Bannon led her side to the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time

Sunderland captain Stephanie Bannon believes her side's self-belief was the key factor in their FA Womens Cup quarter-final win against Bristol City.

The ladies came back from 2-0 down to win 4-2 in extra-time and earn a tie against Chelsea.

"We all believed we could get back in the game and we were buzzing," the centre-back told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I'm so proud for the girls and it's the furthest we've ever been as a club," she added.

The victory against Bristol came courtesy of goals from Demi Stokes, Lucy Bronze and Sophie Williams, who netted a brace.

It was in stark contrast to the opening period where the Wearsiders showed a lack of composure and found themselves trailing.

And Bannon has hailed her team-mates' mettle and morale on such a tense occasion.

"We came to the game knowing they were a National League team and we're just a Northern Division team," she said.

"Maybe we were nervous, scared and just bottled it but in the second half we fought for each other and the team spirit was fantastic."

The ladies, managed by Mick Mulhern, will host Chelsea in the FA Women's Cup on Sunday, 22 March 2009.

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