Hope Akpan spoke of his disappointment as City were eliminated from the Emirates FA Cup following a 1-0 defeat against Shrewsbury Town.
The Bantams threatened in the first half though, ultimately, succumbed to a Dave Edwards winner - after the break - in a first-round replay.
The City midfielder believes missed opportunities proved costly and could not hide his frustration.
Akpan said: "It was disappointing, especially after how we played against them, away from home.
"The second game gave us a good chance to go through, but it did not quite happen for us.
"The goal was a cheap one to concede and was tough to take.
"We looked really good in the first half, so it was a blow to eventually have lost the game."
Despite defeat against Salop, Akpan claims the Bantams can take encouragement from their double-legged affair.
Up against Sky Bet League One opposition, the 28-year-old insists Gary Bowyer's men gave more than their own and can use this momentum in their league campaign.
He added: "It was a challenge for us, to find ways around their play and combat them.
"It is a compliment that good teams are going to come to us and try to sit back. It shows how far we have come as a side.
"We have quality in out dressing room and have competition and aspirations to play higher.
"Over the two games, if a neutral was watching, they would not be able to tell the difference in which team played in which league.
"The biggest disappointment comes from us not being able to take our chances when we were on top, which cost us.
"We have got to dust ourselves off and concentrate on the game we have, this weekend."
City will look to bounce back at Plymouth Argyle, this weekend, with tickets available to purchase HERE.