Graham Alexander reacts to Bantams home loss to Notts County

Notts County inflicted a third straight home defeat on the Bantams who have now slipped to 17th.

Last night’s 3-0 loss means Alexander’s men have conceded 10 in those games and scored just once.

He admitted the missing end product was to blame against a Notts County side who had not won in six games.

Alexander said: “That was nothing like Saturday. I thought the players committed to the game and the supporters responded to that.

“There was loads of energy and we had enough opportunities in the final third before they scored.

“But the first time they enter our box, a deflected shot lands on their striker’s toe three yards out and he pokes it in.

“I was wanting to see how the players reacted and they responded well. The supporters could see that.

“We hit the post but then the opposition have gone up the other end and scored.

Graham Alexander watches on with Notts County boss Stuart Maynard (Image: Thomas Gadd)

“I think they showed why they’ve scored 70-odd goals this season and over 100 last season – and why we have struggled to score the goals we need to win.”

Sub Harry Chapman hit the post with his first touch on the pitch – City’s best scoring chance - just before Notts County got their second goal to put the game out of reach.

“I don’t want it to be a narrative that pre-empts the next few games,” added the Bantams boss.

“We can’t just talk about luck because we have to be more clinical when we have those chances and stick them in the net.

“There are certainly things on the goals that we could have done better.

“I know the deflected goal has landed to the guy three yards out but he’s there on his own. That’s something we can deal with.

“We were harshly punished there considering how well we started. But it’s only us that can change it.

“We can’t sit here and cry about it and bitch and whinge about luck. We have to work hard to change.

“Our lack of taking opportunities and scoring goals is putting more pressure on our defensive game.

“We’re getting to a certain point where we start gambling on our defensive positions but you have to keep that discipline to make sure you don’t concede any more cheap goals.

“It’s a culmination of where we are in the league and our desperation to be higher.

“Our defensive record is one of the best. We’re joint top in clean sheets this season.

“Our form three or four weeks ago was top of the league.

“But we’ve had a really difficult time since the Wycombe game and it’s hit us hard.

“The games are running out and we’ve been handed opportunities on a plate and not taken them.”

Alex Gilliead went off early in the second half with a suspected Achilles injury.