PHIL Parkinson reckons City are ready to deal with a period of upheaval after last night's win at Leyton Orient came at a cost.

The Bantams got back to business after their FA Cup exploits as James Hanson's first-half double clinched a seventh away league victory.

But Hanson, who had terrorised the O's, and Andrew Davies were taken off at half-time with tight hamstrings.

With Jon Stead already missing because of an injured ankle, it meant a reshuffle in the ranks – something that Parkinson is confident the squad can cope with during a hectic run of matches.

The Bantams said said: "Hanson absolutely terrorised them in the first half and it's such a shame. It was the complete centre forward's performance – he did everything we wanted from him.

"It's nothing too serious with either of them but the lads who came on did great.

"We're going to be depleted come Saturday (against Walsall) because Steady is going to be a doubt as well.

"We expected to go through this period. We're going to be chopping and changing but we're ready as a team for that."

Hanson broke Orient's resistance with a stunning half-volley and header before making way for Francois Zoko. Davies was replaced by Gary MacKenzie, who made the first appearance of his City loan.

Parkinson said: "Gary has been a bit unfortunate not to play since he's been here.

"We wanted to go with Davies because the back four had done so well on Sunday and we needed that resilience again. Gary hid his disappointment well around the boys and he came on and was superb.

"We said to the lads when Francois and Gary were warming up that they owed those two a good performance in the second half.

"It's tough when you go up and down the country and don't play but all those lads are right behind the team. It's so important we dug in to make sure their appearance was a winning one.

"We did that for them. The blocks and challenges we got in; say no more. It was tremendous."

City, who stretched their unbeaten run to six games, moved up to seventh – a point behind Doncaster in the final League One play-off spot but have played one less.

Parkinson said: "It was an outstanding away performance from us. We came up against a team with renewed spirit, which I saw on Saturday at Chesterfield, and I thought we were excellent.

"There was a great feel about the dressing room before the game. I said to the lads to remember what people had been saying about us as a team during the high-profile (FA Cup) games.

"They've been praised for their workrate, their reaction when the ball changes hands, the calmness in possession – we'd be mad if we changed that because it's bringing us success.

"I told them to listen to what people are saying about us and our work ethic and not go away from that. It's what is bringing us success.

"Orient away on a Wednesday after the week we've had was a big test for us. But we've more than stood up to it."