GARY Bowyer fears Valley Parade is currently too big for some League Two officials.

The City boss was critical of rookie Leigh Doughty’s performance in the 2-1 win over Northampton.

The Bantams’ comeback was marred by a late red card for sub Zeli Ismail for two bookings.

Bowyer felt neither incidents were worthy of a yellow – and felt the winger’s dismissal was “crazy”.

Andy Haines dished out 11 bookings and one dismissal in the previous home game against Forest Green.

And Bowyer is worried that the size of the stadium and crowd is getting to referees.

The City boss said: “This is a big environment for some of them and they’ve not been up to the standard.

“The last home game against Forest Green, both myself and Mark Cooper were unhappy with the referee.

“You’ve seen today, it’s been the same for myself and Keith Curle. It’s a problem.

“The first one with Zeli, the lad is already going down waiting for the touch.

“Two minutes later, the ref books their lad for exactly the same things – they are fouls but not bookings.

“The second one, he hasn’t done anything. I’ve watched it back and their lad has grabbed him.

“It’s just poor refereeing.”

But Bowyer was delighted to see his team fight back from a half-time deficit to win through a Michael Harriman own goal and a second score in successive games for Paudie O’Connor.

It was City’s first come-from-behind victory at Valley Parade since they beat Swindon 2-1 in March 2017.

Bowyer added: “I’ve got nothing but praise for the way they went about it. They got what they deserved.

“I thought we were the better team first half. We had a couple of chances with James Vaughan.

“We’ve obviously got one or two still settling in with Dylan (Connolly) and Harry (Pritchard) but I just encouraged them to go and show what qualities they’ve got.

“We dominated the second half. All the stats showed you that.”