Ashley Ward has thrown down a two-goal gauntlet to Bradford City boss Chris Hutchings.

The £1.5 million striker broke his scoring duck last night when he netted twice as a substitute in City's nerve-jangling Worthington Cup third-round exit at Newcastle.

Ward came off the bench with Dean Saunders for the second half as Hutchings hauled off big names Stan Collymore and Benito Carbone.

The switch nearly worked as City clambered back from 3-1 down to level with Ward getting both goals before Newcastle scrambled home 4-3.

Hutchings, who now faces a selection headache before Saturday's Premier-ship trip to Charlton, said: "It's a squad game so we changed things round and the two boys that came on did very well.

"Stan and Beni weren't performing, simple as that. Things didn't work out for them, but you can't play well all the time.

"Players have good games, they have bad games. They were obviously disappointed but I have to do things for the good of the team.

"And they were both on the bench with the rest of us for the second half."

Ward has had to wait nearly three months since moving from Blackburn to get off the mark.

He said: "I've been at clubs where you score on your debut and it makes life so much easier. I've had to wait for it, but it's a nice feeling.

"It was a terrific effort from the boys and we very nearly pulled it off.

"We created more chances in the second half than we have at any stage in the season. It's amazing considering we were at St James' Park against a top quality side.

"Charlton on Saturday shouldn't technically be as good as Newcastle. But they will work hard and as long as we match that and play like we did second half then we've got a great chance."

Newcastle's former England manager Bobby Robson applauded Hutchings' half-time changes and said: "The two players that came on to the pitch were better than the two who went off.

"Great credit to the manager who made the changes. He had nothing to lose and it worked very well - at one stage I thought we were playing Manchester United.

"Now after their performance he has got the choice of four strikers and that will give him a chance. I hope the chairman stays with him because he does a good job.

"He has come out of this game with a bit of respect, pride and good management quality."

Ward nearly grabbed a hat-trick but was denied by an instinctive save from Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper.

The City forward said: "I hit it right and thought it was in but it wasn't to be. He pulled off a great save.

"I've had a few of those this season but I'll still take two goals.

"Hopefully that's just the start for me now."