Mark Hughes credited City’s resolute display after going down to 10 men, and insisted a 0-0 draw at AFC Wimbledon represented a point gained.
Jamie Walker’s second yellow card on the hour mark meant the Bantams were made to dig deep for a point, and the City chief praised the work rate and endeavour of his side.
The Welshman was disappointed with the result, as he felt his side was close to getting a ‘real foothold’ in the game at the time of the dismissal, but was overall pleased with the response.
He said: “We have to take it as a positive. Clearly, it was difficult after Jamie Walker got sent off.
“Jamie is a competitive player, but when you are on a yellow card, you have got to be mindful that referees will give you another one.
“It is a shame, because I thought he played really well. We made changes to try and get him further upfield, and have his influence at the top of the diamond.
“We will never know whether those changes will have worked, so it is disappointing. We felt like we were gaining a further foothold on the game.
“We got to terms with their style of their play, and we were looking stronger.
“But, even with 10 men, we showed good intelligence. We had to be resolute and we had to make sure we did not go under. And, in doing that, we still caused them problems.
“It was a great save from Richie’s shot and Vadaine’s header off the line, as well.
“Overall, it was a good response. Very difficult circumstances, but we got what we could out of the game.”
Hughes felt encouraged by his side’s teamwork and lauded his players' efforts in “protecting your team-mates”.
The Welshman hopes they can carry today’s positives into next Saturday, when City play host to Carlisle. He admits “there are a number of things we have to put right”.
Hughes lauded the 1,157 Bantams who made the trip to Plough Lane, and appreciated how the fans “spurred on” the Bantams.
“You have to step up and look after each other, and your mates,” Hughes added.
“We knew at the point of the sending off, that there was a point to win, and they were going to go forward with more impetus.
“We are looking forward to Carlisle, and we know we did not play as well as we could last time.
“We have a number of things we have to put right, after a poor result against them on Boxing Day.
“I thought the fans were fantastic today. They stuck with us and saw us over the line. We could hear them cheering and I reckon that spurred us on.
“It is a difficult place to come, but overall, I think the fans appreciated our efforts today.”
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