THERE were no histrionics at the final whistle; no leaping into the crowd and communal singing.

Sure, City basked in the glow of a job well done but the players reined in the post-match celebrations.

The slightly muted reaction demonstrated the control they had enjoyed over Sunderland. It felt like three points won from a decent league performance, rather than an FA Cup scalp of another top-flight opponent.

Chelsea had been surreal at the final whistle; Sunderland almost expected after the flow of Sunday's contest.

Billy Knott admitted it took him by surprise how comfortably City had seen the victory through.

"We went out on the pitch for a little warm-down afterwards and the boys were saying when we were at Chelsea we were dancing around for half an hour with the fans," he said.

"That was one of those surreal days when we were surprised to win – as anyone would be at Chelsea. You could tell we had done something special.

"But this time, we just felt we deserved that and were professional in the way we finished the game.

"We clapped the Sunderland fans and they did the same back, which was a credit to them. They were good.

"But I don't think their players were on it as much as they could have been and we took full advantage of that. The way we performed and the way the fans stayed with us was great.

"From the first warm-up, we came out and it was the biggest cheer we've had all season since the Leeds game. They were loud like that throughout the game and we want to thank every single one of them."

City are now just 90 minutes from the prospect of a third trip to Wembley in two years – somewhere Knott has never played.

He said: "It's hard to say it's not in our minds. You've got to have an incentive and Wembley in the semi-finals is the perfect one.

"Every boy dreams of playing there. I know a few of the lads have and I'd love the chance.

"I've been to Wembley a couple of times but just sitting in the stand like a little boy. To walk out there would be fantastic. If we do get there, we'll have fully deserved it.

"We've got one more round to get through and if the fans stick behind us, they know we'll give 100 per cent and see where it takes us."

With their schedule compacted by the continuing cup journey, City face five league games before the quarter-finals. After yesterday's day off to allow the euphoria to die down, the squad are back on the coach this morning to head for the first of those against Leyton Orient.

The cup may be a very glamorous attraction but it could also provide a carrot to perform in the next few weeks, with sixth-round starting spots up for grabs.

Competition is fierce. Andy Halliday produced a man-of-the-match display at Stamford Bridge but found himself back on the bench on Sunday behind Billy Clarke.

Knott said: "Andy's been quality for us in the cup run. He was outstanding against Millwall and at Chelsea.

"But Clarkey got his goal last Monday (against MK Dons) and probably deserved to play. It was unlucky for him that the first one has gone down as an own goal because he was great picking up pockets of space.

"He can unlock a lot of defences with the quality he's got and I thought Sunderland would drop somebody on him.

"Even though they are Premier League, he was a threat all game and he worked tirelessly in front of me and Lidds (Gary Liddle). He was top drawer.

"It was hard for Andy being left out – but that's the way it is. We've got a good squad here and it's hard to get in the team.

"Andy did well when he got on the pitch and no doubt the gaffer will be thinking about putting him in tomorrow.

"Whatever team the gaffer picks, every man will always be supporting each other. You have highs and lows in football but we want to keep picking up the highs this season.

"We've got to get on that bus and be prepared properly for Orient. We'll be going there to win the game."