IT WAS the darkest day in Graham Alexander’s tenure in the City hot-seat.
The Bantams boss has lost only 11 of his 37 games since being appointed last November.
Four of those were on the bounce during that miserable 11 days in March when everything went awry.
Losing three in just over a week at Valley Parade – by an aggregate score of 10-1 - felt as bad as it gets. But then came Harrogate away.
A 3-0 lunchtime drubbing as the travelling fans vented the fury was the lowest point.
But it was also the moment that Alexander saw the light.
Drastic changes were needed and were implemented straight away. The result? Nineteen points from a possible 21 from then on to the end of the season, finishing with five straight wins.
As City prepare to return to the scene of the crime this weekend, Alexander recalled that last painful visit as a turning point.
“That game was a low point but we did use it as a catalyst for things we needed to change and wanted to change,” he said.
“We made those changes right there and then after that. I think those changes have brought value to us.
“Sometimes in the darkest moments you can grow and be better and I feel we have done that, without a doubt.”
City fans may be dismissive of talk that it’s a derby but Harrogate certainly love an all-Yorkshire affair. Their record against the Bantams since entering the EFL is testament to that.
Alexander added: “I don’t think they are the only team that will raise their game against us. We’ve seen that time and time again.
“We have to look at the game and understand the challenge that will be in front of us and try to overcome it.
“I don’t think we will play a game on Saturday that we should be surprised by. We should be ready for it.
“It’s a different type of test week in, week out but it’s always a challenge.”
Harrogate have won six of the nine times they have faced each other – including three out of four at Wetherby Road.
The tight confines of the renamed Exercise Stadium are in stark contrast to City’s own home. But Alexander does not see that as a factor.
He added: “There are not many Valley Parades in League Two, if we’re honest.
“I can only think of two or three other stadiums that come anywhere near it.
“I don’t think that’s an issue. It shouldn’t have any factor in how we approach the game.
“We’re a League Two team playing another League Two team.
“We should never ever underestimate the challenge of our opponents.
“We’re professional and have so much analysis. We can see the league tables, we can see past results in any season and the direct head-to-head.
“If anyone goes into that game not prepared for what we’re going to face, then there’s something wrong.
“Any team is capable of winning any game in any division – and certainly in League Two.
“We have to be fully prepared to compete well, have our structure and discipline right and also to get our attacking players in good positions to go and create.
“That’s a load of boxes that we want to tick every week. There’s nothing different from that aspect for this game.
“We know there are things for us to improve away from home so far this season and we want to start this weekend.”
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