The Bantams began their new Sky Bet League Two season with a goalless draw away to Exeter City.
There were opportunities for both teams to win the game, however it was an afternoon when defences came out on top at St James Park.
The visitors had a chance to break the deadlock in the early moments of the contest when Lee Angol played the ball into Andy Cook who proved unable to make any meaningful connection with the ball.
The Grecians then had their first opportunity, when the ball fell to Matt Jay inside the 18-yard box, but his attempt flew harmlessly over the crossbar.
Derek Adams’ side then had a couple of golden opportunities to take the lead. First, Callum Cooke’s deflected effort was denied by goalkeeper Cameron Dawson.
The rebound then fell to Lee Angol, who looked certain to score, but saw his close-range attempt denied once again by Dawson.
The hosts then had a chance to hit the front just before the interval when Jack Sparkes’ attempt was kept out by Richard O’Donnell.
It was then Levi Sutton’s turn to go close to breaking the deadlock when he went on a promising run, but his eventual shot missed the target.
With 20 minutes remaining, the Bantams thought they took the lead when Angol lashed his effort against the side netting.
Matt Taylor’s team went close to winning it late on, but Nigel Atangana was unable to get on the end of the ball in a dangerous situation.
The encounter fizzled out as the Bantams drew 0-0 in their opening game of a campaign - for a third-consecutive year.
CITY: Richard O’Donnell; Oscar Threlkeld (Charles Vernam 46’), Paudie O’Connor, Niall Canavan ©, Liam Ridehalgh; Elliot Watt, Levi Sutton, Alex Gilliad (Oliver Crankshaw 79’), Lee Angol; Callum Cooke, Andy Cook. Subs (not used): Sam Hornby, Fiacre Kelleher, Matthew Foulds, Abo Eisa, Gareth Evans.
EXETER: Cameron Dawson; Jack Sparkes, Pierce Sweeney, Nigel Atangana, George Ray, Josh Key; Timothee Dieng (Harry Kite 75’), Jevani Brown (Jevani Brown 79’), Sam Nombe, Matt Jay ©. Subs (not used): Harry Lee (GK), Jake Caprice, Callum Rowe, Jordan Dyer, James Dodd.
REFEREE: Sam Allison.
ATTENDANCE: 5,609 (685 visiting supporters).