DAVID Hopkin insists City remain in high spirits as they head towards another critical date in the survival battle.

The Bantams boss reckons his side are over the frustration of the Fleetwood loss and will be back up for it when Plymouth visit Valley Parade on Saturday.

City are five points behind the Devon club – but still only one adrift from escaping the League One drop zone despite slipping a place to second from bottom.

None of the teams in the relegation battle picked up a win last weekend and that has also helped to keep morale up in the build-up to the next crucial clash.

Hopkin said: “When we had fantastic results and wins in December, other teams round about us have won as well.

“So maybe we were due a bit of luck on our side after we got beaten. It’s probably what we deserve.

“We’ve got to realise where we are but we’re getting there and we’re still not far off reaching mid-table with a couple of wins.

“The players have worked hard again this week and we’re all still positive.

“We need to stay patient because there are going to be twists and turns between now and May.

“We’ve got to make sure we keep the players onside.

“They are fine and in good spirits. We move on to the next game and still only a point from getting out of the bottom four.”

The Fleetwood setback was City’s first loss in four games but Hopkin has not noticed any nerves creeping in.

“I don’t think it’s so much nerves,” he added. “I said to the players after the game that it was more a respectful thing.

“You had a top-10 team coming to Valley Parade to take a point. But then they scored early and managed the game well after that.

“Every game now is going to be a huge challenge and we’ve got to prepare properly.

“As long as we try to keep picking up a win or draw in games then maybe we can build a sequence of results and I think we can be fine.

“We’ve a lot of young players in the squad and we’ve got to keep going.”

Kelvin Mellor finished off his rehab work yesterday and is expected to join in full training tomorrow. But Hopkin may decide against rushing him back into contention for Saturday.

“The game may be a bit early for him,” said the Bantams boss. "He should be available for the squad but he’s not done a lot.

“We’ll just have to be patient and see where we are with him.

“Kelvin gives us options and is an important member because he can play three or four positions.

“He’s another experienced head. He was playing well before he got injured and gives us cover – he can play near enough anywhere on the pitch.

“It will be another boost to see him back in the group.”