City boss Phil Parkinson hailed an “immense” display as City moved to within two rounds of Wembley.

The Bantams survived a nail-biting third penalty shoot-out to see off Sheffield United in the JP Trophy northern quarter-finals in front of the TV cameras at Bramall Lane.

Jon McLaughlin saved three spot-kicks before Chris Mitchell hammered the decisive blow to win 6-5 after the game had finished 1-1 at full-time.

It was a complete contrast from the awful display against Cheltenham and boss Parkinson was so proud of his team’s response.

“The pressure was on us a bit after Saturday,” he said. “I was that disappointed because it was an almost unexplainable performance and there were so many fans here.

“But we responded magnificently. To get through is great but irrespective of that, it was the performance that really pleased me – I thought we were immense.

“We showed a lot of courage in the way we played. We got the ball down and passed it, which takes bravery because we were live on TV and up against a very good team.”

Parkinson made five changes and felt all the newcomers played their part in adding the Blades to previous high-ranking scalps Sheffield Wednesday and Huddersfield.

“Jonny Mac got near every penalty and was very safe and Jack Compton gave their full back a torrid night.

“Ross Hannah worked his socks off. He’ll be disappointed he didn’t score with his header but he will get goals.

“And Mitchell gives us great set-piece delivery, which was missing massively on Saturday. Then he kept his nerve at the end which is a big moment for him.”

The Bantams chief reserved special praise for Simon Ramsden’s first appearance since February. The right back lasted the entire game and then slotted home one of the penalties.

Parkinson added: “His performance was absolutely outstanding. The way he has conducted himself and the way he worked in the gym and training ground to enable him to play 90 minutes is an absolute credit.

“I can’t speak highly enough of Simon. All the young boys in our dressing room have got to use him as an example.”

Ramsden admitted: “It’s unbelievable. To get 90 minutes under my belt, take a penalty and score and for the lads to win in the end – it couldn’t have gone any better.”