Bantams boss Stuart McCall says he was disappointed with the result, but not his side's performance, following City's 2-1 home loss to Scunthorpe United on Tuesday evening.
Despite City controlling the play for large periods, especially in the second period, Hakeeb Adelakun's free-kick winner just over twenty minutes from the end proved enough to hand Iron all three points.
Paul Taylor's third goal of the season - a stunning strike from outside the box - had given the Bantams the lead late in the first period, but there was still time in the half for Scunthorpe to equalise when Cameron Burgess headed in from an Adelakun free-kick.
McCall's men pushed for another breakthrough during the second period, with Nicky Law going close in particular with a thumping header, but Adelakun's strike direct from a free-kick saw Scunthorpe snatch the victory.
McCall said: "There is no doubt about it, this defeat is a harsh result for us.
"Apart from the first ten minutes or so, we've controlled long periods of the game against a side that is very difficult to play against.
"They are a big and physical side, but we've tried to play in the right way, get in positions to hurt them, and we've scored a terrific goal.
"We've then conceded a silly free-kick straight after, however, and not defended the set-piece properly - something which is hugely frustrated as we knew it would be their strongest chance to score.
"The second goal is similar really. We give a free-kick away, switch off and then give another free-kick away.
"We obviously don't defend the shot properly either.
"The lads gave everything they've got though. Football is cruel sometimes - I feel for the players tonight (Tuesday).
"If we keep performing like that week in, week out, we will win more than we lose.
"I can't knock the lads' efforts.
"They have tried everything to get back into the game but we've seen shots saved, shots blocked and crosses just flicked away.
"There is no getting away from the fact that it is another loss at home, but performance-wise the players have done everything we've asked of them.
"We've had a great result last Saturday at Wigan, so we go again now after this one.
"The aim is to get another positive result at Shrewsbury this Saturday."
Adelakun's match-winner was scored past Rouven Sattelmaier after the German shot-stopper replaced Colin Doyle at the break.
McCall explained: "In the melee in the penalty area for their first goal it appears Colin has been landed on.
"Early assessments don't look too good unfortunately.
"I can't really say too much at the moment because we don't have the full details yet, but it looks like a (knee) ligament injury.
"It doesn't look good but we'll assess him properly tomorrow (Wednesday) once the swelling has gone down."