The first round FA Cup tie with Marine on 7 November was memorable not only for the 7-0 result but the occasion itself. A total of 1,200 fans had travelled from Marine for the game and they intended to enjoy their day regardless of the outcome. As supporters they were among the friendliest to have visited Valley Parade and they left a very positive impression.
For Bradford City it represented a potential banana skin and cup upset. Having seen the Bantams defeated at Telford in 1985 – despite having been favourites to win and going into the match top of the third division – I knew first hand that league standing meant nothing for such a contest.
Yet Bradford City has only been defeated on five occasions by non-league opposition in the FA Cup out of 44 ties and 52 games – Telford in 1984/85, Scarborough in 1964/65, Worksop in 1955/56 and Millwall in 1913/14 and and 1904/05.
It’s now the longest period in the club’s history that Bradford City has avoided being victim of a non-league giant-killing and long may it continue.
For the record, our results against non-league opposition:
John Dewhirst
