Turnaround in form gives City hope of gatecrashing play-offs

The Bantams have closed to within two points of the League Two play-offs after picking up 10 points from their last four games.

Considering they at one time appeared to have run out of steam following their historic run to the Capital One League Cup final, it is an admirable turn of events.

But, having transformed a petering-out season into one with a potential prize at the end of it, the pressure will ramp up significantly, starting tonight in their game in hand with another in-form team, Bristol Rovers.

Parkin said: “We can’t do anything other than take one game at a time, but it is in our own hands now because we play a lot of the teams in and around us in the shake-up.

“Our run-in to the end of the season is difficult – there’s no doubt about that – but, as I say, it is in our own hands now.

“I still feel there is a lot of water to flow under the bridge and some more twists and turns to be had – there is bound to be with some of the fixtures that are coming up in the division.

“We’ve had a long and rewarding season so far and it is now important that we focus hard and give it our all for these three weeks and last five games.

“Some of the games are really mouth-watering when you look at them, and they start against a very, very good Bristol Rovers team.

“Although they are only three weeks away, any talk about play-offs now would be foolish at this point. Our only focus is on Bristol Rovers at the moment.”

Rovers were bottom of League Two on Boxing Day before John Ward took them on a run that has put them within three points of the Bantams. Andrew Davies, Rory McArdle and James Hanson could all feature for City.

Last six games: Bradford DLWDWW; Bristol Rovers LWWDWW.

Referee: T Harrington (Cleveland).

Last time: Bradford 2 Bristol Rovers 2; September 10, 2011; League Two.