Phil Parkinson predicts League Two’s play-off race will be a case of survival of the fittest – and backed the buzzing Bantams to match any of their rivals.

City will move into the top seven with a fourth victory in five games at home to Bristol Rovers tomorrow.

Saturday’s win over third-placed Northampton has sent confidence soaring – and suddenly a promotion finish is right back on the agenda.

Leaders Gillingham were the only winners in the top seven as the other results fell into City’s lap.

Exeter, Rotherham and Cheltenham all suffered shock defeats to suddenly open the door for the Bantams. Having been eight points adrift ten days ago, the gap has been slashed to two.

With Exeter – who have lost three in a row – visiting Rotherham’s New York Stadium tomorrow, a City win would guarantee they take over the last play-off slot.

Parkinson’s side have not been that high since New Year’s Day.

Parkinson admitted: “It’s great we are still in the mix and you can feel the expectation out there and in the dressing room.

“Players are coming back to form and the lads look good physically. That’s so important.

“I don’t think that fitness wise there are many teams who can live with us in this league.

“It was a strange old day and you certainly wouldn’t want to have a bet in this division.

“But I said this time last year when we were down the bottom, that teams at the bottom improve. If you’re in the top half and take your eye off the ball, you get punished.

“There is very little difference (between top and bottom) and you’re seeing that at the moment. Every game we’ve got now is great to be involved in.”

Nahki Wells ended a two-month goal drought by cashing in on a defensive blunder to score the winner. It was his 19th of the season – and sixth in five games against the Cobblers.

Parkinson said: “Nahki’s looked sharp again. The good thing is that he has got his rewards for training well and a couple of good performances.

“Hanson and Wells have always done well against them. Northam-pton were concerned, which was why they came with three centre halves at the back and that makes the first goal so important.

“Northampton are a very good side. You don’t get to be third at this stage of the season otherwise.

“We knew what they were going to offer and we had to be very strong and physical against them.

“We had some great chances to kill the game off but we got that important goal and that was crucial for us.

“The energy of the lads was terrific. The atmosphere was great and I enjoyed being part of the game.”

Andrew Davies passed a fitness test on his calf to play and Parkinson praised the way he dealt with the Northampton bombardment of crosses and long throw-ins.

“He was a colossus. Against Northampton, your two centre halves and goalkeeper are very important. We gave Davo the job of making that first ball in from the long throws and he was immense.”