FA Cup: Bradford v Reading as it happened

1. First quarter-final goes to replay
2. Both teams in Monday's semi-final draw
3. Aston Villa v West Brom (17:30 GMT)
4. Watch Final Score via 'live coverage'

That's all from me. We'll be powering up a dedicated live commentary on today's second FA Cup game - Aston Villa v West Brom - at 17:00 GMT, and don't forget you can follow live coverage of the Premier League and Championship right now as well.

Cheerio for now.

Manager reaction

Reading boss Steve Clarke, speaking to BT Sport: "We hit the post twice and on another day we could have maybe nicked it 1-0. There was never really a moment in the game when I was worried. I think both teams will fancy their chances in the replay, so let's get it on."

When's the replay?

Bradford and Reading will lock horns once again on Monday 16 March in the replay at the Madejski Stadium. Reading have home advantage, but you would not rule Bradford out of anything. All to play for.

BBC Final Score

So we don't know who the first team definitely into the FA Cup semi-finals will be, but will there be a winner in the Aston Villa and West Brom tie? That game kicks off at 17:30 GMT and you can watch it on Match of the Day Live.

For now, Final Score is well under way where you can catch all the goals as they go in. Join Jason Mohammad, Kevin Kilbane and Stuart Pearce on the Red Button and online from 14:30 GMT and the programme is also live on BBC One from 16:30 to 17:00 GMT - except in Scotland where viewers can watch Sportscene.

We also have dedicated live text commentary on the Premier League game between QPR and Tottenham, and another on the Football League. Plenty for you to get your teeth into.

Player reaction

Bradford striker Jon Stead on BT Sport: "It was a dogfight. Two teams going at it 100% and it was a proper cup tie. We are disappointed. We feel we can do better than we showed today.

"We have done half a job but we have huge belief that we can still go through in the replay."

Manager reaction

Bradford City boss Phil Parkinson, speaking to BT Sport: "We have to give Reading credit they came here and made it very difficult with the extra man in midfield but I thought our lads did excellent. They were very professional and made sure we stayed in the game.

"I thought we got a bit of momentum in the second half and were the team in the ascendancy. We look forward to the replay."

Join the debate at #bbcfacup

Simon Latson: Survived the ploughed field. Wait to see what we can do on an actual football pitch!

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

"Bradford played the conditions well, especially the second half. First half it wasn't really a match: you hit the ball forward and we'll hit the ball forward.

"Reading have come and done a job. Their game plan was not to lose today, and it has worked. Back at the Madejski, it's a better surface and Reading should win it. Bradford might be in the same division as Reading next season so there is not much between the sides, but playing at home you should win.

"We came here anticipating a shock maybe. Both teams were evenly matched and the pitch was great leveller today."

FULL-TIME

Steve Wilson

BBC Match of the Day commentator

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"A great cup tie, really, really tightly contested as both sides gave their all. Three attempts hit the woodwork and what a hotly contested quarter-final this was. Both teams go into the draw for the last four but neither are through yet."

Alex Pearce is back on the pitch with a fresh pair of shorts and shirt on. Time is quickly running out for a winner though.

Alex Pearce receives treatment and is eventually able to walk to the edge of the pitch, where he strips off his shorts and shirt, which are covered in blood. Ironic cheers from the home fans as the Reading staff mop Pearce down.

Bizarre scenes, but play continues.

Alex Pearce goes up to challenge for a ball with Francois Zoko and is on the wrong end of a nasty clash of heads. Blood is pouring from his nose and there is a pause in play. Reading have used all their subs, if he can't carry on they will have to continue with 10 men for the final few minutes.

Four added minutes. Will anyone be the FA Cup hero?

Bradford fans have been hugely vocal for most of the afternoon but a nervy silence has descended over Valley Parade now. The Bantams have the ball but Reading are defending well at the moment.

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Bradford will really want to find a winner. They won't fancy taking this tie to Reading and they have three minutes to find a goal.

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

"When that ball was bouncing around in the box there was an almighty scramble. The people around us thought it had gone in the net - I did as well - but somehow they kept it out.

"That's all Reading have got at the minute, just the counter attack. It's been all Bradford."

HITS THE WOODWORK

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A big scare for Bradford as Reading twice go close in quick succession. First, Oliver Norwood's floated free-kick hits the post before Yakubu fails to get a decent shot away from a great position as Bradford struggle to clear.

SUBSTITUTION

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Nathaniel Chalobah is not able to continue and he kicks off a flurry of changes. On comes Hope Akpan in his place while for Bradford, Francois Zoko is on for Billy Clarke and Mark Yeates takes the place of Billy Knott.

Into the closing stages and there is a pause in play as Nathaniel Chalobah looks to be having a bit of trouble with his vision.

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

On Yakubu coming on: "One thing you know - although I don't think he will enjoy the surface - is the song goes give him a chance and he will score. Let's hope he does."

Five live commentator John Murray adds: "Yakubu looking strong shall we say. Those blue and white hoops not doing him any favours."

SUBSTITUTION

Also a change for Reading as the hard-working Jamie Mackie is replaced by veteran forward Yakubu. Feed the Yak and he will score...

