City players were referred to as "bravehearts" after a stirring two-goal fightback to round off the festive fixture frenzy.

The Bantams climbed off the floor to draw 3-3 with high-flying Brentford yesterday, Marc Bridge- Wilkinson completing the rescue act with a late penalty to add to a sensational first-half free-kick.

"It's been a tremendous effort over the Christmas period," said boss Colin Todd as City finished a spell of ten games in 30 days.

"As well as all the matches, we've had to play with ten men for long periods at Southend and Kidder-minster and the extra-time against Barnsley. But the fitness levels and mental toughness of those lads has been great.

"When we went 3-1 down a lot of people thought it was the end. But we went a bit gung-ho, got a lifeline from Dave Wetherall and then won the penalty which gave us a point.

"We know Brentford are a physical side and you have to be brave enough to get the ball down and play.

"We matched them for long periods and gave them a very good game. It was a game for the bravehearts."

The City penalty was awarded after referee Darren Drysdale decided that Brentford keeper Stuart Nelson had nudged Steve Claridge.

The Bantams substitute, who had a brief spell with Brentford, admitted he was unsure whether it warranted a spot-kick.

"I don't know, he gave it before I even appealed," said Claridge.

"But I don't think he got the ball. If someone touches you in the box then you are going to go down and we certainly weren't going to argue about it."

Steve Schumacher, who picked up a knock, and Danny Cadamarteri were involved in a shoving match in the first half.

Todd dismissed the clash between the team-mates as "frustration boiling over" and said it underlined City's will to win.

"If we were winning 2-0 it wouldn't have happened," he said.

"Sometimes it's good to see it because that shows they want to do well for the football club.

"Of course it's not right but it can lift people as well. Worse things go on in the dressing room!"

City's shattered troops have been given a couple of free days to recharge their batteries before Saturday's trip to Chesterfield.