In theory, Phil Parkinson needed a midweek game at Huddersfield like a hole in the head.

It may have been a West Yorkshire derby but the Bantams boss could have been excused for approaching the Galpharm with all the enthusiasm of a trip to the dentist.

He could tinker with the side to a degree and injuries dictated some changes but too many tweaks would just increase the risk of a heavy – and potentially confidence-bashing – defeat.

The positives vibes emanating from the Burton performance, albeit tinged with frustration at seeing a two-goal advantage dragged back, were at risk of drifting away in the Kirklees air.

In reality, things could not be more different.

City and their put-upon supporters will walk into Valley Parade this afternoon with an extra spring in their step. Confidence, such a key element in any sport, should be flying high after an occasion that will linger in the memory – this side of the M62 at least.

Huddersfield, predictably, have dismissed Tuesday as an irrelevant blip. Like Gary Megson previously, they will brush it away as only the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy; a competition not even on the same page as winning promotion.

Of course, they are right to an extent. Going up this year is the be all and end all for Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield.

Even more so for the Terriers, who are once again backed by one of the highest wagebills in their division courtesy of Dean Hoyle’s deep pockets.

The Huddersfield message boards were swelled by predictable comments about Bradford’s cup final, Mickey Mouse trophies and the gulf between the respective league positions of both teams.

City and Town won’t be on a level footing for a good while yet.

Parkinson afterwards spoke of the strength in depth at Lee Clark’s disposal and said he was convinced they would finally clamber out of League One this year. That’s the pressure that will stalk Huddersfield right through to May.

For City too, league progress is the priority. First thing’s first, they want to prove that their currently lowly status is a false one.

The edge-of-the-seat win over their rivals can only be truly celebrated if it is backed up with three points against Torquay today.

But don’t play down the feelgood factor that the JPT can create.

By the time this appears in print, we will know City’s next opponents in the northern area quarter-finals. An unappealing draw could deflate some of the excitement of Wembley being “only” three rounds away.

But a run in football’s least glamorous competition offers us all something else to focus on.

It’s a slow burner of a trophy as interest levels only start to peak the further you go.

City have hit the final 16 – the last third of the 48 teams who took part. They have achieved nothing yet other than extend their stay in the competition into a third month.

By then, Parkinson will want to see the league footing on a more even keel. Maybe the nerveless spot-kicks from the other day will have kick-started a solid surge up the table.

That will be the true reward for toppling the lot from over the road.

And then everyone can look at the next episode of the JPT as one to really get their teeth into.