Stuart McCall’s brave Bantams were denied all three points by a late Forest Green Rovers equaliser - in a 2-2 draw at The New Lawn.
City took the lead twice in the second half but, after being reduced to nine men, the McCall's nine men could not keep their hosts at bay as a late Aaron Collins goal levelled the scores.
After a largely uneventful opening period, the first goal of the encounter did not come until the 49th minute - courtesy of Lee Novak.
The experienced forward took the ball around the goalkeeper before slotting into an open net from close range, after Elliot Watt's drive was parried.
Nevertheless, Mark Cooper’s men hit back as Carl Winchester struck from a set-piece on the edge of the area.
The pressure then started to build on the visitors as Anthony O’Connor was given his marching orders for bringing down Ebou Adams in the penalty area.
Winchester stepped up but could not convert the spot-kick, hammering wide from 12 yards out.
The Bantams responded by re-taking the lead in the 66th minute when Watt whipped a free-kick into the area which evaded everyone and hit the back of the net.
City were then made to play the remainder of the fixture with nine men - as Paudie O’Connor was shown red for adjudged violent conduct in the 70th minute.
The visitors fought valiantly in a bid to leave with all three points but Aaron Collins struck deep into injury time to earn a share of the spoils.
CITY: Richard O’Donnell ©; Connor Wood, Reece Staunton (Finn Cousin-Dawson 90+9’), Anthony O’Connor (sent off 62’), Paudie O’Connor (sent off 70’); Tyler French, Billy Clarke (Callum Cooke 68’), Zeli Ismail (Dylan Mottley-Henry 65’), Elliot Watt (booked 73’); Lee Novak, Kurtis Guthrie. Subs (not used): Sam Hornby (GK); Jackson Longridge, Harry Pritchard, Clayton Donaldson.
GOALS: Lee Novak (49’), Elliot Watt (66’).
FOREST GREEN: Luke McGee; Dom Bernard (Scott Wagstaff 69’), Dan Sweeney (Matty Stevens 71’), Liam Kitching (booked 82’) (Jake Young 85’), Carl Winchester ©; Ebou Adams, Aaron Collins (booked 90+5’), Nicky Cadden, Jamille Matt; Jordan Moore-Taylor, Udoka Godwin-Malife. Subs (not used): Lewis Thomas (GK); Chris Stokes, Taylor Allen, Shawn McCoulsky.
GOALS: Carl Winchester (60’), Aaron Collins (90+6’).