Mark Hughes’ Bantams were held to a 0-0 draw with Carlisle United at the University of Bradford Stadium.
In an even encounter where both teams cancelled each other out, both City and Carlisle had chances to go ahead. Andy Cook came closest to opening the scoring in the second period for the Bantams, hitting the post, before Jordan Gibson did the same for the visitors with the final kick of the game.
In a cagey opening, the Bantams' first chance came from Harry Chapman. Scott Banks played a pass into Chapman who, on his return to the starting 11, saw his shot fly over.
The visitors were able to gain a few corners in the first half but proved unable to open the scoring, as they continued to grow into the game.
Cook then came close to giving City the lead after captain Richie Smallwood battled for possession and played the ball wide to Chapman. Cook chased the ball down and wriggled away from a few Carlisle defenders, but was tackled by a another before being able to get a shot on goal.
City's No.9 again came closest in the second half to breaking the deadlock. Smallwood was again the provider, charging through the centre and playing Cook in, though saw his deflected shot cannon agonisingly back off the crossbar.
Paul Simpson’s side, against the run of play, remained a threat on the break, though Owen Moxon hammered a free-kick over the bar from the edge of the area.
The Bantams then kept pushing late in the game, as they looked for a winner, though Cook and Banks were unable to trouble Holy with further efforts.
Heading into added time, the Cumbrians almost stole all three points. Substitute and former Bantam Jordan Gibson hit a left-footed strike from the edge of the area which rattled the inside of the post and rolled away to City safety.
Both sides took a point, which leaves the Bantams fifth in the Sky Bet League Two table - five points behind tonight's visitors who are in third place - and five points ahead of eighth-placed Mansfield Town.
CITY: Harry Lewis, Brad Halliday, Liam Ridehalgh (Romoney Crichlow 69’), Matty Platt, Richie Smallwood (C), Andy Cook, Alex Gillead (Dion Pereira 86’), Scott Banks, Harry Chapman (Vadaine Oliver 68’), Sam Stubbs, Adam Clayton (Ryan East 68’). Subs not used: Colin Doyle, Tolaji Bola, Ciarán Kelly.
CARLISLE: Tomas Holy, Joel Senior (Jack Robinson 90+3’), Jack Armer, Owen Moxon, Morgan Feeney (C), Callum Guy, Ryan Edmondson (Joe Garner 64’), Kristian Dennis (Omari Patrick 64’), Jon Mellish, Ben Barclay, Alfie McCalmont (Jordan Gibson 84’). Subs not used: Michael Kelly, Corey Whelan, John-Kymani Gordon.
ATTENDANCE: 17,653 (1,208 Carlisle supporters).