IT may only be a last-32 clash in the EFL Trophy, but Mark Hughes is very grateful for the fact that Bradford City are back in action on Tuesday night.

City make the trip to Moor Lane to face Salford City, just 38 days after registering their first ever victory at the venue in a 1-0 League Two win, thanks to Andy Cook's early strike.

In the here and now, Hughes's side are seeking to get back in their manager's good books after a very disappointing weekend performance against Northampton Town, when City were second best on an afternoon when three points would have moved them into the automatic promotion positions in League Two.

Another recent setback – a nd poor performance – on home soil in the FA Cup against Harrogate Town was assuaged by way of a victory at Mansfield Town just three days later and Hughes is demanding another positive reaction across the Pennines.

Abo Eisa goes past Mitch Pinnock during Bradford City's defeat by Northampton Town. (Picture: Bruce Rollinson)

He said: "It's a competition we want to do well in. It's a good opportunity for us. I fully expect us to respond in the right manner like we did after Harrogate.

"We will go strong and we need to go through to the next round and that's what we will look to do."

Saturday's game saw fit-again winger Abo Eisa play his fourth successive game for the club, his longest run since moving to City in the summer of 2021 and Hughes is pleased with his progress.

Hughes added: "Abo did ok. He was a threat and positive whenever he got in wider areas. He dropped the shoulder and came inside and got shots off. He will get there and get stronger.”

Bradford City boss Mark Hughes demands instant response against Salford City in EFL Trophy