BRADFORD CITY AFC

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson was left frustrated by the nature of City's New Year's Day defeat at Notts County.

Parkinson's men lost their opening encounter of the new calendar year 3-0 to County, although two of the hosts' goals came late on with City pushing a number of men forward.

The Magpies' duo of strikes in the closing stages of City's first fixture of 2014 meant the final scoreline at a wet and windy Meadow Lane wasn't a true reflection at all really of events by the River Trent.

The Bantams had the edge for the most part of the second period and appeared to be piling the pressure on the County goal as the game entered into its final quarter.

Parkinson went to three at the back with four minutes of normal time remaining but unfortunately this led to the Bantams conceding two goals on the break.

The Bantams manager acknowledges that the late change in formation was a gamble that ultimately didn't pay off, but County's late efforts weren't the only thing frustrating him.

Parkinson said: "I have to take some responsibility (for the scoreline) because I went with three at the back near the end and left a tired team exposed, and they have got their second and third goals because of this.

"Obviously we've made this change many times before and it has helped us get back in the game, and it was again a risk I felt at the time today (Wednesday) was the right one to take. Hindsight is a wonderful thing though, and we've conceded two goals when we were pushing to get back in the game.

"Before that, we'd had a good period in the game but we just couldn't get that goal today.

"Their keeper has pulled off two great saves during this spell. We just needed a lift but we're not getting enough of those lifts at the moment.

"A bit of magic or a moment of inspiration in and around the box - we need to be asking for that from everyone, not just the forward players. Everyone needs to make it their job to threaten the goal and chip in with goals when they can.

"The team needs a lift - you can see it out there.

"We are running, chasing, harrying, working hard - all the things we demand from the players - but you need a goalscorer to pop up and put the ball in the net from somewhere on the pitch. That makes all your work worthwhile.

"A disappointing aspect from us today is that their first goal is a solo effort again. After Sunday's game, we spoke to the lads about how this cannot happen again and how we have to be more aggressive in our defending.

"From their point of view I'm sure it was a good one, but, for me, it was too similar for my liking to the goal we conceded against Swindon."

With City now set for a short break in their fixture schedule due to this weekend's F.A Cup ties, Parkinson admits that the ten-day gap until the club's home game with Bristol City will give him the perfect opportunity to think over a number of important issues.

Parkinson added: "I know our supporters will be feeling the pain, as myself and the rest of the group here are as well.

"We had some really difficult times during my first year here but since then we've had a lot of good times. This is a difficult period for us but we have to come out of it. The only way we will do that is by everybody sticking together in the dressing room and in the club.

"My job now is to lift the confidence within the group here by hopefully adding one or two players."

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