It was the moment everyone had waited for.

As a spectacular firework display kicked into life on the pitch and Tina Turner's hit 'Simply the Best' boomed all around Valley Parade, Bradford City captain Stuart McCall strode forward to collect the silver salver to mark the Bantams' clinching runners up spot in the First Division.

The city of Bradford had spent five days and nights enjoying the celebrations which followed last Sunday's spectacular 3-2 victory at Wolves on a never-to-be-forgotten afternoon.

Every City fan went through a whole range of emotions last Sunday and even as last night's friendly clash kicked off, it was still hard to believe that Paul Jewell's side would be lining up against the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal next season.

However when McCall, so inspirational in City's success this season, held the silver salver aloft just after 9.30pm any lingering doubts were swept away.

The evening had started with chairman Geoffrey Richmond marching on to the field before addressing his adoring public.

He told the crowd: "To some, Bradford City are not the sort of club that the Premier League wants. But we will show them. Bring on Manchester United, bring on Arsenal and bring on Chelsea!"

The game got underway and within 170 seconds, Peter Beagrie had unleashed a rifling shot which former City keeper Peter Litchfield could hardly have seen before it crashed into the net.

That set the tone for the evening as goals flew in at regular intervals to such an extent that both sides had found the net an amazing 15 times in just 70 minutes when referee Kevin Lynch blew the final whistle.

The football had, however, been merely an appetiser for the real action which followed - the presentation of the players' medals and the runners-up trophy.

As the City fans sang a lusty rendition of 'Goodbye to the Nationwide', manager Paul Jewell was the first to receive a standing ovation from the 6,115 fans crowd. His influential assistant Chris Hutchings was next, followed by 18 City players to receive their medals.

That left just one man and the clich 'Saving the best 'til last' has never been more appropriate.

The biggest cheer of the night then duly followed as McCall strode across the turf and collected the Nationwide League runners-up award.

The crowd, officials and team-mates all rose as one and the fireworks gave the occasion a spectacular feel.

The City stars then embarked on a lap of honour before the electronic scoreboard flashed up the scoreline 'Bradford City 5 Manchester United 0'. Well, we can dream.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.