The Bantams fell to defeat at the Utilita Energy Stadium - losing 1-0 to Carlisle United.
Rhys Bennett’s 57th-minute header was enough to see the visitors secure all three points in a largely scrappy contest with little quality.
The Bantams started brightly but the visitors enjoyed the first real opportunity as Richard O'Donnell got down well to deny Omari Patrick.
The Cumbrians came close again as Patrick weaved through the Bantams backline to strike a low effort into the bottom corner. O’Donnell got down quickly and saved the shot.
Stuart McCall’s side came within inches of taking the lead in the 23rd minute as Connor Wood delivered a corner to the edge of the box for Elliot Watt to strike, but the resulting effort was deflected just past the post for another corner.
Chris Beech’s side started the second half strongly and had a chance to draw first blood as Aaron Hayden could not hit the target from inside the six-yard area.
The visitors took the lead in the 57th minute as Dean Furman delivered a menacing ball into City’s 18-yard area. The Bantams failed to clear, leaving Bennett to head home from two yards out.
Furman looked to extend the Cumbrians' advantage in the 82nd minute as he took aim from 20 yards out, but struck it wide of the target.
Moments later, Danny Devine also took aim from outside the box, striking a low effort into O’Donnell’s bottom right corner of the goal, but the City stopper saved well, as the visitors hung on for the three points.
CITY: Richard O’Donnell ©; Bryce Hosannah (Dylan Mottley-Henry 75’), Paudie O’Connor, Ben Richards-Everton, Anthony O’Connor; Harry Pritchard (Kian Scales 74’), Elliot Watt (Tyler French 85’), Callum Cooke (Levi Sutton 85’); Clayton Donaldson, Austin Samuels. Subs (not used): Sam Hornby, Jackson Longridge, Finn Cousin-Dawson.
CARLISLE: Paul Farman; George Tanner, Nick Anderton (c), Aaron Hayden, Rhys Bennett; Omari Patrick, Dean Furman (Joe Riley 90+2’), Danny Devine, Jon Mellish; Lewis Alessandra (Gime Toure 89’), Josh Kayode. Subs (not used): Marcus Dewhurst, Max Hunt, Gavin Reilly, Taylor Charters, Jack Armer.
GOALS: Bennett (57’).
REFEREE: Geoff Eltringham (Durham).