Jim Jefferies today hailed Bradford City's performance at Tottenham last night as the best since he took over as manager five months ago.

Although City lost 2-1, Jefferies was delighted with a spirited display that deserved at least a draw.

He said: "I cannot complain about the effort the players put in or the way they played.

"Spurs manager Glenn Hoddle and his assistant John Gorman recognised that. We caused them a lot of anxious moments and we took the game to them.

"It was harsh on our lads that they didn't come away with something from the match.

"I have been delighted with the last three matches. We have probably relaxed a little bit recently.

"We have nothing to lose and we have gone about our work really well in those matches.

"Last night, we even improved on our two previous displays against Man-chester City and Newcastle.

"It was a terrific performance. We really gave it a go, but we gave Tottenham two goals, and that is disappointing.

"I believe we have got the nucleus of a good team, and hopefully we can improve it for next season.

"We have not given up our fight to stay in the Premiership, and the players have shown that in the last three matches. I am delighted at the way the players have responded.

"They played extremely well at Tottenham, and it was an injustice we didn't get something out of the game."

Time is running out for City though. They have now gone ten matches without a win, and simply have to beat Charlton at Valley Parade on Friday (4pm) to keep alive even the slimmest of mathematical hopes of survival.

Tottenham boss Hoddle was relieved to emerge with a win from a match which was played before a disappointingly low crowd of 28,306, which probably reflected the home fans' disappointment at Sunday's 2-1 FA Cup semi-final defeat by Arsenal.

Hoddle said: "We passed the ball much better than we did against Arsenal, even though you have to say, with all due respect to Bradford, it was against a different calibre of opposition.

"But we knew it was going to be a difficult match because everybody expected us to win it. Bradford, though, had no fear in their game because they are no longer fighting to stay up."