MARK Trueman admitted City gave themselves “a mountain to climb” after conceding two soft goals in their 2-0 loss at Oldham.

The Latics scored twice in four first-half minutes from set-pieces as the Bantams suffered yet another Boundary Park flop in Trueman’s first game in caretaker charge.

Trueman said: “We gave ourselves a mountain to climb in regards the way we conceded two set-plays and didn’t defend them well enough.

“I think that’s where we are at this moment. We’ve got to manage those moments better.

“We know the threat of Oldham on set-plays and we should have done better.

“Then it changes the momentum and confidence in the group. Some players looked bright to start the game but then faded when the goal went in and the heads went down.

“We get in 2-0 and try and change things and bring on Tom (Elliott). Then we have the sending-off and it makes it a bit harder to get a result.”

Paudie O’Connor was dismissed after a clash with Oldham winger Nicky Adams. Trueman felt the call was harsh on the City skipper.

“Both players got hold of each other’s shirt and Paudie gets dragged on top of him,” he added.

“I think it’s a yellow for both. If it’s a sending off, it’s definitely a sending off for both players.

“Again, it went against us today and we’ve then got to regroup.”

Matty Foulds pulled out through illness just before the game so Trueman had to rush Reece Staunton into left back. But the defender went off injured before half-time.

He said: “I got a call on the way to the game so we had to bring players in. It doesn’t help but it’s not an excuse.

“We gave Reece a chance in there and then he got injured, probably from lack of game time he had. I don’t know if it’s a tweak of his calf or hamstring, we’ll find out after the assessment.”

Steve Evans, who is very keen on the City vacancy, was also understood to be at the game.