Bradford v Oldham: Bantams refreshed for push to top six

WITH a run-in that will pit Bradford City against many of their fellow sides chasing promotion from League One, Phil Parkinson’s side are likely to be tested to the full over the next five or so weeks.
By Phil Parkinson
Published 28th Mar 2015, 05:35 BST
Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson.Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson.
Bradford City manager Phil Parkinson.

Not that the Bantams manager, fresh from a few days of warm weather training in Portugal, is looking too far ahead.

“The next game is all that matters,” says Parkinson, whose side host Oldham Athletic today and then Chesterfield on Tuesday night.

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“After Reading, everyone started talking about the play-offs and what might be needed to qualify.

“But our focus is solely on one game at a time and preparing to the best of our ability.”

The recent trip to Portugal has helped banish the memory of last Saturday’s disappointing 2-2 draw at home to Fleetwood Town.

City led by two goals with just six minutes remaining and being pegged back meant they lost valuable ground in the race for the top six.

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Oldham were one of those sides to benefit, leapfrogging Parkinson’s men on Tuesday night courtesy of a 3-0 victory over Rochdale.

The City chief added: “Oldham had a change of manager but they have won the last two and are capable of going on a run.

“Our lads are refreshed after the trip. Sometimes, just a change of scenery can work wonders. We did something similar a couple of years ago (when City went to Tenerife before returning to clinch promotion from League Two) and we are looking for a similar response now we are back.”

Andrew Davies is back after injuring his arm in the March 10 draw at Coventry City.

Last six games: Bradford City WDDDLD, Oldham Athletic LWLLLW.

Referee: M Russell (Hertfordshire).

Last time: Bradford City 2 Oldham Athletic 3; April 4, 2014; League One.

Related topics:Coventry CityLeague OnePortugal