TICKETS for Bradford City's FA Cup clash in Reading go on general sale this morning (Friday) after the allocation failed to sell out to season ticket holders.

The club still has about 1,000 tickets available for Monday evening's match and accept that the weekday scheduling and televising of the game have affected demand for tickets.

But it is urging fans who did not qualify for the initial sales to now buy their tickets and ensure there are no empty seats in the away stand for what club spokesman James Mason described as potentially the most important game in the club's recent history.

Early ticket sales were keen, with more than 100 people heading to Valley Parade early ahead of the ticket office opening at 10am today. Some eager fans had queued from before midnight, with the first person waiting in line from 8pm yesterday.

Despite the temperatures and the lack of sleep, spirits were high, and City scarves and woolly hats were out in force.

The club, which had previously come under fire for allowing unlimited ticket sales for last Saturday's goalless home clash with Reading, decided to sell its 3,960 seat allocation on a one for one basis.

Priority away card holders had been able to snap up tickets online from Tuesday, as well as from the ticket office from noon yesterday.

However, today was the first chance for season ticket and flexi card holders. Approximately 1,000 tickets were expected to be available at the ground, as well as 1,000 online.

Mr Mason said: "Our fans and players have provided the magic of the FA Cup this season and, having spoken to Phil Parkinson today, he has asked for supporters who would like to see the game to come to the ground on Friday, Saturday or Sunday to buy a ticket.

"We would hate to have any empty seats in the away end on for, arguably, the biggest game in Bradford City's recent history and the chance to see us make history."

The last eight replay for the Bantams against the Championship side is being shown live on BBC One with coverage starting at 7.30pm. Bradford Council is looking into the possibility of showing the match on the big screen in Centenary Square.

A semi-final at Wembley next month against FA Cup holders Arsenal awaits the winner.