SUBSTITUTION

That's Filipe Morais' final contribution to the game as he is replaced by Andy Halliday. A DJ in his spare time, Halliday claims to have got the lads whipped up before each FA Cup game with his unique blend of house music. Will it do the business today?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Stuie Neale: I would go for Charlie Austin, he has proven himself at all levels of the football pyramid.

George Craven: Only one way to know if its too early for Kane and that's just to play him. What's Roy got to lose? Everyone starts somewhere.

Adam Smith: It's too close to call so why not pick both? It would be one hell of a strike force.

Who should start up front for England? There are growing calls for Harry Kane and Charlie Austin to start. Get involved via #bbcfootball, text us on 81111 (UK only) or pop your anecdote down on the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

CLOSE!

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Bradford are getting closer. Their set-piece play has improved immensely as the game has worn on and they have a free-kick on the right, midway inside the Reading half. Filipe Morais whips the ball in superbly and Andrew Davies rises to meet it, but his bullet header is just over. All getting a bit tense now.

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

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"Bradford are running and running and chasing everything. It will be interesting to see how long they can keep it up. They are trying to force the game and push men forward. The substitutes will be very important for Bradford if they want to keep this up."

CLOSE!

Oh so close! Jon Stead is causing the Reading defence all sorts of problems now and he gets the ball on the right of the area, cuts it back for strike partner James Hanson, whose first-time effort skips inches wide of the post.

Reuters

Reading have barely got outside of their own half but finally manage to get forward for the first time in a while as Nathaniel Chalobah fizzes in a teasing cross to the middle of the area, but Bradford keeper Ben Williams is out to claim confidently.

SUBSTITUTION

Reading make the first change of the game as Garath McCleary replaces Hal Robson-Kanu. Winger for a winger.

Jon Stead has come alive and is looking like the striker who caused Chelsea and Sunderland plenty of bother in previous rounds. He chases a ball over the top and leaves Michael Hector and Alex Pearce in his wake but Stephen Kelly gets across just in time to make the crucial block.

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

"You're attacking the end where your fans are banked up so let's have a go. It's just do Bradford have that quality in the final third? That's what is letting them down at the minute. But it's all Bradford.

"Reading manager Steve Clarke has got to be looking at his bench because they have come right off the pace. At the minute he has got people warming up."

Jon Stead and Billy Clarke combine again on the edge of the area, before the latter's shot is blocked. Reading have got some defending to do at the moment as Bradford fans sense the prospect of a goal.

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Jammer, Brighton: It's going to be pretty gutting for Bradford to have knocked out Chelsea and Sunderland, then go out to Reading.

Andrew: The woodwork is getting a lot of action so far!

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Another opportunity for Bradford as Billy Clarke flicks the ball into the path of Jon Stead, who shows neat footwork to get inside the area, spotting a gap in the Reading defence that gives him a chance to shoot on goal, but Michael Hector is across quickly to get the block in just in time.

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There's 24,321 in attendance at Valley Parade and they are making an almighty noise. A really great atmosphere that the 4,336 Reading fans are more than playing their part in.

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

Reuters

"They have got to keep their discipline. Hector got a bit tight on Stead who went down a bit easy (in the box) - have to say that.

"But Bradford pitting the pressure on for the first time here. The atmosphere is cracking."

Nathaniel Chalobah then concedes a free-kick just outside the Reading area. Filipe Morais steps up once again to take the set-piece, sending the ball towards the near post but a push on Chalobah ends the opportunity for Bradford.

A huge roar goes up as Bradford win a corner, their first of the game, but it is harsh on Jamie Mackie as replays show Billy Knott got the last touch. Filipe Morais swings the ball in but Nathaniel Chalobah powers it away with a clearing header.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Stavros Makrozachopo: Reading's tactics a bit negative. Pogrebnyak up front alone! To do what?

CelebCelery: I thought that man on the pitch at Valley Parade was staking it for drainage - turns out he was digging up his potatoes.

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Reading go up the other end of the pitch immediately and Nathaniel Chalobah fancies a shot from outside the area, but it is a half-hearted one as he drags it wide.

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

Lynne Cameron/PA Wire

"What Phil Parkinson will have said at half-time is 'when we get in the final third just put the ball in the box. We have got Hanson and Stead and we might get a lucky bounce'. And it nearly happened there."

Almost the perfect start to the second half for Bradford! James Hanson curls in a cross from the edge of the area for Jon Stead, who misses it but the ball runs through to the unmarked Filipe Morais at the far post, but his effort hits Jordan Obita.

KICK-OFF

It is a really beautiful Yorkshire day as the players return to the pitch. Reading keeper Adam Federici won't be so appreciative of the sun, though, because it is in his eyes. Can Bradford take advantage?

We are back under way.

Half-time stats

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You are not wrong Scriv, just one shot on target in the entire half. Not the most memorable 45 minutes in football but, with a semi-final place and a trip to Wembley at stake, who can blame the two teams for being a bit cagey?

BBC Sport's Peter Scrivener at Valley Parade: "It's even on and off the pitch. A post apiece and the fans about equal with their noise levels. It's not been a classic but Bradford like shooting towards the kop in the second half. There's a feeling that the first goal will win this."

