Shaw Lane Aquaforce 1, Bradford Park Avenue 0

A DEFEAT at Barnsley-based Shaw Lane Aquaforce was hardly the best preparation for Avenue's final pre-season friendly at home to Derby County's under-21s at Horsfall Stadium tomorrow night.

However, Bradford boss Martin Drury took some positives from a game his side dominated after the break. It was the classic game of two halves with Shaw Lane bossing the first period while Avenue had the lion's share of possession after the interval.

Drury was disappointed with the result but said: "We got another work-out and it was another 90 minutes for a lot of players.

"It showed us a few things about players that we haven't seen so far and in that respect it was frustrating. We didn't start well in the first half and certain players didn't do what they have been doing in training and the other friendlies.

"That leaves you playing off the cuff and that's not a good way of approaching games but full credit to Shaw Lane. In terms of possession we controlled the game in the second half but it was difficult to break down a team that went to five at the back."

The home side's midfielder Gary Stoher rattled Avenue keeper Jon Stewart's bar early on while, in the visitors' first attack, James Walshaw could only find the side netting after being played in by Massiah McDonald.

The home side broke the deadlock when Avenue centre back Ryan Qualter inadvertently headed over Stewart. The visitors tried to respond but, after Walshaw was beaten to a cross by the home keeper's fist, McDonald's snatched shot from the loose ball was off target.

Former Avenue and Bantams man Luke O'Brien had to make way later and he was replaced by Gibraltar international Adam Priestley, who left Throstle Nest for Shaw Lane during the summer.

Bradford did everything they could in the second half but failed to create an opening they could make count. There was some concern as Nathan Turner, who only signed a new contract during the week after proving his fitness in pre-season, went down injured in the first half.

Drury said: "Nathan turned his ankle and the physio treated it with ice immediately but we will have to have a look at that before tomorrow night. You can't judge an injury like that there and then - you have to access it later."