Bradford City v Scunthorpe: Parkinson refuses to take rivals Iron lightly

The Bantams are on a high right now after five wins in their last six games.

Scunthorpe, too, are on a decent run under new manager Mark Robins but it is Wednesday night’s second-round replay against Worcester City that has got everyone talking this week.

After two hours of football, the two clubs could not be split and it took the longest penalty shoot-out in Cup history before the Iron emerged victorious.

Parkinson was in the crowd at Aggborough on a scouting mission but left shortly before the end of normal time.

He said: “It is incredible that the game went on so long with 32 penalties being taken. By the time it finished, we were a fair way up the motorway and on our way back to Yorkshire.

“But I don’t go along with those who say Scunthorpe will be tired when they play us.

“They have three or four players that couldn’t play (against Worcester) who should come back in. That is why I believe anyone who thinks all we will have to do is turn up and beat a tired team are naive in the extreme.

“What I will admit, though, is that it is up to us to work Scunthorpe hard and make sure we are going as strongly in the 80th minute as the first.”

City are just one point adrift of the play-offs after their recent upturn in form.

Parkinson added: “Results have been good lately and we have built up a bit of impetus going into what is always a busy period of the season.

“But Scunthorpe are in form under Mark and they will be tough opponents.”