Bradford Park Avenue 2, Sheffield United 3

AVENUE'S pre-season continued at a pace in blistering heat as they were put under a relentless examination by a young Sheffield United XI.

Despite the sweltering weather – the temperature was so high that the referee called for a drinks break in each half so players and officials could rehydrate – it was an intense and entertaining game.

Avenue broke the deadlock as early as the ninth minute. A good cross from Grant Black picked out Paul Walker at the far post and although his header was blocked on the line by young Blades goalkeeper George Willis, the loose ball was slotted in by Nathan Hotte.

Chib Chilaka doubled the home side's lead a minute before the interval when he fired in after latching on to a through ball.

But on the stroke of half-time, Sheffield were awarded a soft penalty and even though Avenue keeper John Maxsted got one hand to Otis Khan's effort from the spot, the striker tucked the rebound in.

Deep into the second half, a free-kick from Joe Colbeck for Avenue took a deflection off the two-man wall and Willis saved. The keeper immediately launched a counter-attack and Khan finished it with his second goal.

Blades substitute Joe Cheesman then claimed the winning goal when he stabbed in from close range after the Avenue defence failed to clear an 85th-minute corner.

The only other weekend friendly involving local semi-professional clubs saw Farsley hosting Albion Sports on the ground they share.

Throstle Nest was as baking hot as Horsfall but it was Albion who coped better with the conditions as they ran out 3-0 victors.

Alex Cusack gave them a first-half lead when he converted at the far post.

Cusack was on target again in the second half and Danny Facey wrapped up the scoring.

'Home' side Farsley had their best chances through Aiden Savory but he found Albion keeper Aaron Brian in fine form.

Tomorrow night sees Thackley and Farsley both in friendly action. The Dennyboys travel to Barnoldswick Town, while Farsley journey to Hemsworth MW.