TYLER Smith must wish City could play Doncaster every week.
He was as frustrated by Tuesday’s outcome at Valley Parade as everyone despite his late equaliser.
But a first goal since scoring against his former club just before Christmas has put him back in the frame for a starting spot again.
The arrivals of Tyreik Wright and Calum Kavanagh in the January window has bumped the former Hull striker down the pecking order.
So, his neatly-taken strike to rescue a point coming off the bench provided a timely reminder for Graham Alexander going into the Accrington trip this weekend.
"It was massive for me,” said Smith. “Another goal and the confidence is there.
“On a personal note, it's always good to get a goal.
"I've had to stay ready and I am always ready for my opportunity. It was a night where I managed to come on and rescue a point for us.
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"Everyone keeps each other on their toes and everybody has to perform. If you don't, you are out of the team and another one comes in.”
Smith found that out after being subbed at half-time in his last league start at Swindon.
He played against Wycombe in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy semi-final due to Andy Cook’s suspension but has otherwise been limited to a few late cameos.
His sparky display in the Doncaster game will put the pressure on Wright and Kavanagh, who were both well shackled by the visitors.
It was a generally flat display from the Bantams in their first outing for 13 days.
Alexander refused to use that enforced period of inactivity as a reason for a particularly poor first half and Smith also rejected suggestions of any rustiness.
"You could say that, but we prepared well like we do for every single game anyway, so that shouldn't have been an excuse.
“We've not had a game for a little while but it shouldn't stop us performing.
“In the first half, we weren't great and they were there for the taking. We should have walked away with three points and we needed to but we didn't.
“But we take the point, we didn't get beaten and move on to the weekend.
"If you don't win, at least don't lose it. We managed to get something, but it's not ideal.
“The last few weeks have not good at all. We're here to play.
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“So, when games are getting cancelled and we are sat watching other people's results come in when we should be playing ourselves it’s not ideal.
“But we can't control that. All we can do is prepare well and if it's on, it's on and it's off, it's off and that’s it.”
Doncaster boss Grant McCann has twice previously signed Smith and was not surprised by his sharp instincts to tuck away the late leveller.
Smith added: "I've scored a few times now against Donny. I don't really think too much about who we’re playing, but just go on and play and hopefully score.
"I practice those every day in training and it was good to see it hit the back of the net.”
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