COLCHESTER United manager John Ward is hoping for a home match in tomorrow’s FA Cup second round draw after his side ensured their name would be in the hat with a 4-3 victory over Bradford City this afternoon.

David Mooney scored twice, with Andy Bond and Brian Wilson also on target as the U’s edged a seven-goal thriller against in-form League Two opposition.

Colchester have now scored seven goals and conceded five in entertaining back-to-back games at The Weston Homes Community Stadium, although disappointingly less than 3,000 turned out to watch this one.

Ward said: “Bradford worked hard and made it difficult for us, so full credit to them.

“They came into this match with five wins from six, they have a lot of experience about their team and have an excellent manager (Peter Taylor), so I’m absolutely delighted to have won the game.

“It was a typical FA Cup tie and although it’s disappointing to concede three, I’d rather focus on the fact that we’ve scored four.

“I hope the supporters have gone gone home having enjoyed it. We’ve had some good games here lately and all we can do is keep trying to entertain and win.”

Looking ahead to tomorrow lunchtime’s second round draw – Essex non-league side Chelmsford City having also secured progress with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Hendon – Ward said: “We’ve got another game in the FA Cup now and that little dream I told you about (getting a third round round trip to Manchester United) is still alive for another match at least.

“We were first out the hat last time and got a home draw and it would certainly be nice for that to happen again tomorrow.”

– Full report and reaction in Monday’s EADT.