CITY have got to step up to the plate to rediscover their scoring touch after another frustrating night, Phil Parkinson insisted.

Their problems in front of goal continued with a 1-0 loss to Barnsley at Valley Parade.

The Bantams played their part in an entertaining Yorkshire derby but could not find a response to Marley Watkins’ second-minute header.

Parkinson said: “We’ve got in enough dangerous areas to have got something from the game.

“It was disappointing to concede the early goal. Barnsley got a great win on Saturday and then we gave them a huge lift.

“But I thought the lads responded well in terms of general play – I lost count of how many crosses we had. But we need something to fall for us.

“Maybe it’s also about having a bit more desire in that six-yard box as well.

“The effort of the players was first class. The crowd were magnificent and stuck behind the team brilliantly.

“But it’s just not going for us in front of goal and we need to do better in those areas.”

Reece Burke limped off at half-time after damaging his Achilles, although City believe it is nothing serious.

Billy Clarke also strained his hamstring as defeat came at an extra cost.

But Parkinson was encouraged by the return of wingers Josh Morris, making his first start for four months, and Mark Marshall. Morris had City’s best chance with a shot that was deflected wide almost on the line.

Parkinson added: “I thought the two wide players did well and produced quality.

“When Josh hit that one from the edge of the box and it hit our own player a yard from goal, you knew it wasn’t going for you.

“But that’s how it goes sometimes in football. We’ve got to stay strong as a group and come out ready again at home on Saturday.

“There were so many good aspects of the performance. We’ve had so much good possession in and around that box but just could not produce that moment of inspiration.

“We do need people to step up to the plate and do that because there’s so much good going on out there.”