Phil Parkinson has challenged City to win tomorrow’s power struggle with Northampton and stay firmly in the play-off picture.

The Bantams boss senses his side are hitting top form as their marathon campaign heads into a final make-or-break six matches.

Third-placed Northampton will test that resolve at Valley Parade as the home side look to eat into the five-point gap to the play-offs.

With Bristol Rovers heading north on Tuesday, it is a critical week for their promotion ambitions.

But Parkinson is sure his team are ready for the clash with one of League Two’s most uncompromising opponents.

He said: “I don’t think the spirit’s questioned in this team with the characters we’ve got. There are going to be some ups and downs in these six games. Myself and the team have got to keep responding and so have the crowd.

“They know this team will go to the last minute of every game. Ideally we want to get off to good starts and get a lead but if it doesn’t happen we’ve got to keep knocking on the door.

“We’ve got a lot of players coming into a strong run of form and that’s important.”

City are one of only three sides to win at Sixfields – 16 home wins are the major reason behind Northampton’s rise to an automatic promotion spot.

But it’s very different on their travels and only Torquay have picked up fewer away points.

Clive Platt is likely to replace battering ram Adebayo Akinfenwa up front but City are still well aware what to expect from the Cobblers and their Eccleshill-born boss Aidy Boothroyd.

Parkinson said: “Northampton are relentless in the way they play. They’ve done well by grounding out a lot of results at home.

“They know us, we know them. There aren’t going to be too many secrets.

“It’s going to be a really tough, competitive game and you wouldn’t expect anything different at this stage. We’re aware of each other’s strengths and whoever copes best with them will win the game.

“We’re coming up against one of the best teams in the league and I’m sure it will be a good atmosphere.”

Parkinson has selection decisions to make but may stick with the side that played so well at Torquay. He will also have one eye on Tuesday’s game.

He added: “We changed it round at Torquay and the lads played hungry. They want to keep performing.

“Zav (Hines) had shown a lot of bottle against Southend and perhaps he was unfortunate not to play. But I also thought Nahki (Wells) looked sharp coming off the bench and deserved his chance.

“But they are all pushing hard to play. It’s the same with Will Atkinson and look at Alan Connell, who’s been outstanding when he’s come on.

“All the games left are really good ones. Look at Chesterfield, they beat Burton and drew with Port Vale and are talking about play-offs and rightly so.

“Every game we’ve got there’s something to play for. After the season we’ve had, it’s great to still be in the mix and these next two games will determine whether we stay in it.”