A youthful City side were beaten 2-1 at home to Manchester City Under-21s in their second Leasing.com Trophy outing of the season.
Despite taking a first-half lead through skipper Hope Akpan, the Bantams' young opposites fought back to record back-to-back victories in the competition.
Gary Bowyer's men made a strong start to the affair and, after hitting the post through Shay McCartan - on 19 minutes, had the lead just two minutes later.
After tricky play on the right-hand side from Zeli Ismail, the winger worked space and sent a pinpoint ball into the path of Akpan who nodded home.
However, the visitors hit back and, after a couple of near misses, the scores were level again.
The dangerous Morgan Rogers found space inside the home penalty area and managed to squeeze an effort into the far corner, from a tight angle.
10 minutes into the second half, debutant George Sykes-Kenworthy had to get down well to make a smart stop from Fisayo Dele-Bashiru's long-range drive.
But, after a mainly cagey start to the second period, the away side took the lead - for the first time on the evening - just after the hour mark.
Neat build up play involving Rogers and Nathaniel Ogbeta resulted in the latter crossing neatly for unmarked skipper Tommy Doyle to tap home.
Midway through the second half, under-18s Jorge Sikora and Connor Morris were introduced to join George Sykes-Kenworthy in making their City debuts.
The Bantams went in search for an equaliser late on, going close with attempts from Omari Patrick and Daniel Devine.
However, the young Citizens held on for the victory to move four points clear at the top of Northern Group F.
CITY: George Sykes-Kenworthy; Adam Henley, Tyler French, Ben Richards-Everton, Jackson Longridge (yellow 42’); Omari Patrick, Hope Akpan (c), Daniel Devine (yellow 8’), Zeli Ismail (Reece Staunton 46'); Shay McCartan (Jorge Sikora 66'), Aramide Oteh (Connor Morris 73'). Subs (not used): Sam Hornby (GK), Finn Cousin-Dawson.
GOALS: Akpan (21’).
MAN CITY U21s: Daniel Grimshaw; Yeboah Amankwah, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Nathaniel Ogbeta, Rowan McDonald; Iker Pozo La Rosa, Tommy Doyle (c, yellow 29’), Morgan Rogers (Cole Palmer 88'), Jayden Braaf (yellow 42’, Lewis Fiorini 90'); Sammy Robinson (yellow 52'), Ben Knight (Nabil Touaizi 81'). Subs (not used): Gavin Bazunu (GK), Tyreke Wilson, Benjamin Garre, Henri Ogunby.
GOALS: Rogers (27’) Doyle (63').
ATTENDANCE: 868 (47 visitors).
REFEREE: Ross Joyce (Cleveland).