Proud Parkinson hails Bantams’ character after late fightback

With Bradford needing points to ease relegation worries and Gillingham reaching out towards the play-offs, a draw was arguably of questionable value.

Yet after battling back from two goals down and having three goals disallowed, the Bantams will carry confidence into tomorrow night’s home task against Crawley Town.

Parkinson praised his team’s immense character and experienced referee Scott Mathieson’s calm composure when he overruled a linesman’s attempt to chalk out James Hanson’s late equaliser.

Hessenthaler and his players were adamant that Bradford substitute Nahki Wells was offside and interfering with play in the build-up to the goal, but after a lengthy discussion with his linesman, Mathieson allowed it to stand.

James Hanson, Wells and Craig Fagan all had claims to goals foiled by the dreaded flag; Fagan’s effort coming in time added on.

When Lewis Montrose headed Gillingham into a 25th-minute lead it was from the visitors’ first menacing attack and when Simon Ramsden inadvertently sent an intercepted pass into his own net it seemed City were heading for their first home defeat since November.

But with Kyel Reid outstanding, Wells headed in the winger’s 71st- minute cross and Reid was again the provider as Hanson netted his much debated but richly deserved equaliser.

It left City four points and four places above the bottom two.

Parkinson said: “I honestly couldn’t be prouder of the team, I really couldn’t. We have some real character in this side and we showed that today.”

Bradford City: McLaughlin; Ramsden (Wells 62), Davies, Oliver, Fry; Fagan, Ravenhill (Syers 46), Bullock, Reid; Hanson, Dagnall. Unused substitutes: Annerson, Smalley, Kozluk.

Gillingham: Gazzaniga; Fish, Essam, Frampton, Martin; Whelpdale, Montrose, Payne, Jackman, Obita (74); Kuffour (Vine 78). Unused substitutes: King, Miller, Lee.

Referee: S Mathieson (Cheshire). Man of the match: Kyel Reid.