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To highlight the poor pitch condition, just 45.7% of passes in the first half were completed. In the Premier League, the average percentage for this season is 79.4.

There's plenty of passion on show, but watching a game at Stoke would be like seeing Barcelona play in comparison to this...

A quick reminder of what else we have coming up today away from the FA Cup. There is just one game in the Premier League with QPR taking on Tottenham (15:00 GMT)and our live text commentary on that game gets under way at 13:45.

There is no shortage of action in the Football League and we have a fully dedicated live text coverage of the action from the Championship, League One and Two from 14:00.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Dan3001: If Bradford win, I wonder what the away side will be "Reading" into the pitch situation!

Hello IT: Everyone's been talking about Bradford prior to the game but Reading have totally outplayed them today.

Get involved via #bbcfootball, text us on 81111 (UK only) or pop your anecdote down on the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

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"Two well matched teams, but the pitch has been the greatest leveller. Both sides are cautious about getting the ball down to play. It's going to be a percentage day. I think a set piece or a mistake, that's the only way we are going to see goals."

"It's about competing and staying in the game as the pitch is absolutely atrocious."

HALF-TIME

No is the answer to that last question. Half-time whistle goes and it is all square.

The 45 minutes are up and there will be two minutes of added time. Time for someone to snatch an opener?

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

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On Danny Williams' long-range shot: "You can't run with the ball. You need two touches at least to get the ball under control so why not have a shot."

Danny Williams, perhaps not fancying a foray into the muddy area, has a go from distance for Reading but it is speculative at best. He is way out and, unsurprisingly, it sails over the bar.

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

"It's funny how fans appeal for everything. The linesman is a yard away and they are trying to make his decision for him."

James Meredith squeezes in a cross from the left, trying to find Jon Stead, but Michael Hector is wise to it and gets ahead of the Bradford striker to clear. Very open game as half-time approaches.

HITS THE WOODWORK

Now it is Bradford's turn to hit the woodwork as Gary Liddle curls in a stinging cross, aimed for Andrew Davies, but it evades everyone and smacks against the far post. Adam Federici knew very little about it.

Some absolute blood and thunder tackles flying in, none more so than Stephen Darby's just now as he dives in on Jordan Obita. I'll be surprised if this game ends with all 22 players still on the pitch.

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Hal Robson-Kanu gets into trouble as Reading come forward again, running into three Bradford defenders and losing possession but the loose ball squeezes out to Jamie Mackie, whose first time cross into the middle of the area is a dangerous one but Ben Williams gets to the ball before a Bradford player can pounce.

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

"It was good technique but Pavel Pogrebnyak needs a strike partner to do the running. Technically he is very good and he has hit the post, but when he plays that lone striker role he is unable to run in behind."

HITS THE WOODWORK

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So close for Reading! They are getting some joy down the right flank and Jamie Mackie races away before squaring the ball for Pavel Pogrebnyak in the middle of the area. He turns and shoots towards goal, Ben Williams is beaten but the ball bounces back off the post. Pogrebnyak sinks to his knees like he has just missed the decisive penalty in an FA Cup final.

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

On Danny Williams' shot: "It is the first positive thing we have seen from Reading. They have been competing well but they actually got the ball down for a couple of passes.

"It's a proper tense cup tie. There is a lot of tension out there, neither team has settled down yet."

A great turn of pace by Danny Williams sees Reading fashion their first effort on goal. Williams receives a pass from Pavel Pogrebnyak on the right, drops his shoulder and races into the area before his clipped effort takes a slight deflection off Gary Liddle and drifts towards the near post, but Bradford keeper Ben Williams has hit covered.

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

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"It's 110 mph at the minute and it is very hard to see who is on top.

"It's 50-50, Reading have forgotten how to play and I don't blame them because this ground is treacherous. Bradford are pushing a little bit more.

"The surface is absolutely shocking. I know we keep going on about it but it is that bad."

Reading's Stephen Kelly is the first victim of the condition of the pitch as he tries to drive in a low cross from the right but he is caught out by a wicked bobble, which sees his attempt skew out of play. Ironic cheers from the home crowd, but it really was hard luck rather than questionable ability.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

James Daniel Malin: Some tasty challenges going in at Valley Parade. Proper FA Cup stuff!

Will ‏Strange: If Reading finish their chances Bradford could be in for a beating.

Get involved via #bbcfootball, text us on 81111 (UK only) or pop your anecdote down on the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

It is a real battle with both teams getting stuck in. Still waiting for our first real chance of the game as James Meredith again tries to find James Hanson, this time with a long throw, but Reading have the striker well marked.

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

"I'm surprised that Steve Clarke has gone with Pavel Pogrebnyak up front as he is not the quickest and he is getting isolated already. With the five in midfield, surely they would be better with someone with pace up front."

Reuters

Jon Stead has scored in every round of the FA Cup this season but has not seen much of the ball so far in this game. Billy Knott tries to amend that, pinging a ball into the box for the striker but he is beaten to it by a defender. Bradford are getting stronger after a bright start by Reading.

