City boss Phil Parkinson was honest post-match in his assessment of the Bantams' disappointing high-scoring defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge.
After looking totally out-of-sorts throughout the entire first period, City found themselves with a mountain to climb when Daggers defender Luke Wilkinson headed the hosts into a 3-0 lead early in the second half from a corner.
A quick-fire double from Nahki Wells did give Parkinson's men hope, but a goal on the counter-attack from Dagenham striker Dwight Gayle sixteen minutes from time proved to be the match-winner, despite City substitute Alan Connell netting late on.
"We were very poor in the first half - there's no getting away from that," said Parkinson.
"I felt we prepared well for this game. We spoke to the lads about Dagenham and showed them some footage from their last home game (vs Wycombe Wanderers) just in case the players were in any doubt as to how they play. We explained to them what to expect.
"We were second best in the first half, however, there is no question about it.
"We came in two goals down at half time and were probably fortunate that it was only two.
"I must credit Dwight Gayle - their number 20 - I thought he was outstanding today and we couldn't handle him.
"Second half was a different game though.
"I've made the change at half-time (bringing on Connell for Zavon Hines) and we looked a completely different side in the second half.
"I think their third goal was the real killer though. We had started the second half brightly but the goal has come from slack marking at a corner - that is unacceptable. It was too easy for them.
"It gave their players and crowd a huge lift and knocked us back a bit. Probably gave us that bit too much to do.
"We've obviously got back into the game at 3-2 and I actually fancied us at one stage to go on and win the match, let alone get a draw from it.
"The fourth goal for them I can kind of understand because we are pushing men forward trying to go for a goal and we've just got caught at the back.
"Even at 4-2 and especially when it then became 4-3, I fancied us to get a point from the match because the momentum was with us in the second half.
"Some of the play and desire to get into the box was brilliant but we'd given ourselves too much to do beforehand."
Bantams Player subscribers can now watch the FULL post-match interview with Phil Parkinson by clicking HERE.
Not yet a Bantams Player subscriber? Don't worry, you can become one now or take advantage of the club's two-week long FREE Player HERE.