CHARLES Vernam reckons the Exeter injustice can act as a strong motivating tool for City during their busy spell.

The winger admitted feelings are still running high in the dressing room at the prospect of having to go back to St James Park to replay their FA Cup replay.

The Bantams have two games before that trip back to Devon next week – starting with tomorrow night’s clash at Tranmere.

And Vernam insists the FA’s ruling has fuelled the determination among the players.

“It’s frustrating because we don’t feel it’s the right decision as a group,” he said.

“But we can’t change anything. It’s not up to us and we’ve just got to get on with it.

“I think it spurs us on a bit. We’ll need to go back there next Tuesday and make sure we put on a show.

“We want to make the most of our second chance to get to the second round.

“It shows so much character from the group that we’re going out doing it Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday.

“We’ve got a tough schedule but it’s about being professional and sticking together.”

Vernam’s fourth goal of the season earned City a point against Northampton – a third successive draw against teams in the top five.

He felt it was a good response after the physical and mental demands of the midweek trek to Exeter.

“It was a really quick turnaround, especially for the lads who played 120 minutes on Tuesday night.

“I came off at 60 so managed to have a bit more of a rest. But it’s a really relentless time for us at the minute, especially with all the travelling as well.

“We went from having maybe one Tuesday night game to having three or four.

“For us it’s about recovering right, being professional and making sure we come out at Tranmere with the same energy and tempo.”

Lee Angol will be available at Prenton Park after serving his one-match ban for the red card in the “null and void” cup tie.

But Caolan Lavery came off the bench following his recent injury to set up the equaliser.

Vernam added: “He came on and looked a real threat. That’s what he brings to us.

“He gets hold of the ball, runs in behind defenders and works hard. He’s a really good addition to have back.

“Hopefully when we get a full selection available again, it will help the group.

“We’ve had a lot of injuries at the start of the season. We’ve been unlucky but we have to deal with that as a group.

“But when we do get everyone back, I think we’ll have a brilliant squad and one capable of achieving big things in this division."

City went up one place to 10th after their fifth home draw. They are currently three points behind the last play-off spot.

“It was probably more even than the ones we’ve drawn recently," said Vernam.

“They have been more frustrating but this felt like a point that we can definitely build on because Northampton are a strong side.

“They play in a different way to the other teams and are very physical.

“We need to really kick on now. We’ve got games coming up where we should do well and create enough chances to win.

“We’ve played four of the top five and that’s given us confidence. If we can back these draws up with wins in the games coming up, then they’ll look like really good results.

“It’s about sticking together as a group, grinding out results and then going on to win a few games in a row.”