When the names are drawn out of the hat for the FA Cup Semi Final draw tonight, it is incredible to think that among the names such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool will be Bradford City.
Of course, it would have been much better for them to be there on their own, not sharing a numbered ball with Reading after Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Valley Parade in their Quarter Final clash, but no-one could have imagined the Bantams would have got this far at the start of the season.
Once again, Phil Parkinson’s heroes have been playing out of their skins, with some fantastic performances that have belied their lowly League One status, including victory over Premier League champions- elect Chelsea in a game many regard as the biggest cup shock ever.
But of course, we have been here before two years ago, with City reaching Wembley twice in the Capital One Cup final and the League One play-off.
And although the pundits would have us believe City missed their best chance to get there for the Semi Final this year, few in Bradford would bet against Parky getting his boys motivated once again to overturn the odds and knock out Championship side Reading at the Madjeski Stadium.
They may not have the huge advantage of having their superb home crowd behind them – and there is no doubt City’s fans have also done the whole area proud once again with their support, attitude and behaviour – but when you have achieved victory in style against the Special One at Stamford Bridge, anything is possible.
Whatever the result though, everyone in the district should stand up and cheer the Bantams for the thrilling cup run that the club has taken us all on this season, particularly one tinged with such poignant memories for everyone connected with City 30 years on from the devastating events of 1985.
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