Phil Parkinson thanked Garry Thompson for the wonder strike that stopped City’s promotion bid from coming off the rails.

Burton’s 3-2 win at Valley Parade last night makes them firm favourites to reach League Two’s play-off final at Wembley on May 18.

But Thompson’s second-half blast to reduce the deficit has given the Bantams something to pin their hopes on in Sunday’s return leg.

Parkinson said: “It was a tremendous goal that keeps the tie alive.

“After the way we played in the first half, I’m pleased to be going there just one goal down. The onus was on us and we didn’t deal with it well.

“But the tables are turned on Sunday and we are still in this game. My focus is that we produce a far better performance.”

City conceded all three Burton goals before the break with two from Calvin Zola – one from a clear offside position – and another by midfielder Robbie Weir after Nahki Wells had hit back with a penalty.

Parkinson admitted: “Burton have got some good attacking players and you’ve got to give them a lot of credit. But defensively we were really poor.

“We’ve got some good defenders but we didn’t work as a unit. It was as if we’d gone out there to show everybody we were a good team and then forgot to do the basics.

“In any game, your back four needs to be strong to give you any chance and we were too open in the first half.

“But I thought we responded really well in the second half. We got the goal back, had other chances and it’s all to play for.”

Kyel Reid came on for the last 33 minutes – his first involvement since suffering a groin strain in the league win over the Brewers. The winger added an edge to City’s attack and is now pushing for a start at the Pirelli Stadium.

Parkinson said: “Kyel hadn’t even trained with us and did some work with the fitness coach and the physio.

“I decided to let him do the warm-up and put him on the bench, otherwise it was just a couple of the younger players.

“I planned to use him for ten minutes but as it happened we needed him for longer than that.

“He hasn’t had any reaction and he will be fine. But he needs a couple of good days’ training to put himself in the picture.”

Burton chief Gary Rowett refused to get carried away with the win, despite his side boasting the strongest home record in the Football League.

He said: “I’d rather have a lead to lose than be chasing the game. We’re in control to a certain degree but the tie is so evenly poised.

“If Bradford score after five minutes at our place then they’ve got the impetus. I certainly don’t think we can sit back at home and try to defend.

“People expected us to come to Bradford and be very defensive and sit back. But I think our game-plan worked terrifically well.

“I didn’t feel the crowd was particularly intimidating. It was loud and raucous and a wonderful atmosphere but if you’re intimidated by it as a player, then you’re in the wrong game.”