BILLY Knott insists that City’s FA Cup dream is far from over as they brace themselves for a long trip to Reading.
The bubbly midfielder sees nothing to be scared about from the Madejski Stadium next week after their earlier exploits at Chelsea and Millwall.
Knott said: “With the lads we've got, we don't fear anyone and that's the way you've got to be in football. I thought we did all right on Saturday and we're really looking forward to the next game now.
“I’m sure it will be tougher down at Reading but we've shown we can be on the same pitch with them in the way we battled.
“Maybe if we'd had a few more chances we would have won the game.
"But give Reading credit. They are a Championship team and it's good that we got a draw. The fans know we've put in 100 per cent out there on that pitch and they can go away from here knowing we have a good chance in the replay.
“It will be another old-fashioned cup tie that’s good for the neutral.”
Knott’s family and friends had once again travelled in numbers from Essex to Valley Parade – and maintained their proud record of never seeing City beaten. He will make sure they are all there next Monday.
Knott, who admitted he had spent “a lot” on tickets this season, added: “They'll be buzzing that they can get to another one. Every game they've watched we haven't lost, so hopefully that will continue.
“It will be a shorter trip for them, rather than a four hour one, so it's great looking up to see them in the stands."
The pressure will be ramped up on Reading with home advantage for the second game. But Knott believes that City will still have the nation behind them.
“When you're a young lad and you see the underdogs in the FA Cup then you always go for them.
"We deserve to be here and whoever we get in the draw tonight, we deserve to be where we are.
“I think the way we played in the second half showed we are focused on the battle. We played some good football so whoever we do get, it will be someone to look forward to.
“People are starting to like us. We are knocking the big dogs out and we are enjoying it.
“You can’t go into these games and not enjoy them, so hopefully it will last even longer.”
The Monday replay date will give both sides less time to prepare – and also mean the players cutting down on their Sunday roast.
"We just won't be allowed to have our Yorkshire Puddings on the Sunday now!” laughed Knott. “But once again we'll be focused.
“We'll have a game on the Saturday before against Notts County so I guess that means we can get out of training on the Sunday!"
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