Bantams assistant Kenny Black felt City have gained a lot from this season's Checkatrade Trophy after their exit from the competition at the hands of Oldham Athletic this Tuesday evening.
A single goal from Tope Obedayi just three minutes in saw Oldham clincg a 1-0 victory over Stuart McCall's side in the Round Two encounter at the Northern Commercials Stadium.
The Bantams made nine changes to their starting XI from Saturday's Emirates FA Cup win over Plymouth Argyle, with the Oldham tie giving the likes of Adam Thompson, Jordan Gibson and Shay McCartan another chance to try and impress.
Black said: "Oldham came here and got an early goal, and that gave them a foot-hold in the game.
"We found it hard at times in the first period to get ourselves on the ball in meaningful areas, but we looked a little bit more like ourselves in the second half.
"We've put them under some pressure for the last fifteen minutes or so but Oldham will feel they have done enough to warrant the victory.
"Oldham had some experienced players out tonight (Tuesday), especially in midfield, and this game will have been another valuable learning experience for our younger lads.
"We've used this competition this season to blood some of these youngsters, Tyrell Robinson being one example.
"These games have given the likes of Tyrell and Jordan Gibson the chance to play in the sort of first team enviroment that they want to be involved in.
"Playing against some first team players, as they did tonight against Oldham, it helps the younger group to get used to the pace of the game and be ready for the first team enviroment should they be called upon for a league fixture.
"These Checkatrade Trophy games certainly give our younger players an idea of what is required and what being the first team enviroment is all about."