Clough bemoans Bradford leveler

Sheffield United's 1-1 draw at home to Bradford left Nigel Clough feeling frustrated as a victory would have sealed a play-off place.

Jason Holt put the hosts in front shortly before the hour mark but they had to settle for a point following Billy Clarke's equaliser late in the game. Bradford defender Rory McArdle was sent-off in the 90th minute after receiving a second yellow card. The Blades stay fifth in the table and are nine points in front of Rochdale, who have three matches remaining. Clough said: "For us to concede with just over five minutes to go is frustrating. It was a scruffy goal from our point of view. I think it was almost a mis-hit that just crept into the bottom corner. "To be five minutes away from confirming our place in the play-offs. Now we have got to wait for Tuesday or Saturday. "I thought it was a good Yorkshire derby. There were plenty of tackles going in and there were enough chances created throughout the game. "We had a patched up back four and then we lost Terry Kennedy at half-time so I think that contributed to it a little bit as well. Terry's aerial prowess is the strongest part of his game and when you've got [James] Hanson and [Jon] Stead against you it is difficult to cope. "On another day we would have seen it out. We then had a little bit of a resurgence and I thought Che Adams was going to make us a winning goal when he came on." Bradford manager Phil Parkinson said: "It has been a tough week and we've restored some pride, which we needed to do. "I've got to give the lads enormous credit for the way they stuck to the game-plan throughout, even when we conceded the goal. "We kept going and got our rewards in the end for a very spirited performance. This is a very difficult place to come to, especially when you've been beaten so heavily at home - as we were. "We created some good chances and had two cleared off the line. Hanson had a great chance as well. "We didn't get a penalty as well. The lads are absolutely adamant that it was a penalty. "The strength of character in the team was great. I thought all the lads were terrific and they never lost faith."