Mark Hughes’ Bantams fell to defeat at the University of Bradford Stadium, as fellow high-flyers Northampton Town took all three points with a 3-1 victory.
Two goals in two minutes from Mitch Pinnock and Shaun McWilliams put City on the back foot, searching for a response, before Sam Sherring secured Northampton’s third goal just before the hour mark.
The Bantams had started the first half brightly. Harry Chapman did well to create space as he ran towards Lee Burge in the Northampton goal, however saw his effort sail over the bar.
Mark Hughes’ side continued to ask questions of Northampton’s backline after City were awarded a free-kick on the right-hand side. Scott Banks stepped up to take the set-piece, as his whipped effort travelled towards the back post but Northampton did well to see it out for a corner.
As the first half progressed, Northampton found themselves on the front foot, and in the 29th minute Jon Brady’s side were awarded for their spell of pressure.
City looked to retain possession in their own half, but Richie Smallwood's loose pass was intercepted by Pinnock who found himself in a promising position to have a shot on the City goal, which he dispatched comfortably.
Momentum was with Northampton, as they went in search for their second, and just two minutes after Pinnock’s goal, they were able to double their advantage.
Shaun McWilliams played a neat one-two with Kieron Bowie, drifting into the penalty area and side-footing his effort into the back of the City net from close range.
Hughes’ Bantams looked to reduce the deficit but found themselves heading into the break two goals down, as McWilliams again went close to extending the Cobblers' lead.
As the second half progressed, City looked for a response, but Northampton’s quality showed.
In the 59th minute, Akin Odimayo played a cross from the left-hand side into Sam Sherring whose glancing effort struck Harry Lewis’ post before hitting the back of the net.
City did manage to find a late response through Andy Cook after he was adjudged to have been brought down in the penalty area.
City’s No.9 converted from the spot to pull back a consolation for the Bantams - his 16th of the season - but with 92 minutes on the clock it was not enough for City to be able to take anything from the game.
CITY: Harry Lewis, Brad Halliday, Yann Songo’o, Matty Platt, Richie Smallwood, Andy Cook, Alex Gilliead (Ryan East 79’), Scott Banks (Dion Pereira 79’), Matty Foulds, Harry Chapman (Vadaine Oliver 62’), Abo Eisa (Tyreik Wright 62’). Subs not used: Colin Doyle, Timi Odusina, Levi Sutton.
GOALS: Cook (90+2' pen).
NORTHAMPTON: Lee Burge, Aaron McGowan, Jack Sowerby, Jon Guthrie, Sam Sherring, Ben Fox (Max Dyche 76’), Louis Appere (Marc Leonard 72’), Mitch Pinnock (Harvey Linnott 87’), Shaun McWilliams, Kieron Bowie (Danny Hylton 87’), Akin Odimayo (Ryan Haynes 87’). Subs not used: James Dadge, Josh Eppiah.
GOALS: Pinnock (29’), McWilliams (31’), Sherring 59’).
ATTENDANCE: 18,666 (539 Northampton supporters).