City’s focus switches to task of facing Vale

A clash with Arsenal, Chelsea or Manchester United had been on the wish list of most Bantams fans after the thrilling manner in which their side had disposed of Burton Albion in the previous round.

But Wigan will be their opponents towards the end of next month with the one consolation for City being that it is the club’s first meeting with a Premier League outfit since 2005.

Before then, however, Bradford have seven league games to negotiate and few will be tougher than today’s at home to Port Vale.

The Potteries club may be embroiled in financial problems but former Sheffield United manager Micky Adams has made light of those to build a side who look to have the quality to make a concerted push for promotion.

Vale make the trip to Valley Parade sitting second, two places above City on goal difference.

“I wouldn’t say Port Vale have surprised me as such,” said Parkinson, whose side have notched up Bradford’s best start to a season on home soil in 55 years.

“But Micky has done a great job in difficult circumstances to build the squad he has.

“It will be a real test, similar to the one we faced against Fleetwood at the start of the season (when City won 1-0).

“They are up there because they deserve it. But we have done well at home lately and want to keep that going.”

City have won all four home games in the league this term, while their only Cup match at Valley Parade also resulted in a positive result when Burton were beaten after extra-time on Tuesday night.

Parkinson added: “We knew this was going to be a big week for us and after getting through to the next round (of the Capital One Cup), we now want to finish on a high against Port Vale.

“Wigan might not be the draw our fans wanted but it will be a game where we will go there having nothing to lose. We can express ourselves and see where that takes us. Before that, though, we have a lot of league games and that has to be our focus.”

Nahki Wells has signed a new contract at the club which will run until the summer of 2015.