Bradford City v Huddersfield Town: Martin Drury on derby 'dummy run' and praise for Bantams 'fighter' Bobby Pointon

It saw Town visit another serious side operating at the business end of League One in Plymouth Argyle, with Martin Drury's side - despite a far-from-ideal build-up - delivering arguably the result of the season so far by any third-tier team in 2026-27.

A fabulous performance saw Town triumph 2-0 at Home Park.

Their offensive threats were showcased in eye-catching fashion. Their ability to cope with a physically imposing opponent - complete with a direct style - pleased the coach in Drury just as much. He is conscious that Bradford will pose similar issues.

Drury said: "I think they (Bradford) attack in a different way, but actually their behaviours are quite similar in terms of wanting to put the ball in the box and they've got strong aerial duel players, which is why they play that way.

"They're really good at it, so we know we're going to have to be at our best to defend against that - from our goalkeeper to everyone in the team."

The Yorkshireman returns to a place he knows well in Valley Parade, having worked for seven years at City before leaving in early 2022 to take up a lead coach position at Manchester United's academy.

Drury, who led City’s under-19s side to a first EFL Youth Alliance league title in almost a decade in 2021-22, latterly served as the academy's head of coaching and player development, but also had spells with the first-team set-up.

Drury, pictured, continued: "It was an amazing grounding for me to work across multiple age groups, right up to the first team.

"The opportunity I had to refine some of the things I was doing as a coach and strengthen some of my beliefs on coaching was amazing. I'll forever be in debt to the people who trusted me in certain roles and positions that I had at that club. I look back on it with different types of memories; some really fond memories, some really difficult times.

"All have led me to where I am now.

"The fact that I left there and was able to go to Manchester United, I have to pay tribute to the people that allowed me to be myself and put me on a platform where someone like Man United felt they wanted to give me an opportunity as well."

Drury renews acquaintances with a player he worked with at close quarters in academy product Bobby Pointon, who netted twice in this fixture last season.

He can vouch for his talent, although he will not want to see any of it today.

"Bobby has a mentality that you don't come across often in young players," the Town chief continued.

"Both on and off the pitch, he was a 'fighter' and with his background, he's a tough kid, but he was full of ambition.

"He was like a sponge, he wanted to learn and get better.

"Anything you threw at him and challenged him with, he embraced. If he ever had any shortcomings, it was made up and masked by his attitude and application. On top of that, he's a talented player."