A week ahead of their season opener against Port Vale, McCall's men signed off their schedule of summer friendlies with a victory over the Cumbrians thanks to second half goals from Filipe Morais and James Hanson.
Morais and Hanson's goals came during an improved second period performance from City following a low-key opening half at the Northern Commercials Stadium.
McCall was honest enough to admit post-match that he was far from delighted with the Bantams' first half showing but he felt more encouraged by their efforts after the restart.
He said: "I was pleased with the result but I was disappointed with the first half performance.
"Going down to ten men for a while when Nathan Clarke had to go off for stitches didn't help but we were sloppy in possession.
"One positive is that we looked strong in defence and looked comfortable at the back going into the break.
"We got back to playing balls into the right areas in the second half and scored two good goals because of that.
"We won more of our individual battles after the break but we still know there is a lot of things we can improve on.
"I am certainly more pleased now (post-match) than I was at half time.
"We will analysis this game, sit down with the players during the week, and see what we can do better as we prepare for the Port Vale game next weekend."
McCall welcomed fit-again James Hanson and James Meredith back into his side for the visit of Carlisle this Saturday, while recent signing Romain Vincelot made his first appearance in City colours from the start.
McCall added: "It was great to get Hans (James Hanson), Mez (James Meredith) and Romain out there today (Saturday) - they will all have benefited from this match.
"Romain had previously only played two 45-minute periods for Coventry City so he will improve as he gets stronger.
"We are hopeful that him and (Timothee) Dieng could be a strong partnership in that midfield.
"We are wanting those sort of different partnerships building all over the pitch but they do take time, it won't happen overnight.
"We'll be looking for a good week at the training ground on and off the pitch this week, analysing and preparing to make sure we are ready for Port Vale."