Hartlepool United reserves 2, Bradford City reserves 3

A youthful side maintained Bradford City’s impressive Central League East Division campaign today with a 3-2 victory at Hartlepool United.

The Bantams trailed 1-0 and 2-1 but hit back via Newcastle United trialist Jeffrey Henderson and apprentices Forrayah Bass and Adam Baker.

City included seven apprentices in all as manager Phil Parkinson naturally kept back his more senior players due to the busy Easter programme and loan deals.

Josh Rowbotham put Pools ahead in the eighth minute but City, who were battling against a strong wind, equalised via Henderson 16 minutes later.

Ben Wignall put the hosts ahead straight away after Steven Snaith had hit a post but City showed commendable spirit to equalise again via Bass, who scored at the second attempt in the 36th minute.

The Bantams replaced Connor Qualter by Jack Stockdill at half-time and Baker had an effort well blocked by Nathan Buddle.

However, Baker was not to be denied in the 62nd minute from Nathan Lawless' corner, crashing the ball home via a half-volley off the underside of the bar after lurking at the far post.

It was almost 4-2 when Jordan Richards nearly deflected Scott Brown's corner into his own net.

Pools substitute Kerry Hedley put a free header wide of the target and the same player then sliced wide but City held on for the victory.

They have now won six of their nine matches so far this season.

City reserves: Crowley, Harrop, Lawless, Nanje-Ngoe, Henderson, Qualter (Stockdill HT), Rowe, Brown, Swain, Baker, Bass. Substitutes (not used): Metcalfe, Bentley.