Phil Parkinson relished City’s first league win of 2013 and insisted: We really needed that.

The Bantams stunned form team Wycombe 3-0 at Adams Park last night, with all the goals coming from midfield.

Nathan Doyle broke his duck for the club with two – including one inside the first minute – and Will Atkinson also cashed in to clinch their side’s first three points since Boxing Day.

Parkinson recalled Andrew Davies from a four-month injury lay-off in a much-changed side and was delighted with the team’s display.

He said: “It was such an important victory. We needed it to get back on track and I thought we were excellent.

“Wycombe were the form team in the league and we knew it would be a difficult game. We had to show honesty, commitment and quality and we did that.

“With Doyley’s shooting ability, he should score more. He’s as good a striker of the ball as you will get.

“And Will’s now got three for the season. I’m pleased because we had a chat before the game that he had to produce more in the final third.

“He’s got real calmness on the ball and I need to get him higher up the pitch more often because he’s so good in those positions. We need him in and around that box.”

Davies had been pencilled in for an hour’s action in the reserves against Chesterfield this afternoon but Parkinson opted instead to throw him straight back into the first team – and the centre half responded superbly.

“It was a massive ask of him but I thought his inclusion would give the team a big lift,” said Parkinson.

“He played slightly longer than we wanted to and we need to keep our fingers crossed that his knee reacts the right way.

“He’s very brave and I’m so pleased for him because it’s been a long time out.”

Garry Thompson partnered Andy Gray up front as Parkinson left out both of his regular strikers. Top scorer Nahki Wells stayed on the bench but James Hanson came on to have a hand in the second and third goals.

Parkinson said: “Andy’s hold-up play is good and Thommo makes those runs behind, so there’s a balance.

“James and I were both frustrated on Saturday because he’d had a couple of good chances.

“But what a great player to bring off the bench and his attitude was spot on. He couldn’t have done much more when he got on.”

Parkinson also revealed positive news on Rory McArdle and has not ruled him out of City’s plans for Wembley.

He said: “We are taking it day by day but it’s a lot better than the results of the scan. The specialist is a lot happier with it.

James Meredith is also getting better. His blood tests aren’t perfect but he’s going in the right direction.

“Players like McArdle, Davies and Meredith are big personalities. You miss them when they’re not in the dressing room.”