A young Reserve side came away from Valley Parade on Thursday evening with a hard-earned draw, as a number of inexperienced academy lads enhanced their reputations.

Tommy Craig's young side showed no less than seven changes from Monday's loss to Bolton, and had an early scare after just thirty seconds when City's Ben Muirhead saw his chip cannon off Caig's crossbar.

It was a fairly even encounter for the first half hour, Damon Robson shooting wide on the quarter hour before calling Icelandic keeper Magnusson into action three minutes later.

United then went in front courtesy of former Notts County defender Simon Francis - he'd always wanted to score for the Magpies, but not like that....

And it was almost 2-0 four minutes later when Zola made good contact with a header that went just wide. Quinn provided the cross from the left after the unlikely duo of Dabizas and Zola had led a break out of defence.

After the equaliser, Tommy Craig switched things with David Edgar (son of old toon keeper Eddie) replacing the injured Zola after 54 minutes. 

The debutant youngster partnered Dabizas in the centre of defence with Orr going into midfield and Walton being the lone striker, as City looked to up the pace.

With 71 minutes gone the persistence of Ross Gardner in midfield almost paid off as he won the ball before slipping it to Walton, who was only inches over with an audacious 35 yard dipping lob.

Three minutes later City almost grabbed the lead as as Orr error on the edge of the box gifted the ball to sub Tom Penford. He slipped it to Almond who was one-on-one with Caig in the box and looked a certain scorer.

However our keeper stuck out a leg to deflect the ball and force Almond to reshape for the shot into what was looking like an empty net - however his effort was blocked by the timely intervention of Dabizas, the ball spinning clear off his head.

City replaced their forward line for the final half hour and gradually began to threaten Caig's goal more frequently as the game reached it's closing stages.

However some resolute defending from the side kept them at bay, with Dabizas in the thick of the action, ably assisted by debutant David Edgar.

The midfield also worked hard throughout, Damon Robson giving a gutsy and energetic performance, supported by Orr and Gardner.

Marc Walton also impressed in his forward role, notably when leading the line as a solo striker and was unfortunate not to grab a debut goal at this level.

The point lifting Bradford off the bottom, being replaced by fellow strugglers Sheffield Wednesday. We remain 8th, with remaining trips to Everton, Birmingham and smogside plus home games against both Manchester clubs.