Ashley Ward today revealed his one regret from City's first home win of the season: I should have had a hat-trick.

Ward, described by manager Nicky Law as the hardest working striker in Division One, scored twice in the 4-2 derby success over Yorkshire neighbours Rotherham.

It was the perfect way to celebrate the squad's first pay cheque for four months as the club prepare to come out of administration before their next game.

Skipper Ward, who notched his first goals at Valley Parade since Boxing Day, said: "It's easily been the best week of this term with the win at Ipswich, getting paid at last and then this.

"Until we let them back in the game at 3-0 we played some terrific football. It must have been great to watch, not all huff and puff and effort.

"But it showed how well we can play when we've got a bit of confidence.

"The only shame is that I didn't get a hat-trick. I've got three or four in my career and I remember getting one at Valley Parade for Norwich.

"I should have got another one really but let's hope if we can create as many chances in the future then there will be more opportunities for us all."

As the club's highest earner on a reputed £18,000 a week, City will have to look to off-load Ward as they try to balance the books. But with the transfer window shut, no other club can come in for him until at least January - and Law is delighted.

The Bantams boss said: "Wardy comes in for some stick but there won't be a centre-forward that works as hard as him in this league. He does it week in, week out, day in, day out.

"He's a great player to have and even when he's not scoring, at least he's there to miss them. He doesn't hide from the pressure and takes it on the chin - Wardy sums them all up to come through what they have done.

"I'm really delighted he's got two goals and I think Michael Proctor has given Ashley a lift. I don't think we've had as many combinations and tricks between our front players since I've been here.

"Our two strikers have got four goals in two games now so I'm getting a little bit excited!"

Just as importantly, City emerged unscathed on the injury front. With the Coventry game on Saturday off because of internationals, they have eight days to build numbers up before the Worthington Cup first-round visit to Wrexham.

Law added: "It would have been nice to keep the momentum going but the break is important because of the injuries. It was vital we won on Saturday because we didn't want a bad result hanging over us."