BRADFORD CITY AFC

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson says City have plenty to look forward to over the next week or so as they aim to bounce back from last weekend's harsh defeat at the hands of Tranmere Rovers.

Parkinson's men travel to ninth-placed Crawley Town this weekend before taking on fellow high-flyers Preston North End and Wolverhampton Wanderers shortly afterwards.

After an impressive start to the season which has seen City currently sitting in fourth place in the League 1 table, the trio of forthcoming games are likely to be a stern test of the Bantams' credentials.

Far from being daunted, however, Parkinson is embracing the challenge these matches will pose his chargers.

Starting with this Saturday's match at Crawley, Parkinson feels the club's three fixtures in a week should be ones to get excited about.

A win at Crawley for City would be their third away victory on the trot, although Richie Barker's men, who didn't play last weekend due to international call-ups, are unbeaten in six.

Parkinson said: "Saturday is the start of a great week for us. We are looking for a response after last weekend.

"We go to Crawley this weekend, a team who are around the edge of the Play-Offs and tipped to do well, and then we play Preston and Wolves. Three games we are very much looking forward to.

"These sort of games is what it is all about for us.

"The lads are looking in good shape and we know our strengths and the basic set-up of our team.

"Crawley are not a team who will sit back and put ten men behind the ball. I have seen a couple of their games recently and they play some good football.

"We go there in a good position in the league, however, and looking to start a big week with a good result."