Arsenal roll out 'victory' bus | Cream phone boxes at Wembley Watson's injury-time header sank Manchester City in one of the most absorbing finals of the modern era. David toppled Goliath and the man responsible for the telling blow offered one piece of advice. "He said to make sure I get my head on one from a late corner," said Bruce with a broad laugh, recalling his timely meeting with Watson. "I said to him 'Christ, if I can emulate you I'll be a happy man!' No the wonder he says it'll be a great occasion for us to look forward to. "Wigan are a good example to follow. No one gave them a chance against Man City did they? But look at how it turned out for them." Watson will not need reminding of the events of May 11 last year. Beyond the 90-minute mark and with extra-time looming, Sean Maloney's corner from the right flank was nodded in by Wigan's substitute. The Latics' first piece of silverware was a triumph for football's romantics and Bruce hopes Hull City can follow a similar script. If the Tigers' very first FA Cup final is to end with the same celebrations enjoyed by Watson, they will have to conquer the 10-times winners Arsenal. Just like Wigan 12 months ago, most pundits will not give City a sniff of glory. But Bruce refuses to be downhearted by the inevitable conclusions. "Listen, we're no mugs," he said. "We know if Arsenal play to their potential and they've got eight or nine players on top form, it's going to be a difficult afternoon. "But football doesn't work like that. We'll be looking to get in amongst them and make it difficult to play to their strengths. We've got players that can hurt them as well. Players who can win games for us. "We'll not be given a prayer but it's a good thing. All the pressure is off us. "Being the underdog can be a good thing. Look at Sheffield United against us. We were the favourites and look how we performed in the first half. Pressure can be a leveller for anybody. If everyone is expecting Arsenal to win, that's great for us." City felt the weight of expectation themselves five weeks ago. As the top-flight side tasked with brushing aside League One Sheffield United to make their first semi-final in 84 years worth the wait, the Tigers came perilously close to blowing their big moment. An abject first-half showing saw City trail 2-1 at the break and dragged back from the brink by a stirring response. "The experience will stand us in good stead. The disappointment of that first half was huge. It was probably our worst performance of the season in those 45 minutes. We certainly can't get any worse playing at Wembley," said Bruce. "I'd like to think we got it out of our systems in that second half as we were so much improved. The experience of going and handling the occasion should stand us in good stead. "The message from everyone is just to enjoy it. That's what cup finals are all about. It's a great day you'll remember all your life so you've got to do the best you can and hope the Gods are smiling on you." Bruce admits that has happened so far. Sunderland, in the quarter-finals, are the highest-ranked team that have stood in City's path to a first Wembley final. Middlesbrough, Southend, Brighton and Sheffield United all provided tests from lower leagues. That, however, only strengthens the idea it could be City's year. Fortune has been on their side from the outset and the Tigers have duly cashed in. "Our route to the final, no disrespect to the sides we've faced, has been kind," added Bruce. "We knew the (quarter-final) draw when we went down to Brighton and knowing we had Sunderland in the next round we felt 'Blimey, we've got a chance here.' Certainly of getting to a semi-final. After the Sunderland game we had the semi-final draw on in the dressing room and when Sheffield United came out you knew we'd never get a better chance. "My Dad said to Berch (Keith Bertschin) and Aggers (Steve Agnew) how many cup finals have you played in? I'm not sure there was anyone who had even been to a semi. Except my Dad of course. He was gloating like he normally does. But joking aside, they'd all had great careers and never come close. That's a big regret once you're finished playing so it's just a case of making sure we enjoy it."
