City advanced to the second round of the Papa Johns Trophy despite a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Burton Albion.
Results working in the Bantams' favour secured their progression from Northern Group H, as two goals in each half saw the Brewers emerge victorious at the Pirelli Stadium.
The hosts started the brighter as Charlie Lakin tried to feed Victor Adeboyejo, but the through ball was well read by Luke Hendrie.
However, it was from the resulting corner where the Sky Bet League One hosts struck, as a short set-piece was worked to Joe Powell who sent a sweet effort into the top corner.
Ten minutes after taking the lead, Albion increased their advantage. Top scorer Adeboyejo hassled Yann Songo’o, winning the ball high up the field and comfortably placing a shot past Harry Lewis.
City responded and came close to reducing the deficit just before half-time, as Jake Young led a counter attack, combining well with Scott Banks only to see his effort whistle narrowly past Viljami Sinisalo’s post.
The Bantams started the second period as they ended the first, creating their fair share of chances leading up to the hour mark. Banks drove into the box, but after gliding past Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, saw his deflected shot saved by the Brewers ‘keeper.
Just before the hour, Burton made it three. A throw-in was cleared as far as Brewers captain Deji Oshilaja, who curled another unstoppable effort in the top corner from the edge of the area.
Minutes later, second-half substitute Mustafa Carayol converted from close range after the Bantams failed to clear their lines, completing the scoring and ensuring City left with nothing.
BURTON: Viljami Sinisalo, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Deji Oshilaja (Adrian Marriapa 64’), Sam Hughes (John Brayford 64’), Calum Butcher, Joe Powell, Devis Keillor-Dunn, Tyler Onyango, Victor Adeboyejo (Mustapha Carayol 64’, Jonny Smith 70’), Charlie Lakin, Tom Hamer (Elliot Thorpe 71’). Subs Not Used: Ben Harratt, Terry Taylor.
GOALS: (Powell 10’, Adeboyejo 20’, Oshilaja 57’, Carayol 69’).
CITY: Harry Lewis, Brad Halliday (Ryan East 67’), Yann Songo’o, Alex Gilliead (Romoney Crichlow 76’), Scott Banks (Dion Pereira 67’), Timi Odusina, Luke Hendrie, Levi Sutton, Vadaine Oliver (Lee Angol 67’), Jake Young (Abo Eisa 76’), Kian Harratt. Subs Not Used: Colin Doyle, Matty Platt.