BOSS Peter Jackson gathered his "devastated" Town squad today and told them to be proud of their efforts in defeat at Valley Parade.

The manager watched drenched and disappointed as goals by Andy Cooke and Dean Windass either side of half time gave City a first double over Town since 1921-22.

Town's sixth straight away defeat - the worst record in League I - marked Bradford's first home win since October 23, but Jackson pointed to the positives today.

"The lads were devastated about the result because we took over 4,500 fans to the game and they desperately wanted to win for them," said Jackson.

"Most of our lads are local and they know what the derby means to everyone, so they were gutted to come back with nothing.

"In such a high-profile match and such a big atmosphere, though, I'm really proud of the way the young lads performed.

"We didn't get the result, which was disappointing, but I thought there were a lot of pluses in the display.

"The only difference between the sides was that Bradford took two of the three chances they had in the game and we didn't take any of those we created - and there were a good few."

Town must check on injuries to centre-backs Nathan Clarke (knee) and David Mirfin (calf), plus midfielder Michael Collins (ankle) before Saturday's trip to Chesterfield, where skipper Jon Worthington starts a two-match ban for reaching 10 bookings in the campaign.

"Even though we got punished by the goals, the lads continued to do the right things and, with such a young side on the field, that's pleasing," added Jackson, whose side are eight points above fourth-bottom Torquay.

"In bad weather conditions, we were always trying to get the ball down and play football and, with better finishing, we would have won the game.

"The kids were gutted to be losing at half time after controlling the game and the second goal, so soon in the second half, didn't give a true reflection of the play.

"That hurts everyone and we are bitterly disappointed, but we will pick ourselves up and we will bounce back."

* Former Town striker Iwan Roberts netted his 200th League goal for Cambridge United on Saturday, but they lost 2-1 at Bury, for whom Jon Newby was first scorer.