INJURIES ARE BITING

City have managed to ride the blows this season thanks to the depth of Gary Bowyer’s squad as different players come to the fore.

But Tuesday’s defeat suggested that they have reached a tipping point with the long list of casualties.

Few other sides at League Two level could cope with that number of absentees and resources are being stretched to the limit.

HURRY UP HARRY

The current parade of injuries includes several names who would normally be straight on the team sheet.

Clayton Donaldson’s presence as the focal point up front is certainly being missed.

But the biggest hole against Port Vale was the one left by Harry Pritchard’s back spasm.

Pritchard has quickly established himself as a pivotal performer for City going forward and he cannot come back in the starting line-up quick enough.

WILL FINDS A WAY

Will Atkinson was not the most prolific scorer from midfield during his time in City colours, scoring four goals in 69 appearances.

But he has maintained the knack of netting against his old club ever since.

Atkinson scored twice for Southend against Stuart McCall’s Bantams in 2016 and then got his first Port Vale goal at Valley Parade in only his fourth game since signing as a free agent earlier this month.

DEVINE INTERVENES

Danny Devine has got a spring in his step since finally breaking his duck against Crawley.

The unassuming midfielder knows this is a big season as Bowyer gives him the opportunity to stake a more regular claim.

And having scored his first senior goal after three years of waiting, the confidence boost in Devine’s game was clear on Tuesday.

He got forward to win the penalty, however soft it may have been in Port Vale’s eyes, and set up a great chance for Aramide Oteh.

JUST A BLIP

A home loss to a side previously without an away win may have ruined betting accumulators across the country.

But it should not be allowed to detract from City’s healthy position right now.

With an average of just under two points a game, Bowyer’s men are still tucked in neatly in fourth spot and that was their first defeat in six.