Join the debate at #bbcfacup

Oxford University Association Football Club tweet: Neil Swarbrick warming up for our Varsity match against Cambridge tomorrow.

Reuters

Neil Swarbrick is the man in the middle today, after replacing Lee Mason not long before kick-off. A busy weekend for the referee, as the next entry shows...

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

"Reading are playing a very, very high line and they are asking for trouble. I think they are playing five yards too high. They are going to be back peddling as Bradford run forward and they are at a disadvantage."

James Hanson is very much the target of passes and crosses from his team-mates and a fizzing ball from the left by James Meredith finds Hanson's head, but his effort lacks power and Adam Federici claims comfortably.

As if hearing the words of Chris Waddle drift down from the press box, Bradford do indeed thump the ball forward as Filipe Morais tries to find James Hanson, the big striker gets in a tangle with Reading's last defender trying to win possession, and a free-kick is given against the Bradford player.

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

"If I was Bradford I would be saying hit the front two. That is were Bradford are going to get joy. Hanson and Stead can hold that ball up and bring others into play.

"The ball is going to be in the air a lot (because of the pitch). Set pieces will be massive today."

Scrappy start to this game with little fluidity and a few stoppages, the latest one after a beach ball ends up on the pitch. To be honest, it would not particularly look out of place in the goalmouths. Very little grass on show there...

Chris Waddle at Valley Parade

BBC Radio 5 live

"Chalobah was focused on the ball. He ran 15 yards and he kept his eye on the ball. It's one of them, early in the game, go and win it and take everything out. I don't think it is a foul, Liddle was just caught standing."

Gary Liddle takes a bit of a whack in a challenge with Reading's Nathaniel Chalobah and there is a brief pause in play before he is back up and able to continue.

An early chance for Reading as Jamie Mackie is fouled on the right, some 30 yards from goal. It is not close enough for a crack at goal but a decent position for a ball into the box, no trouble for the Bradford defence though.

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Reading get this FA Cup tie under way.

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Scarves are being held above the heads of 1,000s of Bradford City fans as one fan seems to be rattling out a rendition of Country Roads. Fantastic atmosphere as the players come on to the pitch.

BBC Radio 5 live

Bradford manager Phil Parkinson: "We had increased expectations before the Sunderland game. We had to manage that then. We just have to be realistic, they are a division higher than us and have been in Premier League. As soon as we think we just need to turn up, we will be out. We have to approach the game with that underdog mentality.

"I would be lying if Wembley doesn't come into my thought process. The players a probably the same. But on the day, in the dressing room, we can't think of Wembley, we have to focus on the game in hand."

BBC Radio 5 live

Reading manager Steve Clarke: "Everyone in the country has been impressed by Bradford. It is our job to come up here and spoil the party. We have been under the radar, we have suddenly popped up in the FA Cup but all the talk is about Bradford.

"No matter who we would have got in the draw I would have looked at the game and thought we have a chance to get to the FA Cup semi-final.

"For us the FA Cup has been good as it has distracted from the fact we have had one or two toils in the Championship."

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Neither side has been in particularly scintillating form going into this game, although Bradford picked up a welcome win against Crawley in League One in midweek.

Reading, meanwhile, are ever-so slightly looking over their shoulder in the Championship. They are 10 points clear of danger but have won just one of their last five games.

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BBC Sport's Peter Scrivener at Valley Parade: "Suffering from vertigo at a bouncing Valley Parade. the Reading fans I spoke to before the game were hopeful of taking the game back to the Madejski."

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Reading have only ever made the FA Cup semi final once before, in 1927 when they lost to eventual winners Cardiff City.

The Bantams have kept just three clean sheets in their last 19 FA Cup matches.

Bradford City have only reached the semi-final once before, in 1911 when they went on to win the trophy. They beat fellow 2015 quarter finalists Blackburn Rovers in the 1911 semi.

Lynne Cameron/PA

Valley Parade is a great stadium to be at when full and the atmosphere is cranking up as Bradford City fans unfurl a large banner saying "the spirit of 1911". That was the year they last won an FA Cup quarter-final, going on to win the whole thing.

Four thousand Reading fans have made the trip north too. Hopefully we are in for a classic FA Cup tie.

Bradford City boss Phil Parkinson speaking to BT Sport: "Before we played Sunderland people were trying to build us up as favourites and we had to guard against that and we have to do that again today.

"The pitch is what it is. It is not as bad as it looks and both teams will be able to get the ball down and play at times."

Reading FC

Reading City co-chairman John Madejski is presented with a banner made by a Reading fan at the Bradford Fire Memorial.

Reading defence to be rocked?

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John Murray

BBC commentator

"Filipe Morais is fit. Phil Parkinson said he was touch and go with a knee injury, but he has been so important during this FA Cup run. That means it is the same team that beat Sunderland. Simon Cox was Reading's injury doubt and he and Yakubu are on the bench."

Spitting row

Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

On lengthy bans for Jonny Evans and Papiss Cisse for spitting: "I'm glad. The only thing about these bans is how you decide on how many games, for me, is should be that every case should be looked at individually and then decided. Sometimes you see a player get a straight red card for what could be a career-threatening injury and they get three matches. That could be reviewed and they could then be given a seven match ban."

