The Bantams were frustrated by Doncaster Rovers on the opening day of the Sky Bet League Two season, being held to a goalless draw at the University of Bradford Stadium.
Despite City having the mammoth share of the game, Doncaster’s 10 men stood firm at Valley Parade, as both sides left with a point.
The hosts started the brighter of the two sides, but were dealt a blow on six minutes when Emmanuel Osadebe was scythed down by a crushing challenge from Doncaster’s Liam Ravenhill. Osadebe was stretchered from the field, six minutes into his debut in claret and amber, while Ravenhill escaped with a booking.
Mark Hughes’ men looked to regain their rhythm after a nine-minute stoppage, and created the game’s first opportunity when Vadaine Oliver stung the palms of Johnny Mitchell, who got down well to save his goalbound effort.
In first-half stoppage time, the visitors were reduced to 10 men, as Lee Tomlin received two bookings in quick succession - first for kicking the ball away, and second for simulation.
With a man advantage, City looked to begin the second period on the front foot, as Jamie Walker rippled the side netting from inside the area.
Shortly after the hour mark, the Bantams came the closest they did throughout the 90, as captain Richie Smallwood stepped up to curl a free-kick crashing off the post and away.
The introduction of Kian Harratt and Andy Cook - coupled with a new fourth-tier record attendance of 19,368 - could not help the Bantams over the line, as they were made to settle for a point.
CITY: Harry Lewis, Brad Halliday (Harry Chapman 67’), Liam Ridehalgh, Matty Platt, Richie Smallwood (C), Lee Angol (Kian Harratt 67’, dismissed 90+8'), Emmanuel Osadebe (Levi Sutton 13’) Jamie Walker, Ryan East (Andy Cook 81’), Vadaine Oliver, Romoney Crichlow. Subs (not used): Colin Doyle, Yann Songo’o, Matty Foulds.
DONCASTER: Jonathan Mitchell, Kyle Knoyle, James Maxwell, Joseph Olouwu, Ro-Shaun Williams, Adam Clayton (C), George Miller, Harrison Biggins (Adam Long 90+4'), Kyle Hurst (Tom Anderson 82’), Lee Tomlin (dismissed 45+5’), Liam Ravenhill (Jack Degruchy 15’ (Josh Andrews 45’)). Subs (not used): Louis Jones, Kieran Agard, Bobby Faulkner.
ATTENDANCE: 19,368 (including 1,971 Doncaster supporters).
REFEREE: Bobby Madden.