Mark Trueman was bitterly disappointed by his side’s narrow defeat at the hands of Newport County - following this evening’s game at the Cardiff City Stadium.
The Bantams led until the 77th minute of the encounter, after Andy Cook’s goal, but lost out thanks to a late double from Matthew Dolan.
Trueman admitted the loss was a difficult one to take, given the control his side had over the game for large periods.
He said: “It is a very tough one to take. We defended well for large periods of the game, like we have done over the past 15 games.
“We thought we would have been able to see the game out after taking the lead. I think a draw would have been a fair result.
“When our goal went in, we looked comfortable for 25 minutes after that. It only takes two set plays to decide the game, though, and they hurt us with those.
“It was a lack of concentration from us, and I thought the referee was quick to make a decision on a few of those occasions. We are disappointed, but we need to make sure that we bounce back.”
Trueman both his and Michael Flynn’s side coped well with the change of venues and had to each adapt in their different ways to playing on a different pitch.
The Bantams boss is looking to see a reaction from his side at Carlisle United on Saturday, having just fallen short this evening.
Trueman added: “Both teams wanted to move the ball quickly across the game, and the playing surface helped us to do that.
“I thought, throughout the first half, both teams were assessing each other and looking at the threats they could cause.
“We nullified each other over the first 45 minutes and, in the second half, we played the better football.
“When we scored the goal, Newport changed shape and got back on top of the game. They caused us various problems going forward and were quite fluid with the attacks.
“We can take loads of positives out of the game, despite losing. Carlisle on Saturday will be another tough test, for us. We reacted well after the Exeter City defeat, and it is up to us now to do that again.”
Supporters can see if Trueman and Sellars bounce back at Carlisle on Saturday (3.00pm), with a £10 iFollow video match pass - by CLICKING HERE.