Town's Academy side were forced to come away empty in this afternoon's Yorkshire Derby as they were made to pay late on in their 3-0 loss away to Bradford City.
Town came into this one off the back of a goalless draw against Mansfield and were looking to pick up there first three points of the new year.
There was only the one change from last week with Robbie Wilson earning himself a place in the starting lineup in replace of Finn O’Boyle.
The game began in an even manner with both teams having a fair share of the possession. The midfield battle was the key area in which the game would be won or lost with a few strong tackles early on.
However, it wasn’t a long wait for the opener as Bradford City took the lead on 14 minutes. A whipped free kick into the box and found its way through to the Bradford number 9 who delicately lifted his header over Mooney at the near post to give his side the lead.
Shortly after, Bradford had the ball in the Town net for the second time but only to be called offside with the finish. Prior to that, Mooney pulled off an outstanding save from a strike from point blank range to prevent Town from going two goals down.
Chances proved to be at a premium for McArdle's side as the front three of Brodella, Bray, and McClarin struggled for possession.
10 minutes before half time, Mooney was called into action again with a brilliant save with his feet following an effort which looked to be creeping beyond his reach and into the corner. However, he was wise to the danger and Town went into the break behind.
It was a fast start to the second half with Town finding joy down the wings and getting the front three into action and looked eager to draw level early on.
On 60 minutes Bray had the best chance of the game with the attack led by McClarin who drove into the box before cutting the ball back to Bray who sliced the ball wide of the post from 12 yards out.
The first card of the match was shown to Moorby on 65 minutes for a late challenge which the referee had no choice but to take his name.
With a quarter of an hour to go Nicholson entered the field in replace of McClarin looking to be the one who turned the tide in Town’s favour.
Bradford had the hance to put the game to bed on 80 minutes as Town cheaply gave the ball away which resulted in a 2v1. The ball was squared to the left winger who struck the post with the goal gaping.
Moments later Bradford missed yet another open goal striking the bar from 6 yards out. The ball rebounded back out to the left winger whose header wasn’t powerful enough as Barnes cleared the second effort off the line and out for a corner.
The resulting corner however meant trouble for Town as Bradford finally breached the defence. The Bradford number 9 grabbed his second of the day with a rocket of a shot into the roof of the net which was past Moorby before he could react.
In stoppage time, Bradford grabbed a third via their number 9 who made it a hat-trick for himself.
A sweeping move through the heart of the midfield resulted in a through pass with the striker bearing down on goal. He kept his composure to slot the ball past Mooney for his third.