BRADFORD CITY AFC

Bantams boss Phil Parkinson was encouraged by the battling qualities shown by his side after City ground out a goalless draw at a rejuvenated Colchester United.

A fine goal-line clearance from Stephen Darby to deny Colchester's Freddie Sears in the second half helped Parkinson's men pick up a clean sheet and an away point from a testing afternoon at the Weston Homes Community Stadium.

Coupled with Tuesday's impressive win at Milton Keynes Dons, Saturday's draw with Colchester means City have managed to take four points from two long distance away matches in a week.

Parkinson said: "A point on the road is never a bad thing, especially after winning on Tuesday (at MK Dons).

"We always go into any game looking for all three points, but if you can't do that, you have to make sure you get one.

"I felt there was a real resiliency about us today (Saturday).

"Jordan (Pickford) was excellent - he's put in a really accomplished performance - and the back four stood up strong for us. Colchester have some good attacking threats and I felt we handled them well.

"Chris (Routis) has shown that calmness again for us today, and he's also won some big headers and picked up his man well. He's starting to prove that he's a good addition to the squad.

"Stephen's (Darby) clearance in the second half typified what spirit we have here at the club and what commitment we needed from the lads today.

"He's shown that never-say-die attitude to not give the ball up and to make that clearance. He's done that time after time for us though. He never gives up any situation and that moment was as good as a goal.

"When you look at the players we have missed over the course of these last two games - key players as well - I think any side would find that difficult.

"Given the size of the squad we have, it is enormous credit to the lads for how they have responded after two home defeats to get us these four points from MK Dons and today.

"With four apprentices in our travelling squad for this weekend, this was probably the youngest group we have taken to a game, so we are down to the bare bones a bit.

"After Tuesday though, we expect to have Matty Dolan back with us and Alan Sheehan's suspension will be up as well, so that will be two players to be added to the group once again.

"We are hopeful Dava (Andrew Davies) won't be out for too long now either.

"James Hanson is a bit of a bigger concern for the games going forward, meaning we might have to look into something in that area."