IT IS 349 days since City’s last play-off dream collapsed in a flurry of first-half Millwall goals.

But the hurt still lingers for Tony McMahon.

The fiercely-committed right back admits the painful memories of last year’s semi-final exit are an added incentive to get the job done properly this time.

The Bantams went into the play-offs in cracking form – just like now.

Phil Parkinson’s side won seven of the last nine league games, including the final three.

But by half-time of the Valley Parade first leg, their hopes of Wembley and promotion had gone.

McMahon had even fired City in front from the penalty spot before they went AWOL defensively and allowed Millwall to establish a 3-1 advantage they never relinquished.

He said: “We’d worked ever so hard, had a good season and everyone was really pleased when we got in the play-offs.

“Then we started the game well and went one up. But the next 20-30 minutes spoilt our season.

“In fact it spoilt the whole summer really.

“You come back for pre-season and there’s still a bit of a hangover. You say it’s not a problem but of course it’s still there in the back of your mind.

“It’s probably been there all season if I’m honest.”

So McMahon’s joy at the prospect of another crack at the make-or-break finale to the season is obvious.

The team and manager, even the owners, may be different but there is a strong sense of unfinished business about the experienced defender.

“The experience from last year definitely helps because you don’t want to go through that feeling again,” he added.

“We grafted all season last year and just got in with a game to go. But we all know what happened after that – we just weren’t good enough.

“The new gaffer then came in and a lot changed but still the aim inside the dressing room was to get promoted.

“We weren’t shouting it from the rooftops that we wanted promotion. Ask anyone and it was all about stability after the changes.

“But deep down inside, we believe in ourselves. We always have done.

“We’ve secured our place in the play-offs now, which is great. But we want to go one better, get through to Wembley and hopefully get promoted.”

McMahon is one of six survivors from the line-up that started the drawn second leg at the Den five days later – in what turned out to be the final game of Parkinson’s reign.

For McMahon, the opportunity of redemption begins in five days’ time with Thursday night’s first leg.

City still do not know their opponents for sure although they are likely to be up against Scunthorpe, as it stands now.

But given half a chance, McMahon would not mind another crack at Millwall at Wembley.

“That would be nice,” he smiled, “a little bit of revenge maybe.

“But let’s get Rochdale out the way. We want to go there and win and then prepare for two massive games.

“These are the occasions you want to play in as a footballer and hopefully this time we can go one better.

“We’ve played some great stuff this year and if we do get to Wembley, we won’t fear anyone.”