Stuart McCall was encouraged by his young City side’s performance against Doncaster Rovers yesterday evening.
The Bantams picked up a valuable point on the road in Northern Group F of the EFL Trophy against the South Yorkshire outfit - after a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes.
Although losing 4-1 in the resulting penalty shoot-out, McCall was proud of his team’s performance against a full-strength Sky Bet League One side.
He said: “It was a really encouraging performance.
“Doncaster put out their strongest side, so to get a clean sheet in the 90 minutes was really pleasing.
“I knew we would really have to be at it tonight defensively and everybody would need to work hard. Thankfully, the lads did that.
“From Clayton Donaldson up front, all the way through to Sam Hornby between the sticks - I thought we were brilliant.”
McCall handed out three professional debuts with academy graduates Connor Shanks, Finn Cousin-Dawson and Kian Scales all named in the starting 11.
He remains impressed by how the youngsters have stepped up into senior football and is excited for the season ahead.
“We had a lot of young lads playing and needed to flip the system,” added McCall.
“We simplified our way of playing for our kids and I thought the work ethic was outstanding against a really strong outfit.
“I am probably more pleased by the performance against Doncaster than I was on Saturday against Bolton.
“There is a good vibe around the club at the moment. Everyone is in it together and we are all working hard for each other.”
McCall’s men kick-off their 2020/21 Sky Bet League Two campaign at home to Colchester United this Saturday (3.00pm).
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