The Bantams bowed out of the Emirates FA Cup with a 3-0 defeat to Exeter City – after extra-time – in a first-round replay at St James Park.
Strikes from substitutes Matt Jay (2) and Nigel Atangana after a goalless 90 minutes meant the Grecians extended their unbeaten run to 19 matches and advanced to round two.
City had the first chance of a game in which they controlled large parts of the 90 minutes, when Charles Vernam’s shot flew just over the bar from inside the area.
Minutes before half-time, Elliot Watt hit a free-kick from 30 yards out which narrowly missed the target.
On the brink of half-time, Exeter had the best chance of the opening period. Owura Edwards was unmarked at the back post but his header was well saved by Richard O’Donnell.
City started the second half strong. Vernam played Levi Sutton through on goal but he proved unable to finish the Bantams' best opportunity of the encounter.
Exeter were through on goal in the 75th minute but Yann Songo’o made a last-ditch challenge to deny Sam Nombe.
The home side had another chance not long after, as Colin Daniel’s volley flew narrowly over and the 90 minutes ended goalless.
Exeter began the first half of extra time strong. Jevani Brown played Josh Key through on goal but he was denied smartly by O’Donnell.
However the hosts took the lead shortly after when Harry Kite played Jay through, who smashed the ball into the top corner.
It was not long until the home side got their second as Atangana converted Jake Caprice’s cross and City found themselves with a mountain to climb in the second period of extra-time.
Things then went from bad to worse for Derek Adams' men when, a minute later, substitute Lee Angol was dismissed for recieving his second yellow card.
Jay then made it three in the 115th minute when his effort nestled into the net off the underside of the crossbar - to secure Exeter's passage into the second round, where they will travel to Cambridge United.
EXETER: Cameron Dawson; George Ray, Archie Collins (Nigel Atangana 89’, booked 98’), Sam Nombe (Josh Key 90, booked 101’), Timothee Dieng (Matt Jay 89’), Colin Daniel (booked 70’, Jake Caprice 77’), Pierce Sweeney (c), Harry Kite, Owura Edwards (Jack Sparkes 58’), Josh Coley (Jevani Brown 77’), Alex Hartridge (booked 70’). SUBS (not used): Scott Brown, Sam Stubbs, Jonathan Grounds.
GOALS: Matt Jay (100’, 115’), Nigel Atangana (105’).
CITY: Richard O’Donnell; Paudie O’Connor (Fiacre Kelleher 105’), Yann Songo’o, Niall Canavan (c); Oscar Threlkeld, Levi Sutton (Gareth Evans 90’), Elliot Watt, Matty Foulds; Alex Gilliead (Abo Eisa 90’); Charles Vernam (Callum Cooke 64’), Theo Robinson (Lee Angol 64’, booked 70’, dismissed 105’). SUBS (not used): Sam Hornby, Caolan Lavery.
REFEREE: Sam Allison.
ATTENDANCE: 3,509 (76 visitors).