BRADFORD Hockey Club suffered the heartbreak of losing their Yorkshire Youth League Under-16 Boys' semi-final on penalty flicks at Park Lane High School, Halifax.

And this after coming through a 'group of death' that included Ben Rhydding, Doncaster and Sheffield Hallam.

Bradford beat Sheffield 2-0 in their opening game, Alex Stewart and Matthew Wilson scoring, despite the presence of England junior international Lucas Ward.

A fine performance by goalkeeper Joe Moore ensured that Bradford kept a clean sheet before they drew 2-2 against Doncaster, with Bradford ending a little disappointed that they hadn't triumphed.

Two fine goals by Seb Shaw gained Bradford a point before they lost 3-2 to neighbours Ben Rhydding, with Shaw and Shubham Tandale scoring.

Hallam's 2-0 win over Doncaster ensured that Bradford, who were growing in confidence, progressed to the semi-finals, where they faced league champions York.

York started the game very negatively with a half-court press but it didn't serve them well as, after a period of patience and sustained pressure by Bradford, York's defence was breached by a gem of a goal.

It was created from good build-up, a wonderful bit of trickery by Jordan Hardaker on the left baseline and a pull-back for Tandale to finish in style.

After York came close to equalising on a couple of occasions in an end-to-end contest, Bradford appeared to make the match safe when classy midfielder Charlie Sorton used his trickery at a short corner to rifle the ball into the backboard.

However, the non-engaged umpire ruled that the injection had not travelled outside the D – a contentious decision which ultimately cost Bradford a place in the final as, in the dying moments, York were awarded a flick from which they duly scored.

Then came the disappointment of the penalty flicks but it should not mask the effort and performances of the Bradford youngsters.

Bradford squad: Joe Moore, George Prescott, Alex Stewart, Matthew Wilson, Tyler Illingworth, Ben Craig, Mark Roberts, Simon Wood, Josh Moehr, Jessica Carter, Shubham Tandale, Jordan Hardaker, Charlie Sorton, Seb Shaw.