Mark Hughes confessed pride in his valiant City side, after the Bantams were knocked out of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 defeat to Sky Bet Championship side Blackburn Rovers.
Hughes' men went 1-0 up in the first half, and caused their visitors problems, only to succumb to two goals before the interval.
The City boss believes his Bantams did struggle at times with the Rovers’ positioning but was pleased overall with the output.
He said: “We gave a very good side the run for their money. They were a little bit sharper in key areas of the field and at the top end of the pitch. They move the ball around really quickly.
“We did really well and got our noses in front, but we did not keep the lead. We have to cut out certain things that led to their goals, but we can look on that and improve.
“Blackburn showed a lot of ability and good individual skill and that is why they play in the Championship. It is good, because we can recognise where we can get better.
“All in all, we showed the competition the respect it deserves and had a real go. Now, it is time to build and move on to the weekend.”
The Bantams began the encounter the stronger side as Andy Cook notched his third goal of the competition, and third in two games.
Hughes praised individual performances of his players, especially the No.9’s, with the Welshman's priority now with upcoming league games against Crewe Alexandra and Walsall.
“We went strong today,” he added.
“I did not make any wholesale changes. I just felt we needed that continuity.
“They are all strong lads. I had to take some of them off to protect them, particularly with more games around the corner.
“We have cleared the deck, but our focus is on the league and, of course, the FA Cup when that comes around.
“We will concentrate on the league and the Papa John’s Trophy we are involved in next week. We will see how we go with that and hopefully impress.
“Overall, tonight was a good effort. Ultimately, it was not enough against a good team, but we will go again at the weekend.”
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