THE BANTAMS' eight-goal thriller in their FA Cup second-round replay with Peterborough may have ended in penalty heartache.

But there were more signs of encouragement despite not being able to finally put one over nemesis Steve Evans.

T&A chief sports writer Simon Parker looks back on five key points from last night's defeat.

FUN TO WATCH

City have gone from one extreme to another.

Having found goals hard to come by through the first third of the season, the Bantams have rediscovered their scoring touch in style.

The late double at Peterborough in the first FA Cup tie was followed with seven more over the space of two games. They possess a genuine threat now that wasn't there a few weeks ago.

DEFENSIVE DISCIPLINE

As David Hopkin pointed out, you shouldn't have to be scoring three or four goals just to give yourself a chance.

While City appear to have sorted out their problems at one end, they continue to undo that good work by conceding poor goals.

Peterborough, like Plymouth three days earlier, did not have to work too hard to score. Set-pieces and free headers, in particular, continue to prove a real problem area.

BUNDLE OF ENERGY

Lewis O'Brien continues to look the find of the season - if only he was City's player.

The Huddersfield loanee was not fazed while the team have struggled around him and has stepped up another gear given a more attacking role alongside Jack Payne and David Ball. The trio are looking a real handful.

Town look to have a gem on their hands with their current academy player of the year, who looks a natural on the senior stage.

HOPE FOR FUTURE

Hope Akpan's start to his City career has been underwhelming. Having been trumpeted as a big signing in the summer, the former Burton man is yet to justify his reputation.

But having hopefully cleared up his injury problems, there were signs against Peterborough of the powerful player who has spent the bulk of his career in the Championship.

With the attacking three in front of him, Akpan has an important role to play steadying the ship.

WRIGHT OUT OF IT

Hopkin stressed that all his squad would be needed over the hectic December schedule.

But the fact that Josh Wright was once again left out for the FA Cup replay suggests the former club skipper is completely out of favour.

The Bantams boss says those out of the picture are going to have their work cut out forcing their way back in.

With the January transfer window fast approaching, you wonder if the much-travelled midfielder could be on his way again after just half a season at Valley Parade.