CITY'S lead professional development coach Mark Trueman has praised the efforts of his "brave" young Bantams after his under-18s shocked category-one side Stoke City to book their place in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.

City advanced thanks to a penalty shoot-out victory following a thrilling 3-3 draw in 120 minutes at Valley Parade.

Trueman's men were two goals to the good at the break courtesy of a 32nd-minute Eliot Goldthorp penalty and winger Charlie Wood's effort.

However, the visitors responded in the second half immediately when Mohamed Sankoh headed into the empty net following a Reece Jones cross.

Despite Adam Porter missing a penalty, the Potters gained their equaliser in the last minute of normal time after Andre Godfrinne slotted into the bottom corner.

City then thought they had sealed the surprise win when Goldthorp bagged another penalty on the 117th-minute. However, the away side would not give up and Porter made up for his missed penalty by smashing home in the final minute of extra time to force spot kicks.

After a perfect first eight penalties, goalscorers Wood and Godfrinne missed before Oliver Norman gave City match point.

It was up to Stoke goalkeeper Nathan Broom to level the scores but his effort flew over the bar to spark jubilant scenes amongst the young Bantams.

Trueman offered respect to the opposition but believes his players' game-management skills saw them claim a memorable victory.

He stated: "We have got to respect our opposition who are a good team with great players.

"We knew we were not going to have the ball as much as we would have liked.

"Therefore, we talked about managing the game in stages and I thought the players handled it terrifically.

"The main things for us were to keep pressure on the ball, not allow them to have a lot of time and space and obviously get the goals - which we did.

"The performance was great - particularly in the first half - and the effort we put into the game was brilliant."

Progression means a trip to either Chelsea or Huddersfield Town awaits the young Bantams in round four.

Despite the potential of an exciting trip down to West London, City's lead professional development coach is happy to play either side.

Trueman added: "The players' answer will obviously be Chelsea but I am not bothered who we get.

"Huddersfield are a good team and have got some decent players.

"A local derby will be another great test for us but, whoever we draw, we will be prepared for every round and will work even harder.

"Hopefully, we can get another good result. Then, who knows how far we can get in this competition?"