On Evans denying he spat at Cisse: "As the incident happens why spit then? Why not spit when you get away? Why did he do it actually at the time? I have never seen that before."

LINE-UPS

BBC

Lynne Cameron/PA

Reading boss Steve Clarke, speaking to BT Sport: "Bradford have been the story of the competition so far. Hopefully we can become the story today.

"In the Championship there have been a few pitches that have not been so good. I know I would love to have my boots on and be out there on that pitch, that is for sure."

John Barnes is not wrong. Seeing shots of the Valley Parade pitch at the moment and there looks to be a fair few patches where there is more mud on show than grass. Long ball-tastic.

BBC Radio 5 live

AP

Former Liverpool and England winger John Barnes: "Some Bradford fans may think it is only Reading but they are in a league above them. The pitch is going to be a real leveller. It is an old school pitch.

"Everyone expects this run to continue because they beat Chelsea and Sunderland, but their league form has not been that great."

Chris Waddle

BBC Radio 5 live

"Complacency and expectation are Bradford's biggest dangers. When the draw was made this was probably the one they didn't want. People expect that they could and should beat Reading and that can back fire on you.

"If you look at Reading's form, they have won one in six in the league but beat Derby and they are an unpredictable side. So they are very beatable but it is what turns up on the day for Reading."

Football Focus under way

Football Focus

Hot on the heels of 5 live sport getting their coverage under way, Football Focus is now live on BBC One and on this page. Get involved.

On air now

BBC Radio 5 live

BBC Radio 5 live sport have just got a busy afternoon under way ahead of three full match commentaries. Listen on your radio or through this page - wherever you are.

Build-up starts now before commentary from John Murray and Chris Waddle of the early kick-off between Bradford and Reading.

Then, from 15:00, Conor McNamara and Steve Claridge bring you the Premier League match between QPR and Spurs, and at 17:30 Ian Brown and Kevin Philiips are at Aston Villa v West Brom.

A bonanza of football.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

Andy Kent

Andy Kent: Steven Gerrard once asked for MY autograph.

Has a footballer ever made a small request or asked for a favour from you or a friend? Let us know via #bbcfootball, text us on 81111 (UK only) or pop your anecdote down on the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

Team news

Bradford boss Phil Parkinson makes seven changes to the side which beat Crawley Town 1-0 on Tuesday.

Strikers Billy Clarke and Jon Stead return to the starting line-up alongside James Hanson while former Chelsea winger Filipe Morais is declared fit to start.

Reading manager Steve Clarke makes two changes to the side which drew 1-1 against Bolton on Tuesday.

Stephen Kelly replaces Chris Gunter at right-back while Danny Williams comes in for Garath McCleary in midfield. Yakubu is named among the substitutes.

Bradford XI: Williams, Darby (capt), McArdle, Davies, Meredith, Liddle, Morais, Knott, Clarke, Hanson, Stead.

Reading XI: Federici, Kelly, Obita, Pearce (capt), Hector, Chalobah, Norwood, Williams, Robson-Kanu, Mackie, Pogrebnyak.

Text us on 81111

Daniel Benson: When working at a champagne bar at Ascot Races, Neil Ruddock came over and ordered three bottles of Dom Perignon for him and his mates and left a big tip. Nice one Razor!

Stuart, London: Many years ago I stopped a young boy from running into a busy road. His father, who quickly caught up, was a very relieved Warren Barton - never ran so fast for NUFC.

Martin, Reading: I work at a kids soft play centre, and one of the Reading FC player's children had a party there, so there were a lot of other players there. Seeing Adam Le Fondre buy a slushee was a bit bizarre!

Has a footballer ever made a small request or asked for a favour from you or a friend? Let us know via #bbcfootball, text us on 81111 (UK only) or pop your anecdote down on the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

Football Focus

BBC

Football Focus is must-not miss today (when is not?) as Martin Keown sits down with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

In a wide-ranging interview, Wenger discussed his FA Cup memories and other key aspects of his Arsenal reign.

Just under 20 minutes until Football Focus is live on BBC One, and on this page.

Dan Walker

Football Focus

BBC

"Not quite the cup we are looking for. We're live from Aston Villa from 12:10 GMT on BBC One for Football Focus."

Stead to strike again?

BBC

Not many footballers have been lucky enough to have their name written in large bold lettering ahead of a montage of their goals, but Bradford City striker Jon Stead is one of them to receive such treatment.

He has scored a goal in every round so far of this year's FA Cup, will he continue that impressive run of form today?

Watch his goals in our video.

Reading's touching tribuite

BBC

BBC Sport's Peter Scrivener at Valley Parade: "It's #scarfparade at Bradford today and the Reading fans have paid their own tribute at the memorial to the tragic Valley Parade fire disaster that claimed 56 lives almost 30 years ago."

Text us on 81111

Ally, Holyport: While watching Liverpool v Chelsea in a bar in Strasbourg circa 2002, Franck Leboeuf tapped my mate on the shoulder to ask what the score was (in English) as he couldn't see the screen. He bought us a pitcher at half time to say Merci.

