Bradford Bulldogs returned to action at home to Manchester Phoenix but were on the wrong end of an emphatic 7-1 scoreline.

The Bulldogs got off to the worst possible start when Manchester took the lead in the first minute.

The hard-working hosts were struggling to cope with their physical opponents and found themselves 2-0 down by the start of the second period.

The Bulldogs got back into the match with a powerplay goal scored by Matt Viney but that was to be as good as it got.

Manchester netted five more goals to go in 6-1 up at the end of the second period and although the third was a tighter affair it was the visitors who scored the only goal in the final minute.

The result left the Bulldogs with much to think about before their next match on Sunday, January 18 when they take on leaders Telford at Bradford Ice Arena.

Face-off is 5.15pm, with admission £5 for adults and under-16s free with a paying adult.

Brighter news for the Bradford club saw the under-14s continue their unbeaten season with a 14-2 win at Nottingham which leaves them clear at the top.

They next face Newcastle at home on Saturday and a win will see the Bulldogs have one hand on the championship trophy.