It was in many ways the impossible dream. But Phil Parkinson and his band of Bradford City heroes made it real last night.

How many fans who travelled to Birmingham or who watched the game on television last night woke up this morning and pinched themselves?

To reach the semi-final of the Capital One Cup from the bottom tier of the football league was an unbelievable achievement.

To beat a Premier League side over two legs to get to Wembley is simply phenomenal.

The performance of these players in this incredible adventure has been inspirational. They and manager Parkinson will all surely enter the pantheon of all-time legends at the club.

No-one can say they were lucky or that the victories so far have not been deserved. The performances have been gritty and determined but they have also been laced with class and skill.

Yes, Arsenal and Villa dominated possession for large periods of play. But City’s players remained controlled and focussed throughout, and even when their goal was under siege, they held their nerve.

This will lift the whole city in a way it is impossible to quantify. The spirit and sheer determination of this side should shine as an example to everyone that the impossible really can be achieved if you want it hard enough.

The team and its supporters dared to dream and that dream has come true. Who would now bet against City pulling off what would be the biggest ever shock in footballing history and lifting the Capital One Cup on Sunday, February 24?