THERE was an incredible atmosphere for Bradford City's friendly against Liverpool at Valley Parade yesterday, as the two clubs raised thousands of pounds for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation.

Fans chatted about their memories of Stephen Darby in a City shirt, the atmosphere around Bradford and their hopes for the season.

The game itself saw the Bantams slip to an honourable 3-1 defeat.

Eoin Doyle scored a consolation penalty for City late on, whose players performed in front of a mammoth crowd of 24,343, a record since the stadium reopened in 1986 after the Valley Parade fire.

There were emotional scenes before kick off, as Stephen fought back tears when addressing the crowd alongside close friend, and fellow Motor Neurone Disease sufferer, Chris Rimmer.

The fans got behind him, with "Stephen Darby Baby" chants and applause ringing out around the ground.

Fan Zahir Mohammed said: “It was about more than football today and it puts things into perspective. It was nice to see Valley Parade full and hopefully it’s a sign the good times are coming back.”