GARRY Thompson said his hairs were on end after receiving a fantastic reception when coming on against Bradford City.

The Bradford (Park Avenue) player-manager subbed himself on in the second-half of his side's match-up at Horsfall Stadium with their local rivals.

Avenue went on to lose on penalties, handing the Tom Banks Memorial Trophy to the Bantams.

But Thompson - who was part of the City "History Makers" and helped them to promotion from League Two in 2013 - received applause from all sides of the ground when coming on to the pitch.

He said: "It's nice, it makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up because I really enjoyed my time at Bradford City.

"For them still to give me that reception after being away from the club for probably four or five years, just means what kind of fans they are.

"They truly honour and respect you for what you've done for the football club.

"It was also nice to hear the Bradford (Park Avenue) fans singing my name as well, so it's nice.

"Like we've always said, it's one Bradford, we've always done that.

"We want Bradford City fans to come down and watch us, if Bradford are away.

"We want them to come and cheers us on as much as they would do when they're at City.

"They're a loyal bunch of fans and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there and I'm hoping that we can build something.

"I think they'll be thoroughly impressed with how we played tonight, so hopefully we can get a few more down."

Avenue competed with City all the way in the game and Thompson believes his side should have even gone on to win the game after being better side in the second-half.

He said: "The three new additions who came in and played today were superb.

"The substitutes who came on after an hour pushed us on and made us stronger.

"I just thought from start to finish we were absolutely superb."

The hosts played with panache and tempo, picking out passes to craft opportunities.

Thompson was impressed with Avenue's work out of possession too, proving resilent against a "better calibre of player".

He added: "With our energy, we looked powerful. The way we moved the ball was very pleasing.

"I don't just want to be a one trick pony though because you come up against every kind of team this season and we need to be adaptable.

"We changed formation at half-time and the boys adapted, again, superbly well.

"We've got pace, we've got power, we've got experience and I was thoroughly delighted with how we played tonight."