HOPE FOR AKPAN?

The midfielder has been in and out of the City team in League Two this season, but was given his chance to shine against Manchester City Under-21s. He will also be buoyed by his impressive headed goal.

His experience and strength helped some of the young players and he was made captain for the night.

Maybe this move shows there will be an opportunity for everyone in the squad to show what they can do and stake a claim for the league line-up.

KEEPER COMPETITION

Fresh from an early season loan spell at neighbours Guiseley, George Sykes-Kenworthy made his Bantams debut in the Trophy. He looked calm, assured and made a couple of decent saves. His distribution was also impressive.

The youngster looks like a good student of the game if his in-depth discussion with goalkeeping coach John Vaughan at the dugouts after the game is anything to go by. It looks like his spell away from Valley Parade has done him the power of good.

NETWORKING

Bowyer may also have been watching potential future Bradford City players who were wearing the light blue of Manchester City on Tuesday night.

He will have been impressed with the performances of a couple of stand-out players.

In particular skipper Tommy Doyle may have got the plaudits for the winner, but he also drove his side in midfield, starting attacks any chance he got and driving forward himself. He is not afraid of getting in a challenge too.

Striker Jayden Braaf also looked good, confident enough to shoot on sight.

Could they both be loaned out to wear claret and amber and gain experience in the future?

ISMAIL DELIVERS

The former Walsall winger continues to impress for City. He may have only played the first half on Tuesday night but he was his side's best player during that period.

He looks a good old-fashioned winger; not afraid of taking a man on and getting chalk on his boots. He also added to his assist count for Akpan's header.

Ismail already looks like a valuable asset for the Bantams

NOT A HUGE DRAW

Tuesday night's game broke an unenviable record as only 868 fans turned up for the clash. Only the West Stand had anywhere near a presence and, to be fair, they did create some noise at times. But it had the atmosphere of a reserve team game.

It is the third year in a row that City's fans stayed away for a home tie in this competition. The latest home clash beat last year's low of 902 against Everton u21s.

It seems like the Leasing.com Trophy does not attract the crowds, what can be done to bring punters in?