STUART McCall refused to be too downbeat after City's 3-0 defeat at Southend.

The Bantams suffered only their second loss of the season - while the rest of their rivals at the top of League One all won.

But McCall said: “I’m not coming off despondent. It didn’t feel like a 3-0.

“Obviously the first goal is a blatant handball and he’s admitted it. They are a good side and didn’t need a helping hand!

“But we had two or three lads who’ve been brilliant for us all season who were just under-par today.

“We don’t finger-point or blame anyone but how we’ve not scored. We’ve had opportunities and in large spells have played well.

“We were sloppy at times in the first half when we tried to play out but we’ll never stop them trying to play the right thing.

“Nobody likes getting beaten but I’ve been in games when we’ve lost 3-0 and felt terrible. But I don’t feel like that today.”

City dropped two places to fourth and are now eight points adrift of leaders Scunthorpe.