PHIL Parkinson criticised the board for "doing nothing" about the Valley Parade pitch after today’s 1-1 draw with Colchester.

Filipe Morais earned City's first point in three games with a cracking second-half volley as the Bantams bounced back from a poor opening.

Referee Kevin Johnson had nearly called it off after a pre-match inspection and both sides condemned the state of the playing surface.

Parkinson said: “I had a board meeting after the Gillingham game two and a half months ago and asked Roger Owen, the director who’s in charge of the pitch, and (fellow director) Graham Jones what they thought of the pitch.

“They both said the ball was rolling well and Gillingham had marked it well. I said it was terrible because it’s giving way every time the lads try and turn.

“I asked if they can help the groundsman and give him some funds to improve the pitch otherwise we’ll be in trouble with it.

“They thought I was making excuses because we were having a bad run at home at the time. But I was telling the truth and nothing was done.

“I’ve got to defend the groundsman Mick Doyle because he is working so hard but hasn’t got the help needed. He’s been hung out to dry.”

Parkinson felt City were “off the pace” up to half-time but added: “I thought we dominated the second half but just couldn’t find that winner.”