The Bantams fell to defeat in Sussex, losing 2-1 to Crawley Town in Sky Bet League Two.
A goal in each half from the hosts meant Callum Cooke's 81st-minute strike could not help City from leaving empty-handed.
The first real chance of the game fell to the home side after Oscar Threlkeld brought down Will Ferry on the edge of the box, but the free-kick was struck wide.
City’s best moment of the first half fell to Andy Cook - as he volleyed over from 10 yards out after work in the air from Gareth Evans.
Andy Cook came close again on the 25-minute mark, connecting with a teasing free-kick - but his driven header sailed over the bar.
Crawley took the lead in the 39th minute after Southampton loanee Will Ferry latched onto a cross inside the six-yard box and cushioned a volley into the bottom corner.
After a quiet second half, the hosts doubled their lead in the 74th minute thanks to a low driven strike into the bottom-right corner from Nick Tsaroulla.
City pulled one back through Callum Cooke ater substitute Oliver Crankshaw delivered a ball to the back post where it was stroked home by the No.8 on his 150th career appearance.
Crankshaw came closest to salvaging a point for the Bantams, shooting agonisingly wide from the corner of the box - meaning City were made to travel back to West Yorkshire with nothing.
CITY: Richard O’Donnell; Oscar Threkeld (Booked 11’), Liam Ridehalgh, Paudie O’Connor © (Booked 70’), Yann Songo’o (Booked 43’); Callum Cooke, Andy Cook, Alex Gilliead (Levi Sutton 72’), Fiacre Kelleher; Gareth Evans (Oliver Crankshaw 61’), Elliot Watt (Kian Scales 72’). SUBS (not used): Sam Hornby, Matthew Foulds, Reece Staunton, Finn Cousin-Dawson.
GOALS: Callum Cooke (81’).
CRAWLEY: Glenn Morris; Archie Davies, Tom Dallison, Jack Powell, Tom Nichols; Ludwig Francillette, Will Ferry (Kwesi Appiah 55’), Sam Ashford, Nick Tsaroulla; Jack Payne, Jake Hessenthaler. SUBS (not used): Alfie Jones; Owen Gallacher, Tony Craig, Rafiq Khaleel; Amrit Bansal-McNulty, Mark Marshall.
GOALS: Will Ferry (39’), Nick Tsaroulla (74’).
REFEREE: Charles Breakspear.
ATTENDANCE: 2,345 (448 visitors).