Bantams assistant Kenny Black was pleased to see City make further progress in the Checkatrade Trophy after a hard-fought round two victory over Cambridge United at the Northern Commercials Stadium on Wednesday evening.
A headed goal from Nicky Law midway through the second period proved enough to secure the Bantams a 1-0 win and a place in the last sixteen of the competition.
Law's match-winner came barely sixty seconds after the midfielder had been moved into a more advanced role playing just behind Jordy Hiwula in attack.
Black said: “We certainly played better in the second half than we did in the first half.
“It was a game that took us a little while to get going in.
“The first half was slightly bitty but I felt we improved in the second half and that was enough for us secure our progression.
“Nicky knows he should chip in with more goals so he’ll be pleased to get on the score-sheet tonight (Wednesday).
“It was a great header from him and a great cross from Filipe (Morais).
“Haris (Vuckic) got a little knock so we decided on a change of position for Nicky, putting him in that advanced role.
“He is comfortable getting forward and finding the ball in the right positions, and he seemed to pop up in some good areas.
“As he has done for us already in this competition, Rouven (Sattelmaier) made some important stops for us.
“The experience of our back four helped towards the end as well. The likes of Matthew Kilgallon, Nathan Clarke and Rory McArdle were excellent in seeing the game out for us.
“Cambridge are a threat, they are playing with real confidence at the moment, and it was important that we maintained our concentration, especially when they threw on (Uche) Ikpeazu and (Luke) Berry."
On top of City's trophy progression, there was also the pleasing sight of Tony McMahon back in claret and amber following a prolonged period out with a thigh injury.
McMahon came on as a first half substitute during the Cambridge tie for his first involvement with Stuart McCall's side since the end of August.
Black added: “As you’d imagine, Tony has been very frustrated on the sidelines with his injury.
“He got 45 minutes in the reserves recently and now 65 minutes tonight.
“He is an important member of the squad so he will be a welcome addition back into the squad as we head into the busy Christmas period.”