Gary Bowyer’s Bantams were made to settle for a point, following a 1-1 draw against Cheltenham Town at the Utilita Energy Stadium.
The hosts drew first blood in the opening 11 minutes, however Alfie May’s late equaliser meant both teams had to share the spoils.
City took the lead early on - through a Clayton Donaldson penalty.
Shay McCartan charged into the box before being brought down in the area, giving referee Sebastian Stockbridge no option but to point to the spot.
Donaldson took his time and delicately chipped in - giving City the lead in the 11th minute.
Cheltenham had an opportunity to level the score - courtesy of Alfie May.
The attacker peeled away from his man at the back post, but could only meet the wrong side of the upright - at the half-hour stage.
With half-time looming, Bowyer’s men found themselves one man short, as Jamie Devitt was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence.
Despite leading during a second-half battle, the Bantams found themselves pegged back as Cheltenham equalised - in the 84th minute.
Alfie May latched onto the loose ball before finding the roof of the net - meaning both sides came away with a point.
CITY: Luke McGee; Kelvin Mellor (Adam Henley 58’), Paudie O’Connor, Ben Richards-Everton, Anthony O’Connor, Connor Wood (booked 39’); Dylan Connolly (booked 82’), Callum Cooke, Jamie Devitt (booked 24’) (dismissed 45’); Clayton Donaldson © (Aramide Oteh 61’), Shay McCartan (Chris Taylor 62’). Subs (not used): George Sykes-Kenworthy (GK); Harry Pritchard, Jake Reeves, Omari Patrick.
GOALS: Clayton Donaldson (11’).
CHELTENHAM: Owen Evans; Sean Long (Will Boyle 86’), Chris Hussey, Ben Tozer ©, Charlie Raglan; Conor Thomas (Alex Addai 66’), Tahvon Campbell (Luke Varney 54’), Max Sheaf, Jake Doyle-Hayes; Jacob Greaves, Alfie May. Subs (not used): Freddie Lapworth (GK); Chris Clements, Josh Debayo, Rohan Ince.
GOALS: Alfie May (84’).
ATTENDANCE: 12,731 (126 visitors).
REFEREE: Sebastian Stockbridge (Tyne).