Pools had to settle for a point in their weekend game at Bradford City despite twice taking the lead against the Bantams.

After a long break from league action due to the bad weather, the players looked hungry from the first whistle and set about Bradford with intent in the early stages.

Lee Mason was causing problems in attack for the hosts, while Callum Martin came close to opening the scoring on the half hour mark but saw his shot saved.

However, the breakthrough arrived shortly afterwards when Callum Hassan flicked on a wonderful through ball from Daniel Johnson and Mason chased through to finish clinically with an angled drive from the edge of the box.

Pools could have extended their lead before the break but Mason couldn't repeat the trick and saw another effort scrape wide of the post.

Micky Barron's men began the second period in the same manner and Mason again let fly with a shot on goal which was well saved, before turning provider for Martin who lifted his effort over the bar.

The game was levelled when Bradford began to exert some pressure of their own and made it tell when the equalised from a set-piece.

But Pools rallied again and Daniel Johnson struck them back in front when he made it 2-1 with a lovely turn and shot on the edge of the penalty area.

Chay Liddle sent a free-kick whistling just past the post as Pools looked to finish the game off, but City came back again to level things at 2-2 with nine minutes left.

Tom Marron had a great chance to nick the points for Pools late on but headed wide and Barron's youngsters had to settle for a draw.

"Given the fact we've had quite a long break from league action I was delighted with how the players performed," Barron commented.

"They approached the game with a great attitude and showed their quality on a very heavy pitch which meant they were tired in the closing stages.

"We had the chances to have won the game but in terms of the performance I have no complaint and it's certainly given us something to build on," he added.

Full Time: Bradford City 2 Pools 2

Pools: Herbert, Purvis, Pearson, Richards, Rowbotham, Marron, Martin, Liddle, Mason (Snaith 78), Hassan (Wakefield 30), D Johnson (Marshall 88).
Subs not used: Selby, Mooney.