Phil Parkinson admitted City missed James Hanson’s presence after Chesterfield did a smothering job at Valley Parade.

The targetman was still recovering from a virus as the Bantams were held to their first goalless home draw of the season last night.

Paul Cook’s Spireites kept the hosts at bay and Parkinson felt they needed that aerial strength that Hanson provides.

He said: “We are predominantly a footballing team with the players we’ve got in that midfield department. But when teams come and play like Chesterfield did, to have the option to hit an angled ball on to James gives them something else to think about and we certainly lacked that.

“I haven’t seen him since Saturday but I’m sure he will be fine by tomorrow.

“It was difficult. I thought we played some really good football, especially in the first half, but just couldn’t unlock the door.

“It was a game that needed a goal from us to force Chesterfield to open up. It would have been a far better contest.

“But Chesterfield did a really good job. They came here and made it difficult for us.

“I thought the discipline of the team was good but felt we got a bit frustrated with ourselves at times in the second half. We hurried a bit in our decisions and shot when we should have passed and lacked that calmness.

“We wanted to win too much at times. But once again I can’t fault the lads for the way they applied themselves.”

City stayed fifth after a game of very few chances. Skipper Gary Jones had a free-kick well saved early on but otherwise they failed to hit the target.

Parkinson said: “An early goal completely changes the complexion of the game and we just couldn’t get it.

“I thought a couple of set-play deliveries from Gary were outstanding. Rory McArdle had a great chance to score and John Egan had another in the second half. You need one of those to go in.”

Egan made his debut at centre half, only a day after starting his two-month loan from Sunderland. He took over as McArdle’s partner from Carl McHugh but Parkinson insisted that was nothing against the Irish teenager.

Parkinson said: “Carl’s a young lad who hasn’t played much first-team football (before). He’s just played 120 minutes at Wigan and another tough game on Saturday.

“I’ve also got to get John up to speed as well because we’re going to need him through this period of time. I thought it was the right call.

“I was pleased with John. It was a good debut for him and he looked solid.”