The Bantams proved unable to begin Stuart McCall's third managerial reign with victory, drawing 1-1 against Grimsby Town.
City took the lead in the 80th minute through a Lee Novak flick, however the Mariners fought back to steal a point in the 92nd minute, seeing both sides come away with a point.
The first opportunity of the game went to the hosts - a minute before the half-hour mark.
Jake Reeves was laid off outside the box by Novak, however the midfielder could not keep his shot down as the ball sailed over the bar.
As the first-half continued, Grimsby had a chance of their own - through Charles Vernam.
Nevertheless, his shot was tame and bobbled along the turf, into Richard O’Donnell’s gloves - on the brink of half-time.
Following the restart, the Bantams went close to taking the lead - courtesy of Ben Richards-Everton.
The defender slipped in front of his man but could not guide Connor Wood’s corner cross home as his effort flew over the bar - in the 48th minute.
Five minutes later, and City were knocking again. This time it was Reeves with the shot.
The No.8 tried to convert a free-kick but was unsuccessful as his attempt skewed wide.
With confidence growing, McCall’s Bantams drew first blood - through Novak.
The No.9 - making his City debut - deflected Callum Cooke’s initial shot in - making it 1-0 with 10 minutes to go.
However, in the dying embers of the game, Ian Holloway’s men salvaged a goal - courtesy of Luke Hendrie.
The full-back marched into the box before slotting a goal in - on the 92nd-minute mark.
With City unable to conjure a chance late on, both sides had to share the spoils as the encounter finished 1-1.
CITY: Richard O’Donnell; Adam Henley, Ben Richards-Everton, Anthony O’Connor, Connor Wood; Jake Reeves (booked 77’), Callum Cooke, Dylan Connolly (Dylan Mottley-Henry 75’), Harry Pritchard (Hope Akpan 85’); Clayton Donaldson © (Kurtis Guthrie 70’), Lee Novak. Subs (not used): Luke McGee (GK); Paudie O’Connor, Shay McCartan, Glenn Middleton.
GOALS: Lee Novak (80’).
GRIMSBY: James McKeown ©; Luke Hendrie, Luke Waterfall, Harry Clifton (Elliot Grandin 63’), Josh Benson; Elliott Whitehouse (Matt Green 84’), Charles Vernam, Mattie Pollock, Anthony Glennon; Billy Clarke (booked 70’) (James Tilley 74’), James Hanson. Subs (not used): Sam Russell (GK); Ludvig Öhman, Elliott Hewitt, Bradley Garmston.
GOALS: Luke Hendrie (90+2’).
ATTENDANCE: 17,668 (2,545 visitors).