PHIL Parkinson reckons City’s best Valley Parade record for almost half a century sets them up perfectly for the “real business” of the play-offs.

The Bantams will play Millwall over two legs for the prize of going to Wembley in the League One final.

The first meeting is at Valley Parade next Sunday lunchtime when City will look to extend a streak of seven home wins on the bounce – a run last set in January 1968.

Lee Evans and Billy Clarke fired them to a 2-0 triumph over Chesterfield yesterday in front of 20,807 fans. It was the biggest home league crowd since 2002.

Parkinson roared: “Millwall are a good side because they have been up there all season – but so are we.

“We had some targets, to get 80 points for the first time since 1999 and to win seven home league games on the trot.

“That’s the first time the club have done that in nearly 50 years and that’s a fantastic achievement from the lads.

“That’s not easy. I can’t remember in my whole career as a player and a manager – and neither can Steve (Parkin) – ever doing that.

“Obviously we were hoping for fourth place and didn’t get it. But we won’t let that take the edge off what was a terrific day for us.”

Millwall’s stoppage-time win at Gillingham kept City in fifth and ensured the Londoners will be at home for the decisive second leg on Friday, May 20.

Reece Burke faces a race against the clock to be fit for the first clash after going off at half-time with a groin strain.

But Mahlon Romeo’s red card for Millwall will rule him out for the entire play-offs.

Parkinson added: “Reece is a blow for us but equally Millwall had the player sent off.

“Nathan Clarke was faultless when he came on, as he has been throughout the season, and we’ll be confident with whoever we decide to go with.

“We’ve worked really hard this season to get to this 80 point mark.

“If you look at this time last year when Chesterfield were in the play-offs and the turnaround between us and them this time is not far off 30 points.

“Look at when Gillingham beat us. The turnaround of points from us to where Gillingham are now – it’s been one almighty effort.

“All that work’s gone in – now the real business starts. We really can’t wait for it.”

Parkinson rated the long-range blast from Evans, the Welshman’s second in consecutive games, as the best City goal of the season.

He was also delighted with Clarke’s appearance on the scoresheet. It was only the fourth goal for last season’s top scorer, one of three changes from the previous week’s play-off clincher at Southend.

The City boss said: “I’m pleased for Billy because at the end of last season he had a great run of scoring.

“He’s worked his socks off but his confidence level probably dropped a little bit a few weeks ago when he had some chances.

“But he showed a mental toughness, which is what we asked from him.

“He’s a terrific player and some of the things he did, like when he shot from 35 yards, shows he’s got an audaciousness about his play.”

Paul Anderson also got his first start since suffering a broken leg against Peterborough at the end of September. The winger, who had come off the bench at Roots Hall, played for 68 minutes.

Parkinson said: “Ando’s a different type of player to Reidy (Kyel Reid). He looks to come inside and play little probing balls.

“He’s very effective at that and I thought he produced some great moments for us."