Reserves Draw at Bradford

Last updated : 29 July 2003 By Kevin Markey

UNITED XI 2 BRADFORD PA 2
(at Horsfall Stadium, Attendance 785, h/t 1-0)

Harpal Singh and Simon Johnson both scored for United in an entertaining clash at The Horsfall Stadium with both Park Avenue goals coming from Andy Hayward, in front of a crowd of 785, Bradford's biggest for six years.
                                                             Steve discusses tactics

United had been forced to come from behind twice in the game as their Unibond Premier Division neighbours looked to upstage the up and coming potential Leeds stars of tomorrow at the Horsfall Stadium.

Park Avenue included former Leeds trainees Andy Quinn and Andy Wright, a Youth Cup winner alongside the likes of Ian Harte and Harry Kewell, in their side.

Striker Andy Hayward scored both goals for the home side and it was left to a fine effort from Harpal Singh to drag The Whites back into the game before Simon Johnson levelled again with seven minutes of time remaining.

Hayward, a big number nine, was a constant threat and opened his account after 9 minutes when Carson managed to block a close range shot from Quinn, Kilgallon got in the way of his second attempt on the line but Hayward rifled the rebound home.

Leeds' fightback saw Stephen McPhail's goalbound shot blocked and then just past the half-hour they were desperately unlucky when a glancing header from Jamie McMaster rebounded off the upright after Henry McStay had driven forward from the back and delivered the perfect cross.

Avenue continued to prove a threat though and midfielder Simon Collins could scarcely believe it as Carson tipped his free-kick over the bar and then the same player headed over from six yards.

That took it to half-time and Steve Agnew's first game in charge of the reserves was not going to plan. He demanded better and he got it from this young United side.

Harpal Singh made a break for goal ten minutes into the second half that should have seen him equalise, instead he dragged his shot wide, but his turn of pace was a warning to the home side.

Jamie McMaster came close minutes later when he put Simon Johnson's cross over the bar and then was left frustrated as Avenue's trialist keeper Mick Jones somehow managed to tip his fierce drive over. Jones went on to deny McPhail from 30-yards in similar fashion and McMaster once again.

Harpal Singh atoned for his earlier miss on 66 minutes when he lashed home a shot from 30-yards that left the keeper with little chance. It was a great strike from Singh on his return to his hometown.

Aussie international Paul Okon, ten years older than the rest of the United side, nearly grabbed the lead minutes afterwards with a shot through a crowded penalty area that was deflected wide.

The home side regained their advantage on 70 minutes when Hayward steamed in for his second, a header that saw him get just infront of Carson to nod the ball into an empty net. Bradford nearly added to that but Jason Maxwell's 30-yarder flew back off the inside post to safety.

United's equaliser came courtesy of some great work down the right hand flank by full-back Frazer Richardson. Richardson used his skill to shrug off one challenge and deliver a perfect hanging cross for Simon Johnson to meet with a firm header at the back post.

The goal earned Leeds a draw, much to the delight of Steve Agnew who was not too disappointed to have come away without an opening win.

Agnew said: "Fitness levels are the most important thing at this stage. We created more chances in the second half and should have scored more goals.

"I thought at times we were a bit naive at defending set-pieces but that's something we will have to work on. Their keeper had a hell of a game.

"All we can do at reserve level is develop players to a standard where they can perform in the Premier League if required. With the right attitude there are a few in our reserve side who will have an opportunity at some stage this season."

United: Carson, McStay, Richardson, Okon, Kilgallon, Constable (Woods 64), Keegan, Johnson, McMaster, McPhail, Singh.

Bradford PA: Jones, Mitchell, Crossley, Collins, Stansfield, Donaldson, Quinn, Benn, Hayward, Maxwell, Wright.

Thanks to Leedsunited.com for match details.