Mark Hughes’ Bantams came from behind to beat Grimsby Town 3-2 in a thrilling game in the early kick-off at the University of Bradford Stadium.
City took the lead early on through Alex Gilliead's first goal of the season, but conceded two in quick succession to find themselves 2-1 down heading into the break.
The Bantams however rallied to secure three vital points in the second period, as goals from Jamie Walker and Andy Cook moved Hughes' men into sixth place in Sky Bet League Two.
The hosts came flying out of the traps when Gilliead opened the scoring in the sixth minute.
City’s No.11 calmly slotted home a side-footed effort after Harry Chapman had been denied by goalkeeper Max Crocombe from close range.
The home side, with the wind in their sails, almost doubled their lead in the 10th minute.
Scott Banks whipped in a corner to the back post which was met by Cook. The striker was inches from scoring but saw his volley whistle wide of the post.
Grimsby remained a threat on the break, though, and equalised from the penalty spot midway through the first period.
City 'keeper Harry Lewis was adjudged to have brought down John McAtee illegally, leaving Gavan Holohan to step up and send him the wrong way from 12 yards out.
Paul Hurst’s men took the momentum from their equaliser and got their noses in front on the stroke of half-time.
On loan centre-back Andy Smith scrambled home from close range after City failed to clear their lines inside the area, to give the visitors the lead.
After the break, the home side looked to bounce back and came close to levelling through Banks, who remained a persistent threat off the right.
The Scot's left-footed shot was saved by Grimsby goalkeeper Crocombe to keep the Mariners' lead intact.
The introduction of Matt Derbyshire gave the Bantams added impetus in attack, as Walker dragged City back level with 20 minutes to go.
The midfielder tucked his effort into the empty net after Sam Stubbs had played a long ball which Walker controlled, before seeing his initial effort stopped.
The Bantams had the ball in the back of the net again minutes later, through Stubbs, but the referee saw a foul on Crocombe in the build-up and gave a free-kick against the Bantams.
City continued to rally in search of a winner, which came as the game entered the final 10 minutes, courtesy of top scorer Andy Cook.
After Walker had released Derbyshire on the right-hand side, he did well to fashion a cross towards Cook. City's No.9 powered home a half-volley to net his 26th goal of the season and give the Bantams the lead once again.
Throughout a cagey final 10 minutes, the away side sought to level proceedings once more, but City held on well to pick up an important three points at the University of Bradford Stadium.
CITY: Harry Lewis, Brad Halliday, Liam Ridehalgh, Matty Platts, Richie Smallwood (C), Andy Cook, Jamie Walker (Romoney Crichlow 88’), Alex Gilliead, Scott Banks (Ryan East 88’), Harry Chapman (Matt Derbyshire 61’), Sam Stubbs. Subs not used: Colin Doyle, Vadaine Oliver, Dion Pereira, Dara Costelloe.
GOALS: Gilliead (6’), Walker (62’), Cook (81’).
Grimsby: Max Crocombe, Anthony Glennon (Daniel Amos 79’), Kieran Green (C), Josh Emmanuel, Gavan Holohan, George Lloyd, John McAtee (Otis Khan 79’), Harry Clifton (Bryn Morris 79’), Andy Smith, Ryan Taylor, Niall Maher. Subs not used: Alex Hunt, Mikey O’Neil, Danilo Orsi, Evan Khouri.
GOALS: Gavan Holohan (23’), Smith (44’).
ATTENDANCE: 19,011 (2,211 Grimsby supporters).