BRADFORD CITY AFC

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson reserved special praise for his skipper supremo Gary Jones after the midfielder's man of the match performance secured a point for City following a thrilling 3-3 draw with Crewe Alexandra.

Jones scored two fearsome drives from outside the area - taking his tally to five goals for the season - as City twice came from behind to pick up a draw after an action-packed second period at a wet and windy Coral Windows Stadium.

The goals capped off another fine display in City's engine room for the Bantams' skipper - a fact not lost on Parkinson, who was ready to credit his captain for his amazing efforts.

Parkinson said: "He's our captain marvel again. He deserves all the accolades he gets tonight (Saturday) because those were two truly magnificent goals.

"It wasn't just his goals today though. That performance was all about how he lives his life and the way he trains. He is a superb example to all the other players we have at this football club.

"He typifies the spirit we have tried to instill here.

"Yet again he led by example. He was outstanding and a perfect example of what we want this club to be all about."

Along with the deserved praise for Jones, Parkinson was also quick to acknowledge the efforts of striker Aaron Mclean.

In only his second home game for the club, Mclean set up all three City goals and also presented James Hanson with another decent scoring opportunity in an eventful second period.


Parkinson added: "I thought Aaron's performance was tremendous.

"In the first half I felt we didn't give Aaron the right service. Second half, that changed. We got the ball to his feet in and around the box and allowed him to use his strength.

"We also slid the ball down the sides for him - he looked strong, he looked powerful and it looked like things were going to happen for him.

"You always want your strikers to hit the ground running and score but sometimes it doesn't happen straight away.

"His performances are getting better and better, and that is coming from the work he is putting in on the training ground.

"Ultimately, his sharpness will come back in games but we are doing everything we can to help Aaron in training and he has trained very well this week."