City’s under-18s’ FA Youth Cup run came to an end, following a 5-0 away defeat to category-one side Chelsea.
Mark Trueman’s young Bantams had their chances throughout but could not take advantage as the home side advanced to the fifth round.
City were inches away from taking the lead in the first five minutes - through Dan Francis.
The attacker broke free but was unable to keep his rebound down - after his initial effort was blocked - inside the area.
Despite the early scare, it was Chelsea who drew first blood - courtesy of Armando Broja.
The No.9 slipped in front of his man before guiding Tino Livramento’s cross in - on the 10th-minute mark.
With confidence building, Chelsea made it two - four minutes later. This time it was Marcel Lewis with the goal.
The No.11 was quickest to react and scrambled home Broja’s saved effort - giving Chelsea an early two-goal lead.
After the break, Trueman’s men had a chance to spark a comeback - firstly through Connor Morris.
The No.9 was gifted possession inside the box but proved unable to direct the ball under Chelsea goalkeeper Jake Askew.
Soon after the City chance, the Blues scored a third - courtesy of Henry Lawrence.
The full-back broke through and smashed home after a clever passing interchange - in the 52nd minute.
Twelve minutes later, Ed Brand’s men made it four after a long-range strike from Lewis.
The attacker won back possession before lashing a shot in off the post - claiming his second goal of the game.
As the match continued, Chelsea soon grabbed their fifth - through second-half substitute Thierno Ballo.
The No.17 found fortune after his shot ricocheted off a City defender and in - with 23 minutes to go.
The visitors had chances to net a consolation goal late on but could not find the target as the referee blew his whistle for the final time.
CITY: Jack Barrett; Hayden Smethurst © (Harvey Rowe 68’), Jorge Sikora (booked 84’), Finn Cousin-Dawson, Reece Staunton; Eliot Goldthorp (booked 90+1’), Kian Scales, Charlie Wood; Daniel Francis, Connor Morris (Jonny White 61’), Wade Ripley (Olivier Sukiennicki 58’). Subs (not used): Tom Donaghy (GK); Oliver Norman, George Thewlis, Jack Wilson.
CHELSEA: Jake Askew; Henry Lawrence, Dynel Simeu ©, Levi Colwill, Ian Maatsen; Lewis Bate, Tino Livramento (Dion Rankine 70’), Xavier Simons (Bashir Humphreys 76’), Armando Broja; Myles Peart-Harris (Thierno Ballo 61’), Marcel Lewis. Subs (not used): Sam McClelland (GK); Ethan Wady, George Nunn, Joe Haigh.
GOALS: Armando Broja (10’), Marcel Lewis (15’, 65’), Henry Lawrence (52’), Thierno Ballo (67’).