MARK Yeates fears he's a marked man – and he's not the only one.

City's Irish maestro has detected an attempt to clamp down on his increasing attacking influence.

Opponents know where the dangers lie – Filipe Morais, Jon Stead and Billy Clarke also got little joy from Scunthorpe's close attentions last week.

Yeates said: "I don't think the four of us have had so little of the ball. But it's a compliment if anything.

"The last two games, teams have made a priority to try and shut us out and Scunny did a good job on us.

"It wasn't through the lack of trying on our part. We were all looking to move around and get some more of the ball.

"I think Fil had a ten-minute spell in the first half when he had a bit of joy but other than that it was a pretty scrappy game.

"This is going to happen and we've got to get used to that.

"Maybe Fleetwood will worry more about themselves than the opposition and will want to stamp their own authority on things. If we stick to our jobs as we have been, hopefully that extra bit of space will open up.

"If that happens, we've got to make those moments count, which we have been in the last seven games. If we've got into crossing positions, the delivery has been good and we've been putting away more chances.

"If we can all work our socks off again, then we can take advantage of those little bits that come our way."

Yeates, who will make his 50th league appearance for the Bantams at Highbury this afternoon, is rubbing his hands at the prospect of two games in three days over the festive break.

He said: "I love just playing, whatever day it is. Obviously we've trained over Christmas but that's only a couple of hours and any chance of touching the ball is great.

"With the two kids and the missus this year, she expects me to be around the house a bit more, but it's good.

"I've always liked the Christmas games because there's a nice feeling to it. More people probably turn up because they want to get out of the house – and there's a big prize for us."

Had City survived Scunthorpe's final attack, they would have headed for West Lancashire with a play-off spot to protect. As it is, they sit just a point adrift of sixth-placed Rochdale.

Yeates said: "It's a pity we couldn't get the three points on Saturday because it would have put us in the top six. Once you're in there, you make it your priority to stay put.

"It wasn't the best of games but at least we came out with a point. Seven unbeaten is a decent little run and the lads are more than confident we can keep that going from these two games coming up.

"We've crept up there under the radar and the boys are chomping at the bit. They are all going to be needed over the next two or three games.

"We could find ourselves in the top six going into the new year, which shows it's been a really good progression.

"People should be excited about the second half of the season because the group are getting to know each other and there's a good feeling around the place."