ASSUMING media duties ahead of Bradford City's eagerly-anticipated meeting with Huddersfield Town, Bobby Pointon provided a refreshing reminder that good old-fashioned derby banter is not dead yet.

In a modern-day era when derby discourse can sadly descend into obscenities being thrown at each other from either side and border on the downright nasty at times, it was all the more wholesome.

Low Moor lad Pointon is as claret-and-amber as they come.

Last September, he had the time of his life at Huddersfield's expense at Valley Parade - netting a brace in front of a Bradford End packed with Town followers in the rivals' first league meeting at BD8 in almost 19 years.

Bradford City forward Bobby Pointon. Photo: Tony Johnson.

placeholder image — Bradford City forward Bobby Pointon. Photo: Tony Johnson.

City prevailed 3-1 following a resounding performance as they truly announced themselves back in League One.

The Terriers' sell-out contingent included some of his friends.

After Pointon's first goal, he spotted one in particular and put his index finger to his lips. All good clean fun, even if his mate wasn't exactly amused.

It was Bradford's day, but it didn't stop Pointon and his chums meeting up for a drink that Saturday evening. As it should be.

Pointon scored a brace for Bradford City in last season's home derby with Huddersfield Town. Photo: Tony Johnson.

Pointon's Town mates got their revenge in the reverse fixture at the Accu Stadium in January and the Bantams forward took his medicine after a 1-0 defeat.

Ahead of this latest derby day, the banter has again been flying around all week long.

Pointon said: "I know where my mates are sat! They did the same last season. They sent me the tickets (numbers).

"It's good fan interaction. You don't see a lot of that. That was in the olden days, really, wasn't it? But I like to bring that back.

"At the home game, I gave them stick. At the away game, I'm sure they gave me stick.

"It just makes football that little bit better to interact with the fans. It's not always positive, but I'm sure they enjoy it. I'm sure I enjoy it.

"I'm sure they (Town friends) are not my biggest fan (on derby day). That's how it is, but it's better and it makes it real.

"Last season, the home game felt so real. It felt like a proper Yorkshire derby.

"Hopefully, it can be the same this week.

"Losing really hurts. I was on the coach (after Huddersfield) and getting called '24-7'. I was just putting it (the phone) down.

"I think I blocked his (Town mate's) number. I've got to accept it, haven't I? I give it to him; I gave it to all of them when we won.

"I've got to accept it when we lose. Hopefully, this season, we can do a double over them."

Saturday's lunch-time meeting is handed even more spice by the current League One standings.

Town lead the way at the summit, but a victory for City - managed by an ex-Terriers manager in Michael Duff no less—would put them level on points.

A packed out Valley Parade - Town will be wearing their traditional blue and white stripes to add to the sense of flavour - will witness the third-tier's game of the day by some distance.

It's just a shame it isn't being played in the division above, the level both clubs consider to be their natural abode. Hopefully, that will transpire in the not-too-distant future.

Pointon, whose two-goal salvo arrived in front of a record modern-day Valley Parade league crowd of 24,074 last autumn, continued: "The game's massive. Hopefully next season we can meet them up there (in the Championship).

"It'll be an even bigger game then. Fingers crossed for next season.

"I love big occasions. I don't know what it is about me. I just get more up for it.

"I never hide or anything like that. I don't let pressure get to me. I thrive off it.

"I know Saturday's coming up. I'm building the occasion (up) now. As soon as that whistle goes, it'll be game time and I'll do my all to win the game."

Pointon took the match-ball home with him last autumn, with the Bradfordian - after officially scoring City’s first two goals - claiming that video replays showed that he got a faint touch to the hosts’ third after watching several re-runs with City analyst Scott Dyer.

The goal had been credited to his team-mate Josh Neufville.

Unfortunately, the EFL's dubious goal panel didn't concur with Pointon, despite his protestations. But what about the match-ball?

"It's still in my bedroom!" Pointon continued.

"I got asked for it back, but I just kept it for the sake of it.

"I've had a little kick-about with it in the back garden, that's about it.

"I was close (to the third goal). I should have just ran off with my hand up.

"Fair play to Josh, it was a good finish. He says it was a shot, but it must have been. I should have run off with my hand up, I'd have probably claimed it."