Bantams buoyed for derby with Rovers

PHIL PARKINSON has hailed the defensive resolution of his Bradford City side after their excellent 2-0 victory over League One front-runners Burton Albion at Valley Parade.

First-half goals from Kyel Reid and fit-again Reece Burke provided City with the perfect boost ahead of Saturday’s Yorkshire derby with lowly Doncaster Rovers as they moved level on points with sixth-placed Barnsley.

The victory was all the more noteworthy with City being without key players James Hanson (illness) - shortlisted for the League One player of the month accolade for February - and Rory McArdle (dislocated shoulder) as they recorded back-to-back clean sheets after the weekend shut-out at Bury.

Manager Parkinson said: “Burton are a very good team, but we stood strong.

“Importantly, it was a good defensive display right from the front two, who ran themselves into the ground and we didn’t give them a second ball.

“It was important not to get too low and pick ourselves up (after losing to Colchester) last week and I believe we have done that. It was an excellent performance and a good response to a week ago.”

Admitting that Bradford look very much top-six candidates, Burton chief Nigel Clough added: “I wouldn’t be surprised at all. You saw what they are capable of - and what was with missing a couple of players.”