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Parky slams Sheehan conduct

Image: Phil Parkinson: Unacceptable

Alan Sheehan faces a fine from Bradford after being sent off for a punch on Swindon defender Raphael Rossi Branco in their 2-1 loss.

It was a game to forget for Sheehan. Not only did the close season signing from Notts County miss a penalty, but he was sent off in stoppage time as the home side's frustrations reached boiling point. Bradford manager Phil Parkinson said: "It looks as if he has gone over and punched him. It is unacceptable if he has done that and he will be fined the maximum amount." Parkinson blamed Bradford's inability to defend set pieces as his side lost their third home league match in a row. Bradford took the lead in the 10th minute, but two goals from striker Jonathan Obika, a recent £200,000 signing from Tottenham, condemned them to another home defeat and secured Swindon their first away league win. Bradford were looking to recover from their 3-1 home defeat against Yeovil last week and Parkinson said: "It was a disappointing result last week, but we have spent a lot of time working with the players and the start was terrific and we were rewarded with a goal. "We played a long way ahead of where we were last week, but we cannot keep conceding goals from set-plays. "Four of the last five goals we have conceded have been from set-play situations. We are not helping ourselves. "A lot of endeavour and courage went into our play, but all that goes out of the window when you defend the set-plays like we did." Bradford are missing their outstanding defender Andrew Davies with a broken arm and Parkinson said: "He does a job and a half. "He is like one and a half players and he is outstanding in the penalty box. "When you have got the best player in the division in the penalty box out of the team you are going to miss him, but we have got enough big players there to do better than we have done." Parkinson added: "I am so frustrated, so annoyed, so much preparation went into this game during the week. "Determination and confidence levels were high going into the game and now we have got to make sure we turn this run round in the three away games in eight days we have come coming up - MK Dons and Colchester in the league and MK Dons in the League Cup a week on Tuesday." Bradford will not only be without Sheehan, but also Mark Yeates, who went off with a shoulder injury and Parkinson indicated he is going to be busy in the loan market to bring in re-enforcements. Bradford had the chance to go in front in the third minute when keeper Wes Foderingham tripped Billy Clarke as they competed for a loose ball, but Frodingham dived to his left to keep out Sheehan's penalty. The home side made amends by taking the lead after 10 minutes when Louis Thompson slid in to prevent Yeates' cross reaching Jason Kennedy, but could only divert the ball into his own net. Swindon equalised after 23 minutes when Bradley Smith's corner was headed back across goal by Michael Smith and Obika scored with a close-range header. The visitors continued to pose a threat in attack with smart, skilful approach play and Obika put them ahead two minutes before half-time with a 10-yard shot after the Bradford defence had failed to clear Nathan Byrne's corner. Sheehan and Billy Clarke went close for Bradford in the closing stages, but they could not force an equaliser. Swindon manager Mark Cooper said: "I felt we had enough chances to win the game comfortably, but we didn't take them and when you don't take your chances you leave yourself open to pressure. "After half-time it should have been game over because we had the chances to put the game to bed. "Give Bradford credit. They are a fit, strong side. They a had lot of crosses into the box in the second half and their centre forward James Hanson is the best in the air in the division. "But our defence and our keeper was outstanding. Our keeper made some world-class saves. "We have some really good young footballers and slowly they are maturing." Cooper disputed Bradford's penalty. He said: "It was never a penalty. It was a great tackle by our keeper. He took the ball away and turned it out of play, but justice was done."

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