Bradford 2nd XI 1, Hull 5 - Catching Hull with their trousers down twice in a season was asking too much of Bradford's second hockey team, despite having beaten them 5-2 away.

With Christmas games cancelled Bradford had been out of action for several weeks.

And Hull put a strong team together after suffering weeks of availability problems.

It was the senior players who made things tick for Hull, the older heads called on all the old tricks, skills and tactics to bottle up the Bradford midfield, stifle any sparkle up front and give the Bradford back four a torrid time. Concentration was one aspect of the Bradford game that was missing.

Hull controlled Bradford's movements by drawing the midfield into the centre of the pitch, pulling attacks into the strongest of part of their defence.

The imposing 6ft 5ins Hull goalkeeper was effective in blocking shots.

Bradford's midfield of Steve Johnson, Paul Bateson, Andy Dowson and Matt Rowe all played well in patches but never together and at the same time.

There were touches of individual flair and imagination that were a joy to watch but they were too late to change the scoreline.

Up front 'Sniffer' Kent had a couple of typical Kent chances, but the keeper was always in control of attacks. Kent was able to quickly close down the Hull defence when Bradford lost possession, but there were times when he was the only player trying to put Hull under pressure on their side of the half-way line.

At the back Chris Kulikovski, Dave Neville, Derek Shaw, Richard Sugden and Tom Hardill all took their turn at putting up the shutters.

The brakes were put on inside Bradford's 25 and Hull found a determined back four who were not in philanthropic mood and possession was regularly gained by the Bradford defence.