It was the result that got away for City.

The Bantams should have bagged three points from the Bescot on Saturday. Instead they were left cursing another away defeat.

City did all the running and created a host of good chances. But all went begging and it was Walsall who claimed the win to leave themselves further clear of trouble.

Bryan Robson's men remain five points off safety at the start of a week that includes matches with promotion-chasers West Brom and Wigan.

It could, and should, have been different.

Andy Gray twice burst clear only to be denied by last-ditch challenges, Jason Gavin headed against the bar, Gareth Farrelly shot over from close range and Dean Windass hit the side-netting when Walsall keeper James Walker was stranded on the edge of his penalty area.

Walsall made City pay in the 77th minute. Breaking quickly from a City throw-in deep inside their own half, Paul Merson fed Darren Wrack and he split three back-pedalling defenders for local boy Gary Birch to shoot past Alan Combe.