Bradford City: Phil Parkinson philosophical after final loss

Bradford City boss Phil Parkinson says he could not fault the efforts of his side after their 5-0 defeat by Swansea in the Capital One Cup final.

The Bantams fell behind after 16 minutes and did not manage a shot on target until five minutes before the end.

"I'm not criticising anyone as the lads have been magnificent," said Parkinson.

"What Swansea did to us they've done to Premier League sides this season. They're an outstanding side."

He added: "I have to give massive credit to the job [Swans boss] Michael Laudrup has done.

"We didn't do everything to our maximum but it was a big day and a massive ask.

"Of course, we could have done better but to go to Wigan and win, to beat Arsenal and Aston Villa over two legs - I don't want to be critical.

"The way the lads conducted themselves throughout this added exposure has been outstanding."

Parkinson felt referee Kevin Friend could have shown more leniency when sending off Bantams goalkeeper Matt Duke.

With the scoreline at 3-0 after 58 minutes, Duke tripped Swans midfielder Jonathan De Guzman when the Dutchman was in on goal.

"The referee could have used his common sense and a bit of discretion in terms of the context of the game," said Parkinson.

"We were three down with a penalty to face. With the greatest respect we were never going to come back and win 5-4 so he could have just booked Matt."

After a day where his side were well beaten the former Colchester and Charlton boss praised the support his side were given from their 32,000 supporters.

"The highlight for me was the way the fans stayed behind the team throughout the game," he concluded.

"They were magnificent and they recognised what a brilliant achievement it was for a club from the fourth tier to reach this final."

Bradford return to league action with a home match against Dagenham & Redbridge on Wednesday.

They are eight points off the League Two play-offs with 15 games of the season remaining.