PHIL Parkinson has still banned any talk of play-offs as City look to re-establish themselves in the hunt.

The Bantams will move back into the top six by beating Chesterfield at Valley Parade tomorrow, the first of three games in seven hectic days.

But Parkinson, buoyed by Saturday's much-needed victory over Oldham, is not looking as far as the approaching Easter double-header.

"We want to concentrate on the next game and we'll be focused on that," he said.

"After the FA Cup exit at Reading, I felt everybody started talking about the play-offs and thought we'd naturally work our way up the league."

Parkinson felt City reaped the rewards of their getaway to Portugal after he took advantage of their first free midweek for nearly two months to take the players on a sunshine break.

The Bantams boss said: "When you've had so many games, it's like being on a hamster wheel. You have to keep churning out performances and maybe lose a bit of detail in what you're doing.

"We needed a change of scenery and I just felt it was the right thing to do. Obviously winning backed that up – but whatever the result on Saturday, I knew it was right to get away."

Billy Clarke's double ensured City's first win against Oldham in ten attempts – but it came at a cost, with a short-lived return from Andrew Davies.

The centre half lasted only 17 minutes before pulling up with hamstring trouble. Gary MacKenzie again deputised and will continue to fill in tomorrow.

Parkinson said: "We're not sure yet of the extent of the injury but it doesn't look good.

"Gary was obviously disappointed to be left out of the team but that's the sign of a true professional that he did a really good job. I thought all the subs came on and had a massive impact.

"There was a real determination in the camp. I felt it the minute I walked in the dressing room with the players and the minute I walked out on the pitch from the supporters."

Clarke's goals took his tally for the season into double figures. He broke the deadlock with a back-heel after a bout of head tennis from a City corner, before sealing the win with a rare strike on his right foot.

He said: "I was in the right place at the right time for my first one. We've got a really big team, so you've got to gamble on flick-ons.

"With the second, it was just good placement and I was happy that it rolled in. I could be playing on a carpet with my right foot and I'm not sure where it would go!

"I'd had a couple of sighters earlier but the keeper could have chucked his hat on them. But I concentrate more with my right foot because it doesn't feel so natural, so I probably get a better connection."

Parkinson was full of praise for the "magnificent" Irishman who "creates so much for the team" in his role behind the strikers.

Clarke said: "You can't do little five-yard passes on that pitch and expect the ball to roll smoothly. There are certain things you've got to do better, like getting on second balls.

"When the two big lads win headers, you've got to be there or thereabouts. But that's the benefit of playing a traditional striker in the hole. I've been a centre forward all my career, so I know what to expect."