Parkinson confident City are ready to make it a high-five unbeaten

A banana skin awaits tomorrow as Parkinson's men attempt to negotiate a safe passage towards a potential money-spinning tie against a Premier League giant.

The Bantams boss has been on two recent scouting missions to watch the Darts against Chester and Eastleigh.

They have lost them both and lie in the Conference relegation zone – but Parkinson said: "They have got a long throw and a threat from set-plays, similar to Halifax (who City beat in the previous round).

"Like Halifax, Dartford will be looking at this as one of the biggest games they've had and treating it like a cup final.

"They will be physical and we need to make sure we stand up to them – just like we did at Halifax.

"It's a very similar scenario but Dartford do try and play as well and they have some decent technical players in the team.

"We're treating it the same as we would any normal league game because it's about the continuation of our recent good form.

"It's a huge game for us for two reasons. The first is because we want to get in the third round – and secondly, we want to keep our run going.

"It's an important game and the FA Cup can generate finance for a club."

City's 3-1 home win over Leyton Orient last weekend marked their third victory in four unbeaten games.

It was also the first time that Parkinson's men had won at Valley Parade for almost two months.

"Winning breeds confidence and beating Leyton Orient has set up for this weekend," said the City manager.

"The mentality in the team is getting stronger and that means doing the right things from the first minute to the last.

"We are starting to produce that consistency in our performance and we've got to keep it there.

"We'll be reminding the players of that before the game and what we need to do to keep our run going.

"The fans can play their part too because it's not going to be easy. It's a challenge but one I feel we're ready to overcome."