CITY soared into second spot in the fledgling League One table after a win at Crawley that left Phil Parkinson raving: That's the best so far.

James Hanson, Billy Knott and Mason Bennett all hit the target in the second half as the Bantams turned on the style with a 3-1 victory to blow away the home side's 100 per cent start.

City maintained their own unbeaten run and Parkinson beamed: "It was a terrific performance. The way we passed the ball in the midfield was magnificent.

"We've got the extra man in there and the system we're playing suits the players. Crawley found it really difficult to cope with us.

"That's the best we've played by far in terms of all-round performance and the quality of the goals was really pleasing."

Hanson's third of the season set the ball rolling as he crashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Crawley captain Joe Walsh quickly levelled but City re-established control with two more stunning goals from Knott and substitute Bennett.

Parkinson said: "The first one came from the outstanding energy of Jason Kennedy and Darbs (Stephen Darby).

"Hans has made a great finish. He doesn't get the credit for his feet but he does get many goals for us like that.

"I thought Billy Knott was outstanding. We put him in the centre of the midfield to get him on the ball more and he took the game by the scruff of the neck.

"He has got great awareness and is a good decision-maker on the ball. I think he gave the ball away twice all game and he must have had 70 touches.

"The goal was out of the top drawer. Mason chested back to him and it was just a great finish.

"And I'm so pleased for Mason to get the third one. Maybe to start him again would have been a risk but it was always the plan to bring him on after 45 minutes."

Aaron Mclean had started his first game of the season before making way at half-time.

Parkinson said: "Aaron was looking fresh and I contemplated leaving him on but I thought 'what's the point in risking him?'

"He's looking fit, he's getting there, but Mason came on and I thought he was electric.

"We had other chances to really kill the game off but I felt as comfortable as you can be on the touchline. In terms of controlling the game, it was quite a convincing win for us.

"My last couple of games at Crawley have been tough but this was a complete professional performance."

Billy Clarke resumes running today after his slight hamstring injury but last night's result means Parkinson does not need to rush him back.

He said: "It's only something minor and Billy will be close. Obviously he is important to the system we play because of his football intelligence and his ability. But it's nice to be in a position where we don't have to force it."