Following Saturday's pre-season victory over Bradford (Park Avenue), City boss Stuart McCall said: "No matter what game you play in, players want to get into good habits. It will do Macca good to get off the mark and Peter Thorne as well.

"The boys worked really hard on Friday, so we knew there was a lot of tiredness out there, but at this stage it's just about getting that fitness into them.

"We're working to a plan and the fitness expert is pleased with the level we're at so far. You don't just stop training when you come to the games.

"People were aware they'd be a bit heavy-legged, plus I also made them play a bit longer than midweek. Rather than just having a half, I gave them 60 to 65 minutes.

"But pre-season is all about playing games like this. Park Avenue gave us a decent game, it was played in a good spirit and the pitch was nice.

"At this time of the year, it's all about picking up right habits and building up the match fitness."