Sheff Utd reserves 1

Bradford City reserves 2

Donovan Ricketts was today having checks on the groin injury which cut short his first outing in a City jersey.

The Jamaican goalkeeper, who captained the reserves, came off eight minutes from time in the 2-1 win at Chesterfield's Saltergate.

Boss Colin Todd said: "He over-stretched when he dived to make a save and strained his groin. I don't think it's anything too serious."

If yesterday's game was notable for Ricketts finally playing for the club, it also saw the reserves open their winning account after three defeats.

The youthful away side, coached by Wayne Jacobs, were in front from the seventh minute when Joe Colbeck curled home after a mix-up between keeper Phil Barnes and United defender Ewan Horwood.

Sam Denton headed just over the bar and Danny Ekoku fluffed a great chance after Luke Richardson had set him up with a well-placed pass.

The early chances continued to flow and after Barnes had denied Kevin Sanasy with his legs, City went further ahead midway through the half. Craig Bentham, who is really looking the part in midfield, championed his cause by firing in a first-time shot from outside the area.

Liverpool trialist Chris Butler went off at half-time feeling unwell. Sean Clifford, sent off for the youth team on Saturday, took over and was quickly involved with an effort that flew into the side-netting.

But Sheffield United made it 2-1 after 55 minutes against the run of play. Colin Marrison was given room to cross and Stephen Quinn beat Ricketts with a header from six yards out.

City had a strong penalty shout denied before a familiar name joined the action late on for the home side. Nicky Law, son of the former City boss, played the last 20 minutes watched by his dad in the stand.

CITY RESERVES: Ricketts (Thackeray), Swift, Butler (Clifford), Penford, Denton, Wright, Colbeck (Doherty), Sanasy, Ekoku, Bentham, Richardson. Subs (not used): Denvers, McGuire.