GRAHAM Alexander said City were “unjustly beaten” in their last EFL Trophy group game against Rotherham.
Last night’s 1-0 setback at Valley Parade saw the Bantams hit the woodwork three times.
Alexander was also sure that they should have received a penalty for a challenge on Richie Smallwood.
“We should definitely have had a penalty on Richie,” stated City’s manager.
“He says that was definitely a penalty, and I’ve watched it again. “It was definitely a foul.”We were the team in control, controlling the offensive opportunities.
“We wouldn’t have stayed at 1-1. I believe we would have gone again.
“It’s frustrating that we were penalised in the exact same situation two weeks ago.
“But it is not gone for us. That’s out of our control.
“We’re getting punished for anything we do give away and we just have to get a bit more quality in front of goal to take advantage of our strong spells.”
Shaun McWilliams scored the only goal after five minutes when City failed to react quickly to a corner.
Alexander continued, “I believe that was another cheap set piece to give away.
“I don’t think we have to clear it for a corner, but we need to improve on the second phase.
“We lost our guy in the box, which was not a good way to start the game. But I think the players were excellent after that.”
Vadaine Oliver, Andy Cook, and Jamie Walker all struck the same post as City looked for an equaliser after the half.
“I thought we played well,” Alexander explained. “There were a couple times in the first half when we could have performed better. We landed in some excellent places.
“The second half was when we got more productive with our opportunities.
“However, the post is not the aim. We must be strict with ourselves and strive to improve in those instances.
“But it’s encouraging to see players continue to commit to excellent locations, attempting shots and crosses.
“I felt we were unjustly beaten but that’s the way it goes.”
After the setback, City finished second in northern group H and will travel to the round of 32 later this week.
