Parkinson out to build 
on long-awaited victory

So, imagine how Bradford City felt during their 20-week plus wait for a home win that only ended with Tuesday’s last-gasp winner by Carl McHugh that accounted for Port Vale.

During that time, the Bantams hosted no less than 10 League One opponents so it was understandable that the blowing of the final whistle in midweek heralded celebratory scenes all around Valley Parade.

Phil Parkinson was as relieved as anyone that the long wait was over but now the City manager is urging his side to build on that win over Vale in today’s home game with Milton Keynes Dons and Tuesday’s visit of Stevenage.

He said: “It was a mixture of feelings at the final whistle on Tuesday. Delight at finally getting that win but also a little bit of relief as well.

“There is no getting away from the fact this has been a difficult run for us. We probably deserved to get more than we got, in terms of wins and points.

“But the bottom line is we went a long time without winning. Now, though, we have to push on. I said before Port Vale that we had three home games in a row to get our season back up and running.

“One down, two to go. What I will say is how magnificent the fans were on Tuesday night.

“They really got behind the lads and that gave them a big lift. More of the same in our next two matches would be very useful.

“I have felt since I got here that Bradford fans respond to a full-blooded and committed performance. That is what we gave them and we will be going out to do the same again.”

City claimed three points on the road just once during the long winless run at Valley Parade that followed the September 28 triumph over Shrewsbury Town. It came, however, against today’s opponents at stadium;mk in November.

Parkinson added: “The game down there was tremendous. We won 3-2 but it was a really entertaining match. They play with that extra man in midfield and we will have to counter that.

“I could see in training what the Port Vale win meant. There was a spring about them from Thursday morning. Not winning for such a long time can weigh on a player’s mind so it is good to have it out of the way.”