Wigan clash brings back happy memories for former Bradford City striker Ormondroyd (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Wigan clash brings back happy memories for former Bradford City striker Ian Ormondroyd

7:30am Tuesday 30th October 2012 in Sport By Simon Parker, Bradford City Reporter

Ian Ormondroyd watches as Dave Evans’ shot makes it’s way to the Everton goal. Recognise the No 8 far left? That's right, it's Stuart McCall

Twenty four years of hurt will end for City tonight when they step out at the DW Stadium.

You have to go back to December 1988 for the club’s last appearance in the fourth round of the League Cup when they beat Everton 3-1.

It is a performance still fondly recalled by those who were there – and the players who stunned a side that were one of the best in the domestic game in that era.

Ian Ormondroyd said: “Everton had won the league only a couple of years before and they were always a strong team.

“It was Stuart McCall’s first time back to Valley Parade since joining them and it was a really big occasion. I still remember the big crowd and the noise they made.

“The fans really got into it and we were inspired by the occasion. I did well up against Dave Watson and Lenny (Mark Leonard) had a stormer.

“He was a big Everton fan as well so it meant a lot to him. It was one of those special cup nights.”

Everton never recovered from conceding twice in a five-minute spell. Leonard got the first after Ormondroyd nodded on Peter Jackson’s free-kick and Ian Banks converted Brian Mitchell’s cross from a flowing move.

The best goal of the lot was reserved for the second half in front of the Kop. Banks swung a diagonal ball out to Mick Kennedy, whose centre was met by a bullet header from Leigh Palin.

City got knocked out by Bristol City in the quarter-finals – “it was a bit of a letdown after the high of the Everton game” – but Ormondroyd knew the fans had seen something memorable.

He added: “That’s the thing about big cup ties, people remember them forever.

“Just before I played, I went to the one when we beat Liverpool 1-0 with Bobby Campbell scoring the goal. That’s a game that you don’t forget.

“It’s nice to play against these big teams, even more so when we’re in League Two like now.

“We’ve been a bit unlucky with draws in the last few years compared with others.

“Huddersfield have had Chelsea twice and Leeds have been to Arsenal.”

Wigan is not the most exotic venue in the Premier League but Ormondroyd believes the army of 5,000 away fans can travel in hope.

He said: “It’s not like you are up against one of the top five or six teams and you’re definitely going to get beaten.

“Bradford need to play very well and Wigan have to be below par. But they are one of those teams who do have the odd off day.

“Roberto Martinez has done a fantastic job there but it is feasible we could go and get a result. There’s no pressure on the lads.

“I hope the players enjoy their night. The league’s the bread and butter so this game’s a bonus – just go and play and see what happens.

“We’ve had a good record in the cups so far. We look a better side this year, more competitive than in the last few seasons, so I wouldn’t totally rule out a shock.”