We got sloppy, admits Dean

A costly lapse in concentration and a failure to kick on in the second half led to Dean Holden's side losing some of the momentum of the previous seven days.

Victories over Crewe and Rochdale provided plenty of hope heading into a clash with fellow play-off chasers at Bradford.

But the Bantams were able to click into higher gear after the interval, scoring twice through Billy Clarke, whereas Holden admitted Athletic were leggy and second-best.

“In the first half, we were probably the better side and had the better chances,” said Holden, after a run of seven matches in 26 days.

“We were well in the game. I don't think we came out in the second half with as much zest and flow. It’s difficult to be too critical because we have had a good week overall. You would like to think a draw would be the least we would get. But it wasn't.”

On a poor playing surface which cut up badly, Athletic found it too tough to keep up a promising opening and never looked like scoring.

“You know coming to Bradford they will make it difficult for you and you have got to defend with your lives for 90 minutes,” Holden added.

Holden praised Athletic's 1,170 supporters at the game and now switches his focus to Good Friday's home clash with Bristol City.

"They were fantastic," he said. "Even at the end, the fans clapped them off and the players appreciate that. What we have to do is pick ourselves up and go again on Good Friday."