HENDRIE RUINS BOSS McCALL'S HOMECOMING

Mariners leave it late to thwart Bantams

- Simon Parker

STUART McCall didn’t know whether to laugh or cry after Grimsby spoiled his Bradford return with a draw at Valley Parade.

McCall’s return as manager for a third time looked to be on course for a winning start when a shot by Callum Cooke flicked off Lee Novak’s shoulder to give the hosts an 80th-minute lead.

But Grimsby launched a strong fightback and were rewarded two minutes into added time.

Charles Vernam’s low cross was turned home from closerange by defender Luke Hendrie, son of McCall’s former Bradford team-mate and friend, John.

Hendrie, a Bradford fan, played for them on loan in 2017-18 and McCall wanted to sign him. But Edin Rahic, chairman at the time, blocked the move a month before sacking the manager.

McCall said: “I don’t think we did enough to win the game. We had 14 shots, but only put one on target – but we still should have seen it out.

“We couldn’t ask for any more for endeavour, togetherness, desire and determination. But we just lacked a bit of quality in certain areas.

“But we know the confidence has been a little bit low because of the run of results we’ve been on.