After going head-to-head with the full time professionals from Valley Parade and leading 2-1 at the break, the Lions first pre-season match eventually ended in a 3-2 reverse. But as is the nature of these games sweeping changes at halftime to in order to give Steve Kittrick a good look at his new charges and City looking as though they meant business saw the Bantams steal the win. Having said that, there were enough positives on the field – on this showing at least – to signal that the Lions will be no pushovers once the season starts in earnest.

Picture courtesy of Andrew Withey

There were several familiar face on both sides with City including former Lions Dave Syers and of course James Hanson – who was the Bantams captain for the night – with former Matlock Town striker Ross Hannah on the bench whilst the home side featured ex-City captain Mark Bower amongst the subs.

Guiseley included new signings Jamie Clarke, Michael Burns and Alex Davidson I the starting line up together with the returning Danny Forrest whilst James Booker, Lee Ellington, Peter Davidson, Gavin Allot, James Bennett, Jacob Giles, Anthony Pekora and Michael Flynn were all included amongst the Lions subs.

Picture courtesy of Andrew Withey

The Bantams were first to go close as Syers tested Steve Drench but the Lions keeper was equal to the challenge before the same player put a looping shot just over Drench’s bar.

Playing their trademark short passing game the home side gradually began to get the better of the League Two side and when central defender Guy Branston and Steve Williams made the schoolboy error of going for the same clearance  ball only to head the ball across their own 18 yard line it was new signing  Alex Davidson who picked it up and held off a challenge to slip the ball under Mark Howard to open his and Guiseley’s account on 22 minutes.

The lead was short-lived however as Syers lashed the ball home from the edge of the area six minute later. Not to be denied however, Gavin Rothery escaped the attentions of Luke O’Brien and steered the ball wide of Howard’s desperate dive into the bottom corner to restore the Lion’s lead.

Picture courtesy of Andrew Withey

With six changes at the restart the home sides momentum was disrupted and the visitors took advantage with Mark Stewart (49) and Hanson (57) with a trademark header from close in sealed the win for the Bantams. Substitute Joey Spivack went closest for Guiseley in the closing minutes but his shot went just the wrong side of the upright.

All-in-all an entertaining game before a healthy crowd which was played in the right spirit and should have proved a useful workout for both sides. The home support will be encouraged that manager Steve Kittrick has once again sourced some more than useful looking talent  with Alex Davidson looking a bundle of energy and ingenuity who also knows where the goal is.