Colchester 0 Bradford City 0: Pickford ensures City have Parkinson smiling

The Bantams played their part in an entertaining goalless draw at struggling Colchester, meaning they picked up a very useful four points from two long away trips following the midweek victory at MK Dons.

It was little surprise to hear Parkinson declare himself satisfied after securing another shut-out. The Bantams chief said: “We spoke last weekend about putting our bodies on the line, in and around our box.

“The lads have certainly done this in these last two games. The way we have stuck about our task has been really good. To have injuries and key players out and still to have got the results we have, shows it’s been an outstanding achievement.”

The U’s probably just about shaded the first half, in which Bantams’ goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was in fine form.

He dived full length to keep out Sanchez Watt’s well-struck free-kick, and George Moncur was denied after he fired in a super volley.

Mark Yeates had what was the Bantams’ best effort shortly after the interval.

Cutting inside, he lashed in a smart shot which Sam Walker saved well.

The hosts then went for it in the closing stages, with Freddie Sears being thwarted by a goal-line clearance from Stephen Darby. Sears was then denied by Pickford’s near-post stop right at the end.

Colchester United: Walker, Gordon, Clohessy, Kent, Gilbey, Eastmond, Eastman, Moncur, Sears, Watt, Massey (Dr Wright 84). Unused substitutes: Da Wright, Lewington, Bean, Lawrence, Vose, Bonne.

Bradford City: Pickford, Meredith, Darby, McArdle, Routis, Kennedy, Knott (Morais 66), Yeates, Liddle, Mclean (Bennett 67), Clarke (McBurnie 79). Unused substitutes: Williams, Wright, King, Webb-Foster.

Referee: K Hill (Hertfordshire).

Man of the match: Jordan Pickford.