PHIL Parkinson vowed to "bridge the gap" to an automatic promotion place after City's play-off hopes were ended by Millwall.

Last night's 1-1 draw at the Den was not enough for the Bantams as they bowed out of the semi-final 4-2 on aggregate to finish their season.

Lee Gregory put the home side ahead before Jamie Proctor equalised just before half-time – but Parkinson felt the damage had been done at Valley Parade when City conceded three times in the first half.

The Bantams boss said: "What cost us is the first 45 minutes at home. On Sunday we weren't strong enough in our own box. It was very unlike us but that is where games are won and lost.

"We gave everything we could and even when a goal down we kept going forward. But Millwall are good at sitting back once in front.

"They were tough to break down and this is a tough place to come – the atmosphere was bouncing.

"I can't fault the lads' effort over the season. They gave me everything. Now we have to look to bridge the gap between the play-offs and the top two."

City thought they should have had a second-half penalty when substitute Tom Thorpe went down from a challenge by Mark Beevers. But they did not pressure the home goal enough.

Parkinson said: "We thought we could get back into it with the goal before half-time but couldn't do that. "It's hard to take because we've been exceptional all season."

There were unsavoury scenes towards the end when several Millwall fans came on the pitch while the game was still going on. Parkinson was pleased that the away support did not respond to the goading afterwards.

He said: "You saw some of the scenes on the pitch. Supporters were running on and one came on and kicked the ball while the game was in play.

"Our supporters deserve credit for not reacting. Their conduct has been really good all season and they are a credit to the city of Bradford.

"Yes, the first leg is what cost us and we tried everything we could. Ultimately, congratulations to Millwall and we move on."