SKIPPER Stephen Darby dedicated City's final home win of the season to those who died in the fire tragedy.

Phil Parkinson had called on his players to do the occasion justice as Valley Parade marked the approaching 30th anniversary of the disaster.

Jon Stead's first-half volley ensured they did that against Barnsley on a day when every professional game around the country paid their respects.

Darby said: "We dedicate that win to the 56 (who died in the fire), the families and to everyone involved. It was a very emotional day and you could sense the atmosphere on the pitch. The fans were magnificent again.

"The minute's silence was impeccable and we couldn't have topped that off any better. It was good that we could get the three points on what was a special and an emotional day."

Darby stressed the players were well aware of the heightened significance of the weekend but they had to shut out the emotion on the pitch.

He said: "That's what you've got to do. You've got to be professional. We wanted this win as much as anyone and we applied ourselves in the right manner.

"I saw an interview on Saturday morning with a couple of teams fighting for promotion and they were talking about playing the game, not the occasion. That's what we tried to do but we knew it was a massive day for everyone. It was very poignant.

"You quickly learn the history of the club and how much it means to the community. Coming from Liverpool, I grew up with Hillsborough. When you sign for Bradford City, you are aware of the fire straight away.

"Obviously you've got the memorial. But you're also in and around people on a day-to-day basis who were either at that game or know others who were."

It was City's first home win since March 28 – they had lost the last three games without scoring and were hammered 6-0 by champions Bristol City, the club's heaviest defeat at Valley Parade since 1965.

Parkinson was delighted to see his side get back to form in front of their own crowd on an afternoon that meant so much.

The Bantams boss said: "As much as I mentioned it again in the dressing room and talked about it being a day for the city of Bradford and the supporters, our job was to play as well as we can to do the day justice.

"They all understand what it means to play for this club and what the day meant to everyone."

Parkinson has allowed centre half Gary MacKenzie to go back to Blackpool after Alan Sheehan rejoined City from Peterborough. Sheehan was on the bench against Barnsley but did not come on.

Parkinson also plans to discuss Francois Zoko's position with the on-loan striker today.

He said: "Gary's time with us is up. I felt that we've got enough cover there with Rory McArdle coming back next week, Gary Liddle playing so well at Scunthorpe at the back and Sheehan back here.

"I just told Zoko, I was going with the youngsters (on Saturday). I wanted to give young Reece Webb-Foster and Dylan Mottley-Henry another feeling of what it's like to be part of the first-team squad again."