AS ONE of the bigger characters in the City dressing room, Tony McMahon has an opinion on most things.

But the vociferous right back was unaware of the milestone that the team can set this evening.

Avoiding defeat against MK Dons would mean the Bantams have gone an entire year since losing a league game on home turf.

It was this corresponding midweek last season when rock-bottom Colchester came from behind at Valley Parade to win 2-1.

The result mattered little in the bigger picture – City still made the play-offs and the U’s still went down.

Phil Parkinson’s side went on to sweep the last seven home games and Stuart McCall’s men are unbeaten in 17 so far this time, even if there have been too many draws for comfort.

It is still a feat to be proud of but it had passed McMahon by.

“I didn’t know that but it’s an unbelievable record,” he admitted.

“I can’t remember the Colchester game. I think I must have played in it (he did) but it’s brilliant to go so long without losing.

“That’s why it’s hard why we have drawn so many and are conceding daft goals.

“But we’re playing very well. It would be more worrying if we weren’t.

“The fans can see we’re doing everything we can to win. We play good, attacking football and we’re creating a lot of chances and scoring goals.

“We’ve not won as many games as we’d have liked – but it’s not through lack of effort.”

Saturday’s much-needed victory over Port Vale has lifted spirits for the first of back-to-back home games. City have the chance once more to reinforce their position within the top six – but McMahon admits they have got to shut the back door first.

Another soft goal that could have been avoided means they have not stopped an opponent from scoring in eight games, including the Checkatrade Trophy.

City are still tying with promotion rivals Fleetwood for the division’s second-best defence behind Bolton but McMahon is desperate to snap this recent habit.

He said: “Our defensive record is still good and that’s the mad thing. We just can’t seem to keep a clean sheet at the minute.

“In most of the games, 90 per cent of them, we’ve been the better team and played on the front foot.

“Teams haven’t carved us open and created loads of chances. That makes it harder to take.

“We just can’t put our finger on why. Maybe it is a little bit of concentration but we’ve got to sort it out and stick together for a big 12 games to go.”