November 2011

The Bantams were quite brilliant at rivals Sheffield United and more than deserved their epic penalty shoot-out success.

And if any set of fans deserved Yorkshire bragging rights for a third successive round, then nobody can argue against City’s, whose travelling contingent sang themselves hoarse from the first whistle to Chris Mitchell’s decisive penalty kick to seal victory.

They are a pragmatic bunch too, with most supporters we spoke to satisfied with consolidation this season under new boss Phil Parkinson, with the added bonus of a lengthy run in a competition they have genuinely grown to love.

Al Tordoff and Wendy Michallat, both lifelong Bradford City fans, said: “A successful season has to be to get away from the relegation area and start climbing the league.

“The Johnstone’s Paint Trophy has already been really good to us though, and the thought of progressing further would make a big, big difference to us all.”

Sandra, Adam and Amy Oram were sat behind the goal with Linda Walker and Ben Norman. They were asked why the Bantams haven’t transferred their cup form into their league campaign.

“If we knew the answer to that we’d be managing the team! I think we seem to play a lot better against the better sides, as seen against Sheffield Wednesday, Huddersfield Town, and now Sheffield United in the trophy,” said Sandra.

Dave Leach, with friends Vito Cildanti and Andy Hindle, said that team selection was key for Bradford City and urged manager Phil Parkinson to give more Bramall Lane heroes a start in the league.

“The manager swaps the team around,” said Dave. “He has brought in 14 players of his own, but a lot of this team here was Peter Jackson’s. There were some great performances tonight from them, so they should keep the shirts.”

Gareth Wright said: “We are definitely up for the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy and are playing very well in it. We don’t want to talk about Wembley but to get there would be phenomenal.”

Paul Waite and Adam Malinowski were in fine voice in the Bramall Lane stand. They said: “We have had it tough in the trophy this season but we are still in the draw fighting!

“You can say we are building and consolidating, but the way we are playing, there is no reason why we can’t get to Wembley.”

The last word is saved for Paul Holt, a Bradford City fan of 40 years and the chairman of the Blackpool supporters’ branch.

“Getting to the play-offs or the top 10 of the league would be a big achievement, but success in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy would be even bigger.

“I’ve been a fan for 40 years and we have never won a cup competition in that time. To win this would mean the world to all of us.”

Johnstone's. Bringing colour to the beautiful game.