FROZEN chief Peter Jackson was delighted three of his first-team mainstays came through last night's comeback challenge unscathed.

Leading scorer Gary Taylor-Fletcher was on target in the truncated 2-0 White Rose Trophy match at Bradford Park Avenue.

And, not long after substitute Pawel Abbott had rifled in the second from 35 yards, Fletcher, Andy Holdsworth and Nathan Clarke were all taken off with a view to Saturday's crunch Galpharm clash with Scunthorpe in League I.

Jackson, wrapped up like the 150 Town fans against bitter cold at the Horsfall Stadium, commented: "I'm really pleased with all three of them.

"The main exercise here was for Andy, Fletch and Nathan to get a run-out and they've done extremely well.

"We came with a strong side, it was a good workout for us and the lads showed a terrific attitude.

"Some of the young lads gained valuable experience, our fitness levels were good and the mood and spirit in the camp is good ahead of what we all know is an important game on Saturday. We know we have a point to prove.

"Last Saturday, we realise we didn't play particularly well - the staff know that and the supporters do as well - and I keep on saying it's about time we performed at the Galpharm.

"With two big games coming up against Scunthorpe in the league and Blackpool in the FA Cup, now's the time to prove we can do it."

Last night's friendly - originally postponed in pre-season - was reduced to 35 minutes a half because while Town look ahead to Scunthorpe, Avenue are keen to stay fresh for Saturday's home FA Trophy tie against Solihull Borough, when Hade Edge-based Neil Redfearn makes his 1,000th senior appearance.

Redfearn played in central midfield alongside former Emley man Mark Wilson but Avenue were restricted to only a few half-chances as Town got to grips and held possession much better than the UniBond Division I side.

Taylor-Fletcher put Town ahead on 26 minutes following a neat run and pass from John McAliskey, who was partnered by Andy Booth in the first half and Abbott in the second.

Holdsworth (wearing protective cycling shorts) and coach Martyn Booty, who was in central midfield, joined in several attacks, with the latter and Adnan Ahmed both going close to finding the net.

Abbott scored three minutes into the second half with a rocket volley which keeper Piotr Skiba could only touch into the top corner and, after that, both McAliskey and substitute Danny Schofield should have added to the tally.

An airbomb, thrown by yobs from outside the ground and which exploded on the track between main stand and dugouts, sounded an unwelcome end to any meaningful action.

Town - Eastwood, Holdsworth (Skarz 45), Hand, Booty, McCombe, Clarke (Hudson 45), Young, Booth (Abbott, HT), McAliskey, Ahmed, Taylor-Fletcher (Schofield 45). Subs not used: Collins, Worthington.