Wycombe v Bradford City: We mustn’t waste our hard work in league – Parkinson

The Bantams stunned football by reaching the Capital One Cup final on February 24 against Swansea City, in the process becoming the first team from the fourth tier of English football to reach a major final at the national stadium.

However, before City, who sit 12th in League Two after taking just two points from their last half dozen outings, can turn their attention to Wembley in 12 days, they must travel to Wycombe Wanderers tonight and then bottom club AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

Manager Parkinson said: “I am frustrated by our league position, I can’t deny that. There are reasons why we are where we are at the moment. And I think people can understand that.

“But we need to get going again. I don’t want us to waste all the hard work that has gone into this season so far by missing out on even a place in the play-offs.

“The good thing is that we still have 17 games to get it right and that is a massive chunk of the season.

“Before the final, we have two games and that means a chance to get some points on the board this week. We are determined to do that.”

City’s latest setback came on Saturday when high-flying Gillingham claimed a 1-0 win at Valley Parade to leave the Yorkshire club without a league victory since Boxing Day.

Parkinson added: “It was a real smash and grab raid by Gillingham. Unfortunately, we couldn’t capitalise when on top, particularly in the first half. But the performance was good.”

Rory McArdle, one of only two City players with Stephen Darby to have started all seven of this season’s Capital One Cup ties, continues to sweat over his fitness ahead of Wembley after injuring his ankle in the 2-2 draw with Fleetwood Town on February 2.

Parkinson said: “He is seeing a specialist as the scan we have received doesn’t tally up with how the injury looks. That can sometimes happen, but we want to make sure.

“Rory feels a lot better and is certainly not ruled out for the final at this moment in time.”

Last six games: Wycombe Wanderers LWDWWW, Bradford City LWLLDL.

Last time: Wycombe Wanderers 1 Bradford City 0; November 13, 2010; League Two.

Referee: S Mathieson (Cheshire).