Pools Academy fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat on the road to Bradford City at the weekend, despite goals from Campbell Darcy and Joe Aungiers.

Alex Cross and Graeme Clark’s side travelled to the Bantams in the EFL Youth Alliance on Saturday morning.

Pools went behind early as Bilal Hussain found the net from close-range after five minutes for Bradford.

But Pools hit back with an equaliser after 10 minutes later when Darcy pressed high, drove forward and unleashed a strike past the goalkeeper from 20 yards.

Moments later, Pools took the lead when Aungiers pounced on a defensive mistake and slipped the ball under Bradford keeper Jack Robinson – the son of former England and Spurs stopper Paul Robinson.

Pools keeper Harry Conyard was rarely tested before the hour mark, however Bradford found an equaliser from Lewis Boney’s powerful free-kick on the edge of the box.

The game was tight going into the final stages and Pools almost found an opening when Aungiers went down in the box, but the referee dismissed the penalty claims.

With 72 on the clock, Bradford found a winner as Hussain drove in the from the right and slotted home to make it 3-2.

Pools pushed forward in hope of an equaliser, but the visitors were unable to convert their chances as the referee blew time on proceedings.

“It was a solid performance overall,” stated coach Graeme Clark.

“It’s disappointing to lose but we can definitely take some positives from the performance.

“We turn our attention to Friday’s home fixture against Chesterfield which will be another tough game.”