Bantams left in heaven

STUART McCALL felt scoring two early goals took the pressure off his Bradford City players as they went on to hit seven to see off non-league

Tonbridge Angels.

The League Two outfit avoided an early exit as the Conference South side’s hopes of pulling off a shock were virtually over after 14 minutes.

By that time Anthony O’Connor and Billy Clarke had put the visitors 2-0 ahead. Clarke got his second just before the break and Bradford added further goals in the second half through Clayton Donaldson, Austin Samuels (right), Harry Pritchard and Connor

Wood. McCall said: “We took a bit of pressure off by scoring those two goals which settled things down.

“Getting the third just before half-time gave us a cushion n and in the second half we were disciplined, kept going and scored more goals s and were always a threat.”

McCall added: “I thought it was a very professional performance, we were focussed throughout. I’m pleased for the players. It could have been a tough one for us, but I thought we played really well at times and it will give us c confidence going forward.”

Tonbridge boss Steve McKimm was disappointed h his side were not able to recover from a slow start, but welcomed the financial boost the club had received from their Cup run. McKimm said: “We needed to start well to try and put pressure on Bradford, but we conceded two early goals and it was difficult from then on.

“There was a foul in the build-up for their third goal, which came when I felt we were just starting to get back into the game.

“We changed our formation, but they took their chances in the second half and we looked quite tired by the end. It’s a shame we’re out but, from a financial point, the Cup run has been good.”