Burton Albion 2 Bradford City 2: Parkinson highlights ‘heroic performances’ in encouraging draw

PHIL Parkinson believes Bradford City are moving in the right direction despite being kept waiting for his first victory as manager.
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Oct 2011, 10:29 BST

The new Valley Parade manager saw his side surrender a two-goal lead at the Pirelli Stadium but insisted: “We’ve taken a big step forward and we’re going to get better.”

City seemed to be on their way to their second win of the League Two campaign after goals from Kyel Reid and James Hanson in the first 16 minutes.

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But in-form Burton striker Billy Kee reduced the deficit in the 38th minute and Justin Richards levelled the scores with a disputed penalty at the end of an action-packed first half.

Parkinson criticised referee Eddie Ilderton for awarding the stoppage time spot kick against the Bantams after Robbie Threlfall was adjudged to have handled a shot from former City midfielder Adam Bolder.

Parkinson snapped: “I was livid with the referee because Robbie had his arms down by his side in a natural position and no way was it deliberate handball.”

The decision cost City their first win since August 27, but Parkinson was hugely encouraged by his side’s performance.

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He said: “I thought we responded really well to losing the lead with some heroic performances.

“I think we’re moving forward step by step – and today was a good step forward.

“What we’ve got over the rest of the teams is that we’re going to keep adding to the squad and we’re going to get better.”

Reid wreaked havoc in the opening stages with a super solo goal in the sixth minute before setting up James Hanson for his fourth of the season.

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The result, however, left City still third from bottom with seven points from 11 games and Burton in 10th.

Burton Albion: Atkins; Corbett, James, D Moore, Blanchett; Kee, Bolder, McGrath, Phillips; Richards (Banton 67), Zola (Yussuf 85). Unused substitutes: Poole, Palmer, Amankwaah.

Bradford City: Duke; L Moore, Davies, Oliver, Threlfall; Jones (O’Brien 74), Flynn, Reed, Reid (Compton 88); Hanson, Fagan (Hannah 79). Unused substitutes: McLaughlin, Branston.

Referee: E Ilderton (Tyne & Wear)

Man of the match: Kyel Reid.