Pools Reserves were beaten 4-3 by their Bradford City counterparts in a thrilling Pontins League Cup game at the Coral Windows Stadium.

With Barnsley having already qualified for the next stage, there was nothing riding on the tie and that showed with both sides seemingly more concerned with going forward than defending.

Pools got off to a great start when Michael Rae headed the ball back across the six yard area and Michael Mackay slipped in to sidefoot the ball home with only eleven minutes on the clock.

It was one-way traffic for a spell after that as Ian Butterworth's men went in search of more goals but chances went astray and Bradford were allowed back in to it.

The Bantams equalised on the half-hour mark Tom Penford tucked home a Barry Conlon cross, and then they went in front just before the break when Conlon tapped home despite calls for offside.

Pools keeper Scott Allison turned over a free-kick just after half time but the hosts did increase their lead moments later when Conlon was in the right place to nod home his second of the game.

It got worse on 70 minutes when Conlon linked up with strike partner Luke Medley, with the latter drilling the ball under Allison to make it 4-1.

The game looked over but Pools kept going, and Mackay slipped David Foley through on goal and his tidy finish pulled one back.

Foley returned the favour with three minutes remaining when he played a one-two to release Mackay who made it 4-3 with a cool finish.

However, time ran out for Butterworth's men and they were narrowly beaten despite a valiant fightback at the Coral Windows Stadium.

Full Time: Bradford City 4 Pools 3

Bradford City: Waite, Harban, O'Brien, Bentham, Bowes, Lucio (Smith 46), Penford (Bleau 46), Joynes, Conlon (Sheridan 75), Medley, Taylforth.

Subs not used: Filler, Newton.

Pools: Allison, Gott, Haigh, Barron, Tait, Turnbull, Foley, Mahamat, Rae (Tymon 81), Mackay, Robson (Rowell 88).

Subs not used: Trevena, Forbes, Proudlock.