BRADFORD CITY AFC

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson wants City to put in a performance their supporters will be proud of this Saturday when Doncaster Rovers visit the Coral Windows Stadium for the club's latest Yorkshire derby.

Following on from recent matches against Barnsley and Sheffield United, the Bantams will welcome Doncaster to Valley Parade this weekend for their third White Roses clash in their last five matches.

As with most local derbies, a bumper crowd is expected around the ground come Saturday afternoon, and Parkinson is keen for his players to give the majority of them something to cheer about.

The City chief says he appreciates the support the fans have given his side so far this season, especially during some of the leaner times, and he wants the Bantams to give something back to them with a positive performance against Doncaster.

Parkinson said: "It is important that we play in a really positive manner on Saturday.

"We've gone to Bristol City recently, who are top of the league, and I think there were a lot of comments about the lack of atmosphere around the ground, especially when you compare it to the backing we got from our supporters against Sheffield United a few days earlier.

"It is our job on Saturday to keep the supporters like that. Keep them giving us their full support.

"The way we can do that is by playing in a positive manner.

"We really feel this weekend we must have a 'front-foot' mentality. We have to drive forward every chance we get, drive forward as a team, and really take it to Doncaster.

"We certainly owe the supporters a performance like that for the loyalty and the backing they have given us so far this season.

"Whatever team and whichever formation we go with, it is the manner in which we play our football which is the most important thing.

"We had a tough week on the road last week. We played two of the division's in-form teams, played poorly for about 25 minutes in one of the matches, and got punished for it.

"The lads are really looking forward to this weekend, however, and they are keen to put the right performance in."