Stuart McCall believes City could have done a lot more to avoid a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Barrow.
The Bantams conceded 18 minutes into the Progression Solicitors Stadium affairs before being reduced to 10 men just 19 minutes later.
McCall was frustrated by the nature of a defeat in which he feels his side should have done more to avoid.
He said: “When you watch the goal again, their player mis-controls the ball into the box, we do not get close to him or close him down and their lad hits a shot into the bottom corner.
“We did have an opportunity to get back. It was going to be a game of two halves and, with 11 men, you are confident of being able to retrieve it and win.
“That is only possible when you have 11 men on the pitch, though, and we made it too difficult for ourselves with the sending off.
“The game was about scrapping, fighting and showing a togetherness on the pitch to get a result. We did not get the result but I saw a difference in the players afterwards.
“Everyone is hugely disappointed and I can understand the supporters’ frustrations, but we have to strive to be driven to turn this rut around.”
Despite the deficiencies in some areas of his side’s game, McCall refused to fault any area of the players’ application levels, after the break.
The Bantams attempted to fight back after the break and the Bantams boss felt, with 10 men, their efforts were admirable.
The City chief added: “I cannot point the finger at any of the lads for their effort, determination and desire to stick at it in the second half, but the red card cost us.
“The conditions were difficult and, with a man less, it was always going to be difficult to have possession and create chances.
“When the conditions were as we knew they were going to be, it was always going to be game of two halves.
“But, the red card - which came five minutes before half time - proved the turning point in the game.
“It obviously made it more difficult for us while giving them a lift, because they knew they were going to be under the cosh more in the second half.”
McCall’s men are back in action against Southend United on Tuesday at the Utilita Energy Stadium (7.00pm).