Mark Hughes' side fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat at the Crown Oil Arena against Rochdale in City's penulitimate pre-season friendly.
Jimmy McNulty's side took the lead moments into the second half through a powerful Devante Rodney strike, which was enough to give the hosts the victory.
The visitors began well and threatened with a few early corners, coming closest via an Emmanuel Osadebe header.
From a corner, Jamie Walker's cross was met by Osadebe, but his headed effort was just wide of the post.
As the half went on, the Bantams controlled the flow of the game, however it was the home side who came closest to opening the scoring after a whipped cross was inches away from Kairo Mitchell tapping an effort into Harry Lewis' net.
Closing in on the first-half, City looked to gain control of the game, gaining a free-kick after some quick interchanging passes between Walker and Alex Pattison.
Richie Smallwood’s whipped free-kick was met by defender Ash Taylor, whose headed effort looped over Louie Moulden’s bar.
City's dominant end to the first half, however, was outdone moments into the second period as Devante Rodney gave the hosts the lead.
After some neat build-up play through the middle of the park, a nice through-ball from Ian Henderson found Rodney, and the centre-forward powered home a left-footed strike.
The Bantams set out to reply instantly through talisman, Cook.
After some trickery down the right-hand side from Osadebe, his cross was met by the No.9 who saw his effort saved by Dale's No.1.
The Bantams continued to pile pressure onto the home side and came close to drawing level just after the hour mark.
Cook was played through excellently by Taylor, and the No.9's pulled-back cross into the area was played into the path of Pattison, but the former-Harrogate playmaker watched his curled effort lift inches over the bar.
After a mistake from Moulden, Walker looked to catch out the Dale 'keeper but saw his looping effort saved.
After a well-worked corner, Ryan East’s floated cross was met by the head of Matt Derbyshire, but thanks to a fantastic save from Brad Kelly, the Dale’s 1-0 lead was kept intact.
City continued to pour pressure onto the home side late into the game, once again holding possession but were unable to find an equaliser.
CITY: Harry Lewis, Ash Taylor (Matty Platt 76’), Richie Smallwood (C) (Ryan East 45’), Jamie Walker (Bobby Pointon 61), Emmanuel Osadebe (Clarke Oduor 61’), Andy Cook (Matt Derbyshire 61’), Alex Pattison (Dylan Youmbi 76’), Alex Gilliead (Liam Ridehalgh 45’), Sam Stubbs (Luke Hendrie 61’), Ciarán Kelly (Sam Odusina 76’), Daniel Oyegoke (Brad Halliday 76’).
Subs not used: Colin Doyle, Heath Richardson.
ROCHDALE: Louie Moulden (Brad Kelly 81’), Cameron John, Max Taylor, Ethan Ebanks-Landell (C) (Devante Rodney 45’), Adam Clayton (Cody Johnson 81’), Kairo Mitchell (George Nevett 45’), Jimmy Keohane, Kwaku Oduroh (Moe Shubbar 62’), Mikey Afuye (Trialist A 58’), Harvey Gilmour, Ian Henderson.
Subs not used: Darren Ehimamiegho.
GOALS: Devonte Rodney (46’).
ATTENDANCE: 1,971(697 away supporters).