Steve, Surrey: As a games maker at the London Olympics, Martin Keown tried to bypass a long queue. I told him not too push and wait.

Scott, Portsmouth: Lassana Diarra stopped at my work to ask directions to Westleigh Park, (Havant and Waterlooville FC) Pompey reserves were playing Arsenal reserves.

Has a footballer ever made a small request or asked for a favour from you or a friend? Let us know via #bbcfootball, text us on 81111 (UK only) or pop your anecdote down on the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

Rooney's dream

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Last, but certainly not least, the FA Cup quarter-final weekend is rounded off in style with Manchester United versus Arsenal on Monday.

United forward Wayne Rooney has won plenty in his career, but an FA Cup winners medal is missing from his collection.

"I think it is a massive trophy," says Rooney. "It is a trophy that, growing up as a youngster, I used to love watching and I was fortunate enough to see Everton lift the FA Cup in 1995 when I was nine years old. It is something which I would love to do."

Could this be his year?

Manchester United v Arsenal is on Monday and live on BBC One from 19:30 GMT.

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'Nobody is giving us a chance'

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Bradford City are not the only giant killers left in the FA Cup, with Championship side Blackburn Rovers having seen off a couple of higher division opponents on the way to the quarter-final.

They have beaten Stoke and Swansea in previous rounds, but face a daunting task against the side that sits top of the Premier League form table - Liverpool.

"It's David versus Goliath. Nobody's giving us a chance outside of our dressing room," says Blackburn boss Gary Bower. "I think they're the most impressive team in the Premier League at the moment and the football that they're playing is fantastic.

"We've studied the videos, we've come up with a game plan, and we've worked with the players on it. We'll go and take the challenge to Liverpool."

The two sides meet on Sunday at 16:00 GMT.

Text us on 81111

Danny Pugh: Whilst out celebrating Wigan Athletic's last day survival in 2007 against Sheffield United - Ryan Taylor, who had been carried off injured, asked me to look after his crutches! The rest is a blur but he cant have been that injured as the next morning I woke up with said crutches at the side of my bed!

Reading FC

Reading: On Reading coach one today is 93-year-old Cis Platten who follows us home & away - BBC there to tell her story.

High-flying FA Cup

The FA

The FA Cup will be arriving in style at both of today's games because, for the first time in the competition's history, it will be delivered by a fan in a helicopter.

Here's Bradford City fan Graeme Kettlewell on his way to today's first game. Aston Villa fan Matt Drinkwater, also pictured, will then take it to Villa Park.

Hitting the jackpot

BBC

Success in the FA Cup takes many forms. The prize money might add up to several million but for wealthy Premier League clubs that is relatively small change. For them, it is the prestige of winning a trophy that matters most.

However, for many lower league and non-league teams the FA Cup represents one of their best chances to land a high-profile televised tie, with all the revenue that brings. If they are lucky enough to hit the jackpot and be drawn away at a Premier League team, their split of the gate money can earn them more in one night than an entire normal season - enough to completely transform the club's financial fortunes.

So just how much is the FA Cup worth to your club? Take a look out our interactive guide to find out.

Get involved at #bbcfootball

Kate Charles

Kate Charles: Might not have a scarf but I have nails.

Bonus points for no half-and-half nail-painting shenanigans Kate. [See 10:28 entry for this commentator's dislike of half-and-half scarves]

FA Cup cake

BBC

For those not enjoying Paul Jewell's sweet, sweet music then Bradford City have laid on some sweet treats for the arriving media.

Match of the Day commentator Steve Wilson on Twitter: "Bradford City (FA) Cup cakes. Nice."

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So yeah, Paul Jewell - the former Bradford City boss - is currently playing Oasis songs on a guitar in a largely empty Valley Parade stadium.

Nothing more to be said really...

That's our Tim!

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How do you wind up a fierce rival ahead of a big derby match? Calling them a "good little club" would certainly do the trick.

Speaking prior to the Premier League tie between the two sides, Aston Villa boss Tim Sherwood used those words to describe West Brom before expressing his delight at having secured the manager's job at a "massive club" like Villa.

"That is Tim - there are no problems with me or the chairman at all," says Baggies boss Tony Pulis. "Tim is Tim and he will be good fun for everyone around the West Midlands for the time he is at Aston Villa I'm sure."

Still, if the West Brom players need any motivation for revenge for Tuesday's 2-1 defeat by Villa, there it is...

'It won't be a shock if Bradford win'

Mark Lawrenson

FA Cup predictions

"Bradford have been the big story of this season's FA Cup after beating Chelsea and Sunderland - but in many ways, I think this is almost a tougher game than if they had got another Premier League side.

"Because of what the Bantams have done to get this far, people are looking at this tie and thinking it won't be a shock if a team from the top end of League One beats a side from the bottom half of the Championship.

"Steve Clarke has done okay at Reading since taking charge in December - they are going to stay up despite some mixed results.

"I think they are going to be more difficult to beat than a Premier League team might be, because they will be more up for a scrap if that is what this tie turns into."

