Bantams boss Stuart McCall says City can take positives from their night's work despite exiting the Carabao Cup at the hands of Doncaster Rovers.
Ten-man City lost out to Doncaster in their first round encounter at the Northern Commercials Stadium after an entertaining 3-2 tie this Tuesday night.
McCall's side, who lost Romain Vincelot to a straight red card on the hour mark, twice came from behind to level but a well-taken winner from Ben Whiteman two minutes from the end sealed Doncaster's passage into the next round.
City made five changes from the opening day win over Blackpool, with one of the players introduced into the starting XI being debutant Tom Field.
Assessing the tie, McCall said: "I don't think there is any doubt that the sending off played a big part in the game.
"I thought we were doing well at that stage.
"Doncaster were another team who came with three centre halves and looked to hit on the counter-attack.
"They did it well at times, and I thought we struggled for the first twenty minutes or so.
"After that initial period though, we stayed to play more through them.
"It was a great goal from Dom (Poleon) after linking up with Omari (Patrick).
"Dom is a strong, physical presence. As I said to Omari after Saturday, that is the standard he has set now.
"We were well in the game at the start of the second period when we go down to ten men.
"It was a spirited display after that to get the equaliser, we were just a little unfortunate then to concede with two minutes to go.
"We're disappointed, as always, to lose but there were some strong performances and some positives to take from the game, including (Alex) Jonesy getting his first goal of the season.
"It was good to get Tom (Field) up and running as well. He will get stronger after playing this one.
"We look forward to Gillingham on Saturday now and putting a strong performance in there."
Skipper Romain Vincelot is set to miss the trip to the MEMS Priestfield Stadium following his red card in the second period against Doncaster.
McCall added: "We had a really good disciplinary record last season, so it is disappointing to get a red card tonight (Tuesday).
"It certainly changed the game.
"I've not seen it back yet but it seemed a poor challenge and it looked like it could have been a red.
"Romain knew it was a foul but I think he was only expecting a yellow.
"It is a double blow really - losing the game and then losing your skipper for what seems like it will be three games."