The Bantams were unable to halt Plymouth Argyle's winning run, having fallen to a 2-1 defeat at Home Park.
Despite a brave, improved second-half performance, Gary Bowyer's men ultimately succumbed to two first-half goals from their hosts.
Although City had an early chance through Aramide Oteh - in the third minute - it was the home side who drew first blood.
Plymouth’s Antoni Sarcevic got past Harry Pritchard on the right flank before squaring across for Byron Moore.
The No.17 failed to convert the first time around but tapped in the rebound - inside the first five minutes.
With pressure building on the Bantams, Argyle doubled their advantage - 20 minutes later - courtesy of Joe Edwards.
The midfielder took his chance well and slotted home, after Richard O’Donnell failed to clear his lines.
Ryan Lowe’s men nearly made it three on the stroke of half-time when Sarcevic darted into the box before striking goalwards.
The effort took a wicked deflection, however the City goalkeeper read the danger and tipped it wide.
Gary Bowyer’s side rallied after the restart and pulled one back - courtesy of a Niall Canavan own goal.
Anthony O’Connor whipped across after playing a one-two with Kelvin Mellor and Canavan tried to block the cross but could not keep it out as the ball crawled home - in the 50th minute.
City were in again after a chance from Zeli Ismail - 14 minutes later.
The second-half substitute sneaked in behind the defensive line but could not finish the move as the ball bounced wide.
The away side tried to conjure a chance, late on, but could not grab the equaliser, as the referee blew for full-time.
CITY: Richard O’Donnell; Ben Richards-Everton, Anthony O’Connor, Adam Henley, Connor Wood; Harry Pritchard, Callum Cooke (booked 22’) (Kelvin Mellor 45’), Hope Akpan (Danny Devine 63’), Dylan Connolly; James Vaughan ©, Aramide Oteh (Zeli Ismail 45’). Subs (not used): George Sykes-Kenworthy (GK), Paudie O’Connor, Jake Reeves, Jermaine Anderson.
GOALS: Canavan (51' OG).
PLYMOUTH: Alex Palmer (booked 90+4’); Gary Sawyer ©, Scott Wootton, Niall Canavan, Antoni Sarcevic; Joe Edwards, Danny Mayor (booked 85’), Joel Grant (Ryan Taylor 84’), Byron Moore (Dom Telford 69’); Callum McFadzean (booked 54’), Josh Grant. Subs (not used): Mike Cooper (GK), Ryan Taylor, Conor Grant, Billy Clarke, Adam Randell, George Cooper.
GOALS: Moore (5'), Edwards (25').
ATTENDANCE: 9,645 (387 visitors).