BRADFORD City fans and dignitaries have wished the team good luck ahead of their tough tie against Premier League Sunderland this weekend.

The Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Mike Gibbons said the club's dazzling cup run was giving everyone a boost.

"It certainly highlights the city in a really good way," he added.

"The Chelsea win was superb for the city. But it does mean there is a lot of pressure on the players now."

Die-hard fan Mary Thornton, 85, who was pictured celebrating the City goals in the previous round at Stamford Bridge, welcomed the FA Cup to her Eccleshill home earlier this month.

She said her beloved Bantams could go one better against her hometown team.

"The atmosphere will be electric. The supporters are very special.

"I think it will be 2-1 to us. I think it's fantastic for the club," she said.

"Everyone of them is my hero in that team.

"If it's a draw, we will have to go back to Sunderland and that is where I was born.

"Sunderland are a flipping good team, but I think we can beat them."

Kate Eveleigh, 27, a member of Bradford City Supporters' Trust, said: "It's been a really good competition for us.

"If we win it would be really good. Then we could set up a tie against a bigger team like Arsenal or Manchester United.

"There is no pressure on City. I will be nervous on the day. I have supported City for the last 20 years."

The editor of City Gent fanzine, Mike Harrison, who has followed the Bantams since 1968, said: "It would not be as big as a surprise if we won this game after the Chelsea result.

"It's good that we have home advantage. I think it's going to be a really close game. I think it will be 1-0 to us."

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