STUART McCall is confident there are no mental demons as City look to put their away record straight.

The Bantams head for Cambridge tomorrow with morale boosted by a first win in nine games in midweek.

They have not won on their travels since mid-October, picking up only five points from nine attempts since.

The last two both ended with 3-0 losses at Mansfield and Oldham which hastened Gary Bowyer’s exit.

But McCall is not anticipating any apprehension from the squad going into the first away date since his return – and wants no excuses.

He said: “It might be a thought process among the players on the back of the last two defeats. They were heavy defeats without laying a glove on the opposition.

“That’s something we certainly need to change. But I’ve seen a good collective attitude since I’ve been here.

“We haven’t played too much on the stat. It’s a new start and a new management team.

“We knew we hadn’t won in eight going into the other night so we’ve got that monkey off our back.

“Going back to my second spell, we went through a full season with not getting beaten at home but the away performances were hit and miss.

“Then in the second season, we’d won eight away league games in the first half of it which was a record at the time along with somebody else.

“But we didn’t approach the game in a different manner. It wasn’t like we looked to change everything.

“I can’t put my finger on why that sometimes happens in football.”

City had triumphed at Stevenage, Walsall and Morecambe within their first seven away games. Another success against a Cambridge side with three wins on the bounce is well overdue.

McCall added: “Cambridge are obviously playing with a spring in their step but we’ve got to make sure it’s difficult for them.

“Go and be positive and naturally, first and foremost, try and come back with the win.

“The players know not to be using any excuses at all. Excuses are cheap.

“There can be factual reasons sometimes but it’s the same for everyone.

“The weather and conditions are the same for both sides.

“I understand certain things but I’m not one for people making excuses all the time.

“You’ve got to be strong and take responsibility of yourself, help your team-mates and own what you do. Don’t be making excuses, get on with it.”

Callum Cooke remains a doubt with his back problem and Kelvin Mellor is another week away after his hamstring injury. Jermaine Anderson has had an injection in his knee and is looking to get back training.

McCall has been trying to arrange a private game for Tuesday for players who have not yet been involved like Zeli Ismail and Jamie Devitt. But he admits his attempts have been "pretty fruitless" so far.