Barnsley Res 1 Bradford City Res 1
Ben Muirhead made a welcome return from injury, playing his first game of the season as Brad-ford City Reserves drew 1-1 with Barnsley at Oakwell in the Pontin's Holidays League Central last night.
But Matthew Clarke's injury woe continued when he pulled out of training and subsequently the reserves' squad on Tuesday with another groin strain, rendering himself unavailable for the Bantams' trip to Cheltenham Town at the weekend. Colin Todd cast his eye over 23-year Cypriot Alexis Nicolas, the midfielder having been on trial for the last week, but he failed to make any real impression.
City went in front in the 11th minute when a superb through ball from Tom Penford set Muir-head free of the home defence and he coolly slotted the ball beyond Kyle Letheren.
Patrick McGuire replaced Muirhead at half-time, and within seconds of the restart Barnsley were level when Nardiello ran into the area and slotted the ball through Howarth's legs. Then Nathan Joynes's chip rattled the crossbar and bounced into Howarth's arms.
A clumsy mistake by Simon Ainge gave Barnsley a great chance, Scott McGrory striking the ball from six yards, but his cross-shot lacked accuracy.
Barnsley almost scored the winner when Howarth took several attempts to gather the ball, which was ricocheting dangerously in the area.
Bradford City: Howarth, Swift, O'Brien, Nicolas (Mitchell), Ainge, Hopkins, Muirhead (McGuire), Penford, N Smith (Harper), Brown, Colbeck. Subs: Saynor, L Smith.
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