Lawro's prediction: 1-1 (Reading to win the replay)#

Read about how Lawro sees this weekend's FA Cup ties going in his FA Cup predictions.

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Matt O'Neill: Berbatov was house hunting in the Bowden area, where I was fixing some lights on a communal path. He and his Man United appointed driver asked me to move my tools, I didn't and he had to walk in the mud. City 'til I die.

Danny Disna Kane: Gordon Strachan didn't ask he just (accidentally) stole my pen after signing an autograph when I was a kid!

William Rabagliati: Many years ago I served David Seaman petrol, he paid with the most battered credit card I've ever seen.

Has a footballer ever made a small request or asked for a favour from you or a friend? Let us know via #bbcfootball, text us on 81111 (UK only) or pop your anecdote down on the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

Scarf parade

Bradford City are trying to drum up excitement for today's FA Cup game by encouraging a 'scarf parade' - getting as many supporters as possible to turn up with claret and amber scarves and hold them up at the start of each half.

Let's hope that means more of these types of scarves...

Bradford City

...and less of these...

Bradford City

Tips from Mourinho?

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After Jose Mourinho led Chelsea to League Cup success last weekend, will Steve Clarke get on the blower to his former colleague and ask for some tips?

Clarke worked with Mourinho during the Portuguese coach's first spell in charge at Stamford Bridge.

"I won't speak to him, no. Chelsea got beat [by Bradford]," says Clarke.

That's that then.

Party poopers

There may be plenty of people backing Bradford City to continue their fairytale FA Cup run today, but Reading are determined to spoil the party.

The Royals have certainly been impressive themselves en route to the quarter-finals, having secured away wins at Championship rivals Huddersfield, Cardiff and Derby.

"What Bradford have achieved in the competition is fantastic, but it's up to us to be the spoilers of the party," says Reading boss Steve Clarke. "We've done well in the cup as well. We've had three difficult games, away ties at fellow Championship clubs. We deserve to be in the quarters."

Dan Walker

BBC Sport

Dan Walker

"I appear to be in a helicopter over Aston Villa with the FA Cup."

On the radio

BBC Radio 5 live

It's a busy day of football on BBC Radio 5 live today, kicking off with FA Cup build-up from 12:00 to 12:45 GMT with Mark Chapman.

That's quickly followed by the day's first FA Cup game of Bradford v Reading, with John Murray and Chris Waddle from 12:45 to 15:00 GMT at Valley Parade.

It's over to the Premier League from 15:00 to 17:00 GMT as Conor McNamara and Steve Claridge bring you live coverage of QPR v Tottenham from Loftus Road, followed by Sports Report at 17:00 GMT.

Then back to the FA Cup action for Aston Villa v West Brom from 17:30 to 19:25 GMT with Ian Brown and Kevin Phillips at Villa Park. You can have your say on all of today's action on 606 from 19:25 to 21:00 GMT.

Click on the Live Coverage tab at the top of this page to listen to all the action.

What to watch and when

Football Focus BBC Sport

Football Focus

TV coverage kicks off with Football Focus on BBC One, from 12:10 to 13:00 GMT, with Dan Walker, Dion Dublin and John Hartson addressing the issues of the week.

Final Score with Jason Mohammad, Kevin Kilbane and Stuart Pearce follows on the Red Button and online from 14:30 GMT and the programme is also live on BBC One from 16:30 to 17:00 GMT - except in Scotland where viewers can watch Sportscene.

Match of the Day Live's coverage of the Aston Villa v West Brom FA Cup clash begins at 17.20 GMT on BBC One and the Red Button, with host Gary Lineker joined by Alan Shearer and Jermaine Jenas.

The coverage continues with Match of the Day on BBC One from 22:45 to 23:15 GMT, while viewers in Scotland relive the day's Scottish Cup Highlights on Sportscene, followed by MOTD from 23:30 to 00:00 GMT.

And you can round off your day with MOTD: FA Cup Highlights on BBC One from 23:15 to 23:55 GMT (00:00-00:40, BBC One Scotland). You can also follow the action by clicking the Live Coverage tab at the top of this page.

Evans and Cisse banned

Jonny Evans, 27, had denied the charge which related to an incident with Papiss Cisse in Manchester United's 1-0 win over Newcastle on Wednesday.

"Mr Evans denied the charge but it was found proven," said an FA statement.

Cisse, 29, accepted the charge and has been suspended for an extra game as he has already received a ban this season.

BreakingBREAKING NEWS

Jonny Evans will serve a six-match suspension and Papiss Cisse a seven-game ban after their spitting incident.

FA Cup final or getting married?

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Few would have thought that come March Bradford City would still be in the competition, not least Bradford City forward Billy Clarke, who already has plans for FA Cup final weekend in May. He is due to get married the day after the final.

What a conundrum. Would not like to be in his shoes...

You can hear more about Bradford City, including a look at the psychological requirements to kill giants on BBC World Service right now.

Do they dare to dream?

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Bradford City players line up to receive the FA Cup after beating Newcastle in the 1911 final

Bradford City have undoubtedly been the story of the latter rounds of the FA Cup, having dumped out Chelsea and Sunderland on their way to the quarter-final.

