PRACTICE and preparation were key for Bury's FA Cup hero Ian Lawlor who gave his side a massive helping hand to see off Bradford in the FA Cup.

The Bantams failed to score past the 21-year-old in more than 210 minutes of football over the two games.

The Manchester City loanee was constantly in the thick of the action at Valley Parade as 19 shots rained down on his goal, with Bury registering just three.

But the heroics of the Dublin-born stopper, who made a number of crucial saves throughout and had his woodwork rattled on three occasions, went on to save two penalties in the shootout to set up a date with Hull City in the fourth round.

First Lawlor sprawled to his right to keep out Steven Davies' effort before denying former Manchester City team-mate Devante Cole to give his side the chance to win, with Jacob Mellis slotting home the winning spot kick.

After the dramatic climax, Lawlor gave an insight into his preparation for the tie.

“The lads practice a lot,” he said. “I have studied all the players that I was playing against so I had a fair idea where every one (of the penalties) was going.

“I just went over my clips and I was happy to make the saves when I was needed.

“I've done a lot of homework and research, and had a bit of luck, but I've done my work as well so I'm happy it's paid off.”

Lawlor insists the players will now be able to kick on in the league after a backs-to-the-wall win in which Bury played the majority of the game with 10 men.

“The run we have been on recently has not been as good as we want it to be or as good as we can be,” he added, after conceding twice in a 3-2 defeat to Walsall on Saturday – Bury's fourth straight league defeat.

“We have shown tonight that we can get back to the levels where we were at at the start of the season.

"Obviously, I've just come in and joined the club in the last couple of weeks but I know a lot about Bury.

“It only matters that we can kick on from this and we are turning it around with performances like this.

“It's a family club, everyone is in it for everyone.

"When we went down to 10 men, nine men, whatever men it doesn't matter, we'll dig in for each other.”