Oldham Athletic v Bradford City: Parkinson banks on Paint trail clearing the Boundary

That was a point brought home to the Bradford City hierarchy last month when the club’s profit from knocking out Sheffield United on penalties was a paltry £691.

A large police bill was a major factor, taking out a sizeable chunk of the £35,000 gate receipts before further inroads were made by expenses such as travel, stewarding and other outgoings involved in staging the tie at Bramall Lane.

Phil Parkinson’s side progressing to the Northern Area semi-finals at the expense of the Blades did, of course, soften the blow of making such a small surplus on the gate. As, of course, did the £10,000 fee Sky paid Bradford to broadcast the Bramall Lane tie live.

Even allowing for that five-figure windfall, however, there can be little doubt that the competition that started life as the Associate Members’ Cup in 1983 is only likely to significantly swell a club’s coffers if they can battle through to the Wembley final.

Parkinson, who has twice reached the Area final as a manager, accepts that. But, equally, the City chief is adamant that the joy that further progress tonight against League One Oldham Athletic would bring the club’s long-suffering supporters would be near priceless.

“We are desperate to give the supporters something to cheer about,” Parkinson yesterday told the Yorkshire Post after overseeing a training session at Apperley Bridge that involved plenty of work on the team’s shape at set-pieces.

“I have only been here a short time but the fans have been excellent. I would love to give them a day out at Wembley.

“It will be tough but I have belief in the team I will be putting out against Oldham.”

The past decade has, of course, been a miserable affair for Bradford with three relegations and two stints in administration being followed by more struggles in the basement division.

For the second consecutive season, City are locked in a fight for Football League survival and face a vital fixture this weekend when bottom club Plymouth Argyle come to Valley Parade. An away win would leave the Pilgrims level on points with the Yorkshire club.

Parkinson has one eye on such an important League fixture but that does not mean he will be sending out a weakened team at Boundary Park.

He said: “It is a big week for the club. Before Saturday’s (FA Cup) tie with AFC Wimbledon, I told the players we had three absolutely massive games in seven days.

“We started it well by getting through in the FA Cup so that means we are one-third of the way through it.

“We have to get up the league table, that is our priority. But winning games breeds confidence and if we can beat Oldham then we are in the Area final.

“That would bring a rich reward, both financially and for the club itself. If we could then get to Wembley, it would be fantastic for everyone.

“We go to Oldham as underdogs. But that has been the case in every round this season. It hasn’t fazed us.

“We go there with nothing to lose and everything to gain. It is the same situation as we were facing against Sheffield United in the last round.

“The first requirement at Oldham on a cold night will be a need to stand up and be counted. That would be the case if it was a league game or a cup tie. We have to make sure we are up for this game. The attitude has to be right. We have to want this more than Oldham and if we do then we have a chance.”

City’s progress to the Northern Area semi-finals has been via three penalty shoot-out victories, all against Yorkshire opposition.

Sheffield Wednesday were the first to fall against Bradford’s sharp-shooters from 12 yards, closely followed by Huddersfield Town and then the Blades.

For Parkinson, it is the fourth decent run he has had in the competition as a manager. As yet, however, he is yet to reach the final – something that the City manager is hoping to put right this season.

He said: “I got to the Area final a couple of times with Colchester. I also got to the stage we are at now last year with Charlton.

“We lost on penalties to Brentford and it was very similar in that in each round we sent out a team containing lads with something to prove. We were unlucky to go out like we did. What I want to see at Oldham is a good performance and to then take that into our league games.

“That is one thing that has been disappointing so far, as, after decent Cup results, we have not followed it up in the league.

“Having said that, I do feel we are getting there. Our last two performances against Gillingham and Wimbledon were excellent. We have to build on those.”

City’s preparations for the Cup win over Wimbledon were hampered by a sickness bug.

Some players are still feeling the after-effects, most notably goalkeeper Matt Duke and midfielder Ritchie Jones. It means Parkinson will have to wait until later today to finalise tonight’s starting line-up.

Regardless of who plays, however, the City manager is in no doubt as to the qualities that his side will need to prevail.

He said: “I have been to Oldham many times in my career. When I was at Reading, we always knew the characteristics we would have to show at Oldham away. It always feels to be a few degrees colder. Let’s go there and win.”

Last six games: Oldham Athletic LWWWDD, Bradford City DLDWLW.

Last time: Oldham Athletic 2 Bradford City 0; November 18, 2006; League One.

Referee: C Webster (Tyne & Wear).