Bradford Park Avenue chairman Frank Thornton has criticised the public for their apathy over Sunday's all-ticket FA Cup first-round match against Second Division Bristol City at Horsfall Stadium.

Avenue have so far sold just 1,100 tickets, prompting Thornton into a stinging attack on Bradfordians.

He said: "Financing further progress of this club will be impossible unless we get much more enthusiastic backing from the Bradford public."

And commercial director Paul Grayson said: "We agree with Bradford City - the Bradford public is apathetic.

"There is more interest from the media than the people of Bradford. I have to say I am really surprised we have not sold more tickets."

Mr Thornton added: "When the club was re-formed in 1988 Bob Robinson said 'We have no ground, no players and no money, but we aim to make steady progress'.

"Well, we now have a ground, we have a fantastic squad of players, we have a talented management team, a dedicated board of directors and we have made incredible progress.

"After 15 years we need a mere two further promotions to get us back into the Football League.

"It may come as a surprise to some, but the club simply has to run as a business. Its future rests with the people of Bradford."

Tickets are on sale at the Horsfall Stadium social club between 6pm and 8pm tonight, 4pm to 8pm Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday.

Fans will not be able to buy tickets on the day.

There are 1,980 tickets available for home fans. Bristol City's allocation is 868.