Peterborough v Bradford City: Parkinson aims for a Posh springboard

The Bantams’ season has stuttered since Christmas, mainly thanks to a poor run of form on the road.

Last weekend’s defeat at leaders Burton Albion was the club’s third in four away games, three of which have been lost on afternoons that saw the Brewers, Sheffield United and Gillingham all score three times.

Today brings a trip to Peterborough United, one of the sides sitting above Bradford in the League One table, and Parkinson believes the trip to London Road can prove a turning point in his side’s season.

“We have to play better than we did at Burton,” said the City manager. “We are a better team than we showed last weekend and the players know that.

“There is a need for a bit of a confidence boost and I believe we can get that at Peterborough and use it as a springboard for the rest of the season, as there is still a lot of football to be played.”

Parkinson was at London Road on Wednesday night, as Posh bowed out of the FA Cup in a fourth round replay that went to penalties before Premier League side West Bromwich Albion emerged as victors.

Posh beat Bradford at Valley Parade in what was Graham Westley’s first game in charge. Paul Anderson suffered a broken leg that afternoon as little went right for City, who following their recent indifferent form sit 12th in the table and six points adrift of the play-offs.

Asked about his impressions of Wednesday night, Parkinson said: “It was a good Cup tie and Peterborough were the better team. But we have to make the day about what we do.”

Last six games: Peterborough United DLLDWD, Bradford City WDDLWL.

Referee: D Whitestone (Northamptonshire).

Last time: Peterborough United 2 Bradford City 0; February 28, 2015; League One.