BRADFORD Dragons emerged empty-handed from a weekend double-header.

They lost their opening home game 90-83 to Team Northumbria and then went down 98-81 at Manchester Magic 24 hours later.

The new-look Dragons went into the home tie with a 2-0 record in the National Trophy northern pool and led 22-19 at the end of the first period.

The teams traded baskets through the second but it was Team Northumbria leading 44-40 at half-time.

It remained a tight contest through the third as Northumbria matched a determined home side to keep their advantage at three points at 63-60.

But the Dragons were clearly starting to tire as the guests took control in the final quarter.

With three minutes left, Northumbria were up by 13 and in command. Bradford launched a late rally to get within three before the visitors pulled away again.

American new boy Nick Moore led the home scoring with his second double-double, notching 27 points and 13 rebounds. Jason Swaine added 25 points and Rafi Saipe showed a good eye with his three-point shooting.

The Dragons then travelled to the Amaechi Basketball Centre in Manchester to face the defending champions in the National Cup second round.

A strong Magic side took a 31-22 lead into the first break – only for Bradford to respond well and level the scores at 49 apiece at the interval.

Manchester again pulled nine clear but the Dragons were not done yet and reduced the deficit to a single point after three quarters.

But Manchester's superior size, numbers and stature took its toll in the fourth, which quickly became one-way traffic as the Dragons went out by 17 points.

Dragons head coach Chris Mellor said: "It was a tough weekend results-wise. There were positives but both games showed that we've got a lot of work to do."

The schedule does not get any easier with two more games this weekend, including another trip to Manchester on Sunday in the Trophy.

On Saturday, the Dragons host promoted Lancashire Spinners at Bradford College sports hall, Trinity Road (6.15pm).

Meanwhile, Dragons' under-18s beat Doncaster Danum Eagles 72-67 in the North East Development League. An illness-hit under-16s team lost 44-40 at Cheshire Phoenix.