Pools Youth Team were narrowly beaten by Bradford City at Chester-le-Street on Saturday as they returned to action for the first time in a month.

Micky Barron's youngsters looked a little rusty and despite putting in plenty of effort they just could not find that little bit of extra quality in the final third to break their visitors down.

Marc Ellison and Chay Liddle both saw early efforts saved by the keeper as Pools got on the front foot early and took the game to the Bantams.

However, City came back strongly to score the only goal of the game, despite a heavy suspicion of offside in the build-up.

Pools started the second half strongly and could have been back on level terms when Callum Martin fired in a shot but again the visiting keeper was up to the task.

Ellison then could have equalised for Pools with just three minutes left but sent his shot just wide of the target and City held on for the win.

"There was plenty of effort and endeavour from the boys, we just lacked that little bit in the final third," Barron commented.

"I thought the sides were fairly evenly matched a draw would probably have been a fair result so it was harsh on the lads."

Full Time: Pools 0 Bradford City 1

Pools: Thomas, Purvis (Quantrill), Blackford, Ellison, Johnson, Sharples, Martin, Marron, Mason (McRoberts), Charlton, Liddle (Reech).
Subs not used: Wakefield, Loynes.