Stand-in skipper Paudie O’Connor has called for the Bantams to respond to midweek disappointment and ensure they get back on track - ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Carlisle United.
The Bantams’ six-match unbeaten run came to an end at the Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday evening, with a late 2-1 defeat to Newport County.
O’Connor insists the Bantams are determined to get another unbeaten run underway, and believes there must be a response at Brunton Park.
He said: “Tuesday was very tough to take, but it is about picking ourselves up after the game, now.
“We have been focused on bouncing back, because it is important we put Tuesday’s game behind us.
“Between us and the management staff, concentration has been on the run we have been on and responding to this situation like we did to the Exeter City defeat.
“We are looking at Carlisle now, and how we can set up in the best-possible way to get out there and get three points.
“We want this to be the start of another positive run, which will propel us back up the table.”
When travelling to Cumbria to face Chris Beech’s side, the Irish centre-back stressed the importance of City’s key values which have been demonstrated under Mark Trueman and Conor Sellars’ stewardship - and how these must be maintained.
O’Connor feels working hard off the ball and showing determination to fight for points will shine through when City take the field, and stand them in good stead when looking to maintain form.
The 23-year-old added: “Our hard work and desire off the ball will again be the most important thing, as this is the foundation we have set ourselves over the past few months.
“That is where our goal came from on Tuesday, and we had another good chance through winning the ball high up the field as well.
“We know it might not always be a killer pass which unlocks the door, and we have to do all we can off the ball to try and create opportunities.
“The pressing and the hard work for us is what we form our play on, so that is what we need to keep at the centre of what we do going into this weekend’s game, and keep that going.”
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