BRADFORD CITY 0 MAN UNITED U21s 3

DIFFERENT competition, different type of game, different team – but unfortunately the same outcome of late.

Defeat in the Papa John’s Trophy at Valley Parade, while never a biggie in the fixture calendar, means it is now six games without a win for City.

The fourth defeat in that run was also the fourth time the Bantams have fired a blank since the last victory at Mansfield.

Derek Adams had promised to shake things up and give others an opportunity – he certainly did that with nine changes from Saturday’s draw with Barrow.

But it could not reverse the team’s recent fortunes as September’s struggles continue.

The crowd of 2,022 – barring the 230 boisterous United fans – were muted for the most part.

Those players who had been given the platform to show the manager what they could do struggled to put up a case for inclusion as United’s keen youngsters swept them away with a three-goal blast after the break.

They can have few complaints with Adams if they are not involved again.

Gareth Evans had been the only starter to stay in from the weekend on the team sheet.

But he was joined at kick-off by Alex Gilliead, who was suddenly promoted from the bench in place of Caolan Lavery after the warm-up.

With Theo Robinson also missing after a training-ground knock, the Canadian’s absence potentially leaves City short up top. Missing a recognised striker, Gilliead played down the middle for the first 45 minutes.

United’s side included the sons of Robbie Savage and Richie Wellens – as well as 35-year-old Republic of Ireland international and now player/coach Paul McShane offering some considerably over-age experience.

Shola Shoretire, who is less than half his age, made history last season as United’s youngest-ever player in Europe.

The teenage striker provided an early warm-up for Sam Hornby with a backheel from the opening corner. But otherwise, there was little action in either box.

Most of the entertainment in the first 20 minutes came from the away fans. They sung about Cantona, Ronaldo and Wembley but it was a rousing anti-Leeds chorus that went down very well with the locals.

Adams had predicted a different type of contest to the usual physical stuff of League Two against United’s more technical youngsters. It was tidy stuff on the ball but both sides were cancelling each other out.

It was nearly the half-hour mark when Kian Scales offered City’s first attempt with a cross-shot blocked by keeper Matej Kovar.

United responded minutes later and Hornby had to be alert to beat away Zidane Iqbal after the midfielder had found room in the box.

The game was slowly coming to life as Ollie Crankshaw weaved into the box and his low drive was stopped by Kovar at his near post.

Adams made two changes at the break – with Charles Vernam taking over the strike role from Gilliead. Oscar Threlkeld also came on in midfield for Evans.

But the subs had barely touched the ball when United struck. Hornby punched an early corner as far as the edge of the box.

Savage met it with a well-struck drive that deflected off Songo’o’s chest to take it beyond the City keeper.

Vernam responded with a low ball into the mix, where Crankshaw was denied and Threlkeld could not force home the rebound.

Levi Sutton weaved into the box before firing over the bar – and then City were punished a second time.

Savage fancied a second with a thundering 25-yarder that flew over but United soon doubled their advantage as Joseph Hugill tapped home from Dillon Hoogewerf’s low cross.

Andy Cook had probably expected the night off – but found himself involved for the final half hour with attacking options limited.

Cook soon got his head on Vernam’s cross but Kovar dived to claim on the bounce.

City’s leading scorer – although he has not netted since that Field Mill winner – had another chance when he burst into the box. But he dallied too long before getting off a shot and that allowed United skipper Teden Mengi to make the block.

It highlighted the lack of a killer instinct that is holding back the Bantams right now.

And it got worse for City with eight minutes left as Songo’o slipped and Dutchman Hoogewerf took advantage to convert United’s third.