Such exploits puts the League One side in the slightly unusual position of being considered favourites for today's quarter-final against Reading, who play in the division above the Bantams.

Victory for Bradford will not only seal a return to Wembley for the first time since their League Cup final defeat by Swansea in 2013, but also a first appearance in the FA Cup semi-finals since 1911.

They went on to win the FA Cup that year, too. Could they...?

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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Did former Manchester City striker Jo once buy some jeans off a stranger to get into a club? Matt N says so...

Ciaran Fitzgerald: Papa Boupa Diop asked me to carry his posh coat while he went up to sing a song in Corinthian bar in Glasgow

Matt N: Jo once bought my mates jeans so he could get into a nightclub in Leeds with Robinho as he had tracksuit bottoms on.

Apex Sports: Scott Parker asked me if i had a spare pen, thankfully I did and after writing something down gave me his autograph.

Has a footballer ever made a small request or asked for a favour from you or a friend? Let us know via #bbcfootball, text us on 81111 (UK only) or pop your anecdote down on the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

Run Mario, Run

Daily Mirror

The Daily Mirror back page goes in on the agent of Mario Balotelli saying the striker has become a better player at Liverpool, despite the striker starting just one game in the last four months.

"Right now, I think Mario makes a very interesting development for his career," says Mino Raiola. "He found a coach (Brendan Rodgers) who asks him things that had never requested of it until now. Including the fact of running without the ball."

Bradford face Reading in the 12:45 GMT FA Cup quarter-final kick-off today and the Mirror also has a piece with sports psychologist John Muranka who has been working Bantams duo Billy Clarke and James Hanson.

"It's all about being well prepared and that's not necessarily being too excited or keyed up for it," says Muranka. "That's not always the best state to be in. The players have to be calm, mentally focused and have the right attitude."

Rodgers targets trophies

Daily Express

There's a lot of Liverpool stories doing the rounds today, with the main one being Reds boss Brendan Rodgers saying he wants to stay at the club and, as the Daily Express puts it, "establish a trophy-laden dynasty at Anfield".

The Silent Disaster

Independent

The Independent recalls the tragedy of the fire at Bradford City's stadium in 1985 through the accounts of two police officers and how a play about events nearly 30 years on "is reawakening the events" of "football's forgotten tragedy".

We'll take a closer look at today's FA Cup games in a bit but time now for a gander at what stories are dominating the back pages of today's newspapers...

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

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Max Baggins-Craig: C.Ronaldo came to mine for tea & a fancy cake, I taught him everything he knows lol (except the tantrums & diving).

I'm no psychologist Max, but something tells me you are telling porkies...

There is not just the FA Cup today with a solitary Premier League fixture taking place as QPR host Tottenham.

QPR have a huge incentive to pick up three points as it will move them out of the relegation zone. A win for Spurs, meanwhile, will see them climb into the top six.

We'll have full live text commentary on that game, with build-up getting under way at 13:45 GMT.

Join the debate at #bbcfootball

BBC Radio 5 live

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Got any spare milk?

As usual on a Saturday morning, we are linking up with the Danny Baker breakfast show on BBC Radio 5 live and today we are asking for you to tell us about a time a footballer has made small requests or asked for a favour from you or a friend.

Has Diego Costa popped round to ask for splash of milk? Thierry Henry caught short with his bus fare and asked if you could lend him 10p?

To kick things off, Bradford City striker Jon Stead once asked me to pass him a bag at a well-known Swedish furniture store on the outskirts of Huddersfield circa 2001. Starting big...

I'm sure you can think of better so let us know via #bbcfootball, text us on 81111 (UK only) or pop your anecdote down on the BBC Sport Facebook and Google+ pages.

Coming up in the FA Cup

We've got loads to get through this morning but first things first, here is what is coming up in the FA Cup this weekend.

Saturday 7 March:

Bradford City v Reading (12:45 GMT)

Aston Villa v West Brom (17:30)

Sunday 8 March:

Liverpool v Blackburn (16:00)

Monday 9 March:

Man Utd v Arsenal (19:45)

What a ride it has been....

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Blyth Spartans captured the imagination of football fans with their FA Cup giant-killing exploits in the early rounds of the FA Cup

Good morning!

It has been a memorable FA Cup so far this season, with upsets, thrilling fixtures and high-scoring results but seven months since it all began we are right at the business end of the competition.

The quarter-finals kick-off today, with the victorious four teams securing a glamour semi-final tie at Wembley and moving to within one win of reaching the final.

The stakes are high and with three of the last eight from outside the Premier League, could we be in for a one or two more shocks this weekend?

From Staines to Wembley...

Back in August, Staines Lammas overcame Bedfont Sports 3-2 in front of just 155 spectators. The significance? The Lammas were the first team to win in this year's FA Cup.

Three-hundred-and-sixty-eight clubs kicked off the adventure but now just eight remain, each one hoping to secure a place in the semi-finals and with it, a trip to Wembley.

But who will be successful?

The most in-form team in the Premier League...

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The reigning champions...

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Or the plucky underdogs...

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