Clough bemoans Bantams leveller

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."