Robbie Blake has pledged that Bradford City will keep going until the last kick of the season as they battle to survive in the Premiership.

The 24-year-old striker marked his return to the forward line with a fine goal but it was not enough to prevent City slipping to a 2-1 defeat against Southampton.

City are now six points adrift of safety, but Blake believes they can still turn it around.

He said: "Unfortunately it was a game where we yet again had no luck but we can't let that affect us. We still have six cup finals ahead of us.

"The lads were very down after the game but the fact is we still have to play both Derby and Wimble-don. Two wins will really help us in our battle to get out of trouble."

Blake was City's star man with a fine display in his favoured position up front. He went close to scoring several times before grabbing a 76th minute strike which was only his second of the season.

Blake's campaign has been dogged by the contract saga which saw him place don the transfer list last summer. However he pledged in Thursday's Telegraph & Argus that he would sign a new deal during the summer and as a result he looked much more settled this weekend.

He said: "I love playing up front and I really enjoyed it. Hopefully everything will be sorted out this summer out and before then I want to keep my place and keep scoring.

"I have had a frustrating season and I think it has been down to the problems I have had off the field. I should have done this earlier in the season but hopefully now I can keep playing well.

"I don't think anyone could go away this weekend thinking we are down. There are six games and 18 points to play for. We have a good team spirit and squad and we all think we can do it."

City have announced that the Banqueting Suite will be open for supporters to use the bar before the reserve game clash with Liverpool tomorrow, kick off 7pm.

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