CITY started their pre-season schedule with a 3-0 loss to neighbours Park Avenue at Horsfall Stadium this afternoon.

Paul Taylor and Alex Gilliead were missing but otherwise Stuart McCall named a strong line-up for the opening friendly.

City's starting line-up included one trialist - 22-year-old left back Ellis Plummer, who has been released by Manchester City.

Avenue's squad featured seven trialists, including Dean Windass' youngest son Jordan, who came on in the second half at right back.

There was a minute's applause before the game to remember Bradley Lowery.

It was Avenue who took the lead after 14 minutes, Nicky Clee rifling a shot into the top corner after City failed to clear from a free-kick.

And the home side went 2-0 up on the half hour through a Nicky Wroe penalty after Matt Kilgallon pulled down Javan Vidal in the box.

Worse followed for the Bantams with a third Avenue goal a minute later, Adam Boyes nodding in Oli Johnson's cross.

City created several chances and went closest when Tyrell Robinson's shot was cleared off the line by Ryan Toulson.

Stuart McCall changed the entire team for the second half and City lined up with a midfield diamond.

Shay McCartan was a lively presence in the attacking midfield role and went close with a couple of decent efforts.

Avenue almost added a late fourth but Rouven Sattelmaier saved low down from Danny Boshell.

CITY (first half): Doyle, Hanson, Vincelot, Kilgallon, Plummer, Hudson, Devine, Reeves, Robinson, Poleon, Wyke.

Second half: Sattelmaier, McMahon, Barr, Knight-Percival, Chicksen, Dieng, Pybus, Law, McCartan, Patrick, Jones.

Crowd: 2,020.