Bradford City: Vale defeat was tough to take, says Parkinson (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Bradford City: Port Vale defeat was tough to take, says Phil Parkinson

9:20am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Bantams By Simon Parker

Phil Parkinson has a score to settle when Port Vale arrive at Valley Parade.

The Valiants inflicted the first loss of his City reign when Tom Pope’s late header clinched a 3-2 win in September.

Parkinson said: “It was a funny night because it was a very open game. The two teams both played attacking formations.

“We were a bit too open for my liking but still looked a threat going forward. The draw would have been fair and it was tough to take.”

Vale have suffered turmoil off the pitch. A proposed £8m investment from America – revealed on the day of City’s last visit – failed to materialise and there have been ongoing protests to oust the board.

But they are unbeaten in the last six league meetings between the two and Parkin-son knows what to expect from a Micky Adams side.

He added: “Micky knows this division. It’s his second time there so he more or less knew the players when he went back in.

“They were right up there when he left them last time but then faltered.

“But expectations at Port Vale are always to be up and around the promotion action and I’m sure they will be.”

Like City, Vale have suffered back-to-back postponements but won their previous two games.

Assistant boss Mark Grew has warned his side to be up for a scrap.

He said: “Bradford are in a relegation dogfight and any animal that is wounded will fight. We’ve got to get there with a professional attitude.”