.

After a shaky start, Todd played well at both left back and right back, where he moved after half an hour when Daniel Verity was forced out of the game through injury.

Todd has suffered a frustrating start to his career at Valley Parade since his summer switch from Southampton. He gave away a penalty in the first game against Stockport and then suffered a groin injury in the first round, first leg tie against Lincoln City in mid-August.

City's goals last night came through Edinho and Craig Ramage after they had gone 2-0 down, and the Bantams should have gone on to win the game only to miss several good chances.

Meanwhile, John Hendrie admits that returning to Valley Parade on Saturday as Barnsley manager will be a special moment, but insists it is just another game for his Tykes side.

The Scot was appointed as the Reds' boss during the summer, following Danny Wilson's decision to take charge of Sheffield Wednesday.

Hendrie had four hugely successful seasons with Bradford City in the same side as the Bantams' current skipper Stuart McCall before the pair both left in 1988.

The Tykes boss watched the Bantams in Tuesday night's 3-1 victory over Halifax Town, and said: "It is always special coming back to Bradford.

"I had some great times here. I have only been back once as a player when Barnsley drew 2-2 here two seasons ago. Whenever I come here I am always made welcome, even if I am only watching matches.

"But it is a game we want to win and maintain our recent good form. We are looking forward to the match, but we won't treat it any differently than any other game.

"I have had Bradford watched by my scouts, but Halifax was the first time I have seen them in live action."

Hendrie's appointment was one of the surprises of the summer as Barnsley look to bounce back into the Premiership at the first attempt.

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