RUSS Wilcox hailed a Capital One Cup tie that “had everything” as his York City side beat Sky Bet League One Bradford 4-2 on penalties.

The Bantams went ahead on the night through a Christopher Routis first-half goal before Luke Summerfield levelled with a 49th-minute penalty.

After Alan Sheehan then blazed over from the spot, it looked like James Berrett’s brilliant 85th-minute free kick had settled the tie in normal time.

But visiting sub James Hanson went on to level in the fourth and final minute of stoppage time.

But it was the League Two underdogs who went on to rally with Josh Carson scoring the winning penalty after new keeper Scott Flinders had saved two of Bradford’s attempts from 12 yards.

A jubilant Wilcox said: “It was a game that had everything – every emotion and all the highs and lows. To concede an equaliser 15 seconds before the end was a massive body blow for the supporters and players but we showed great bravery and character to stand firm.

“It was a fantastic game for the supporters and we want to see entertaining games at Bootham. I felt in the second half we showed them a bit too much respect but we got our wing-backs forward after the break and the second half was outstanding.

“I thought over 120 minutes we deserved to go through. Hopefully, now, we can get a big tie and generate some cash for the football club.”

Wilcox was also full of praise for Reece Thompson – the summer signing from Frickley – who won Summerfield’s penalty and then converted in the shoot-out.

“I’ve been delighted with him in both our first twon games and I think we would double the fee we paid for him if we put him back on the market now,” the City chief enthused. “He works so hard and is giving everything for the club. The way he played in the second half set us off.”

On Berrett’s spectacular strike, Wilcox added: “He’s got that in his locker. He scored 12 goals in a season once for Carlisle in League One and it was a terrific free kick.

“It would have been fitting to win any football match but we don’t do anything easily.”

Victory could have come at a small cost, though, with the Bootham Crescent boss revealing: “Luke Summerfield took a bad knock to his leg. We have watched the incident back and it wasn’t a great tackle.

“Vadaine Oliver also took a whack to his shoulder, which is why we took him off too, so we’ll have to see how he they both are.”