Gary Bowyer was satisfied to have emerged from a competitive encounter with a point - following a 0-0 draw at Colchester United.
The Bantams and their Essex hosts battled at the JobServe Community Stadium and, in the end, proved unable to overcome one another.
But Bowyer was happy with his side’s fighting nature and thanked the travelling City supporters for the part they played.
He said: “It took us a while to grow into the game but it was a well-deserved point, overall.
“It was a very competitive match with two good sides who both set up really well.
“We showed what we are capable of and played some good football.
“The boys are working really hard and I can feel them growing.
“You can measure the players’ efforts by the reaction of our wonderful supporters who travelled down to Colchester to back us.
“It is hugely appreciated and I went over to them especially, afterwards, to pass the message on.”
After consecutive games without a clean sheet, the Bantams boss was delighted to have returned to a defensively solid manner with another shut out.
He praised goalkeeper Luke McGee after keeping his first clean sheet for the club since joining on loan from Portsmouth, and hopes to see this continue.
Bowyer added: "Balls were being pumped into our box again from free-kicks, corners and throw-ins.
"We defended them ever so well and got back to being difficult to beat and break down, again.
"We were very happy with the clean sheet in what is Luke McGee’s first for the club.
"He has come in and settled ever so well, so I am delighted for him. It is important for us to continue this and keep building, now."
The Bantams are back on the road on Saturday, travelling to Mansfield Town (3.00pm).