Bristol City 2 Bradford City 2
The Bantams marked their return to League One with an excellent point at Sean O'Driscoll's much-fancied Bristol City.
Showing terrific character and fighting spirit, City came from behind twice to earn themselves a hard fought draw. Scott Wagstaff opened the scoring early on before Nahki Wells equalised following a defensive mix up. Jay Emmanuel-Thomas fired The Robins back in front before Rory McArdle headed home from Raffaele De Vita's teasing corner.
The visitors enjoyed an encouraging start to the game and almost stunned the home crowd by taking the lead; after Nahki Wells was fouled Mark Yeates delivered a free kick which was headed against the post by Wells himself and he volleyed the rebound into the ground and narrowly over the bar to let the hosts off the hook.
Despite the positive start it was Bristol City who were to take the lead; undoubtedly an eye-catching summer signing, Jay Emmanuel-Thomas showed strength and some neat footwork to force his way into the area before laying the ball on a plate for Scott Wagstaff to steer the ball in off the far post.
City were still showing real energy and determination despite being behind and they levelled the score in somewhat bizarre fashion just after the half hour mark. Mark Yeates sent an inviting ball down the channel which James Hanson got to ahead of Frank Fielding who was left in no man's land after losing his head somewhat, sensing an unguarded goal he squared the ball to Nahki Wells who struck the equaliser despite the best efforts of Liam Fontaine to block the ball in the goalmouth.
The Bantams started the second half undoubtedly on the front foot putting the home side under real spells of pressure but just before the hour mark they fell behind for the second time in the game. Sam Baldock was found in too much space on the left hand side and he squared the ball for Emmanuel-Thomas to composedly steer the ball past Jon McLaughlin from 12 yards out.
The game was very much still all to play for heading into the final twenty minutes of the match and City almost levelled through Wells.
With just over ten minutes remaining City were level once again. Substitute Raffaele De Vita delivered a teasing corner to the near post where McArdle was on hand to glance the ball into the far corner at full stretch.
O'Driscoll's side did almost snatch a win though, in the last minute of the game when full back Greg Cunningham headed Taylor's cross downwards at the far post but McLaughlin was on hand to beat the ball away and make sure his side would head back north with something to show for their more than creditable performance.