Goal-scoring hero Dean Saunders is hoping his late winner at Crewe will help spark a long run in the FA Cup for Bradford City.

And yesterday's fourth round draw has boosted his hopes with the Bantams set to visit either First Division strugglers Walsall or Second Division Gillingham in the fourth round on January 8.

The Welsh international struck with a well-taken goal at Gresty Road to seal a 2-1 win just two minutes after entering the action as a substitute.

City had been rocking after seeing Robbie Blake's opening goal cancelled out by Colin Little with just 15 minutes remaining and looked set for a nervous finale until Saunders delivered that vital winner.

The 35-year-old who won the FA Cup with Liverpool said: "We scraped through in the end but the important thing is being in the fourth round. I thought Crewe played really well and at one stage, they looked like winning.

"They played some great football and I thought we were facing Real Madrid at some stages in the first half!

"I was just pleased to get on. I played in midweek for the reserves which was my first game in a month

"To score the winner was a real good feeling. Hopefully this will be an important win.

"If you get through the first couple of rounds in the FA Cup you can all of a sudden see Wembley. That is when the excitement really builds up.

"That is why I think the win was so important. We are not going to win as many games as we lose in the Premiership so it is important we get a good run in the cup to keep confidence high.

"I have suffered giant-killings in the past so am just relieved to get through. The worst came when I was only 18 and went out against Bognor Regis."

Crewe boss Dario Gradi praised his side after their narrow exit. He said: "We paid for a mistake, which was a shame because we worked very hard to get back in the game.

"They started very well and had us under the cosh for the first 15 minutes or so, but then after that it was anyone's game.

"But I thought that was the best we had played against Bradford. They probably enjoyed having more of the ball than they usually have in the Premiership, but they didn't have as much possession as us."

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