City boss Gary Bowyer was left frustrated as his Bantams proved unable to take anything from their Sky Bet League One battle with Doncaster, despite another encouraging display.
Although the Bantams made impressive starts to both halves, City went on to lose 1-0 following a second-half Mallik Wilks strike.
Bowyer cited a lapse in concentration as City's downfall, though was encouraged by his side’s efforts.
He said: “I think of all the games I have been in charge of, that is the toughest to take. We thoroughly deserved something from the game.
“You are never going to have complete dominance of games. But I think we stuck at it, we got to half-time, and started the second half ever so well.
“It was the big moments again, the one time we switch off, they have their one shot on target - and it ends up in the back of the net.
“It was difficult for us, Doncaster are up there and they are up there for a reason.
“We have to keep working and keep improving in both penalty boxes.”
Despite suffering defeat on home soil, there were still plenty of positives for Bowyer to take.
In addition to Sean Scannell’s long-awaited return from injury, the City chief was again delighted with the club’s support.
He added: “I thought Sean was terrific when he came on. He has been chomping at the bit all week.
“Now we have to hope he comes through ok and is with us for the remaining five games, because you saw what a threat he was when he does come on.
“The supporters have been magnificent ever since I arrived and they went with us all the way.
“Hopefully they can see the work that is going in on the training ground.
“We have five games left and have to try and do that again and more.
“I think the reaction of the supporters today came because they saw some fight and they saw the team having a go. We have just got to keep on improving now.”