Bristol City v Bradford City: Bantams urged to draw on previous heroics

AS bradford City prepare to try to end the only remaining unbeaten record in the Football League, manager Phil Parkinson has urged his players to take inspiration from last month’s stunning win at MK Dons.
Bradford City's Stephen Darby.Bradford City's Stephen Darby.
Bradford City's Stephen Darby.

As with tonight’s trip to Ashton Gate, the Bantams headed to stadium:uk as distinct second favourites against a Dons side who were fresh from knocking Manchester United out of the Capital One Cup and putting six goals past Crewe Alexandra.

Despite that, City triumphed 2-1 that night and Parkinson believes his players can pull off a repeat against the league leaders.

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The Bradford manager said: “We went down the day before to Bristol because it is just too far on the day. We have to be ready for the game. Training was in Yorkshire (yesterday morning) and then we made our way down.

“While I realise Bristol City are a team flying high and going well, to me that just adds to the challenge.

Football is all about challenges. We went to MK Dons when the odds were against us but won down there. We have to remember that. We have the capabilities to win.”

Captain Stephen Darby will sit out the trip to the west country after being red-carded in the weekend defeat to Sheffield United. Gary Liddle, fresh from serving a one-game ban for collecting five bookings, is in a straight fight with Christopher Routis to replace Darby at right-back.

Last six games: Bristol City DWDWWW, Bradford City DLDWLL.

Referee: D Bond (Lancashire).

Last time: Bristol City 2 Bradford City 2; August 3, 2013; League One.