Scott Neilson has challenged City to launch another unbeaten run after suffering their first loss in 11 games.

The Bantams were edged out 3-2 by Crewe at Valley Parade, despite peppering the visitors with nearly 30 shots on goal.

Winger Neilson was as amazed as his team-mates that they finished empty-handed but he was adamant that the shock setback would not shatter confidence.

He said: “We had so many chances in the last 15 minutes and couldn’t believe it wouldn’t go in. I really thought we’d nick one and maybe go on and win it.

“It was just a shame we didn’t get anything from the game but nobody stopped working and believing in each other.

“Dagenham will be tough next week but we haven’t lost away from home since Notts County, so hopefully we’ll go there and get something. We’ll go again and maybe make it another ten games unbeaten.”

Neilson was dropped to the bench for the first time since his arrival from Cambridge City but the winger made a huge impact when he came on for the last half hour.

“I was gutted not to start but I’ve played a lot of minutes and felt a bit leggy on Tuesday,” he said. “I wanted to express myself as soon as I got out there. It was great to get straight into the game as the outlet and I tried to create chances.”

Stuart McCall felt that the step up from non-league had caught up with Neilson in the last couple of weeks.

The City chief said: “Scott’s looked a bit jaded in the last few games. I wished I could have rested him against Notts County but obviously we had to play six first-team regulars.

“But I said to him beforehand that it wouldn’t surprise me if he came on and changed the match.

“He’s played every game and I think he just needed a breather – and Brando (Chris Brandon) has scored three at home and he’s been flying in training.”