GARY Bowyer admitted it was a “nearly” night for City as they were knocked out of the FA Cup.

Shrewsbury sub Dave Edwards scored the only goal to settle the first-round replay at Valley Parade – with the Bantams boss claiming he was offside.

But Bowyer felt his side had matched their League One opponents over the tie.

Simon Parker's verdict: Bantams 0 Shrewsbury 1

“There was very little between the teams in both games,” he said. “We’ve shown what a capable team we are and what a capable team we will be.

“It was a bitty game. Both teams looked like they hadn’t played at the weekend and took a while to get into a rhythm.

“We slowly did and played some good stuff first half in spells.

“Dylan Connolly beats the lad a couple of times and gets in but (doesn’t put in) that final ball.

“Hope Akpan has a great chance that the goalie makes a good save from and the follow-up gets cleared off the line from James Vaughan.

“It was a nearly performance from us and we’re disappointed with the goal because (Dave) Edwards was offside from the cross.

“But it wasn’t as exciting a cup tie as it was at their place.”