City were sent into a summer of uncertainty with a home hiding by Crewe.

This embarrassing defeat, their biggest at Valley Parade for eight seasons, also condemned the Bantams to a 18th place finish - their lowest since being forced to apply for re-election in 1966 when they were second from bottom.

A year of lows had ended on its lowest note.

Self-inflicted errors have cost City so often this season and another blunder paved the way for Crewe's opener after 12 minutes.

David Syers got the ball trapped under his feet and under-hit a pass back to Luke Oliver. Shaun Miller rode his challenge and then flipped past Jon McLaughlin before shooting into an empty net.

City almost responded straight away as Jake Speight had a shot parried and James Hanson rammed the rebound against a post.

But they were level midway through the half. Syers, atoning for his earlier mistake, played in the lively Speight who was tripped by David Artell. The striker confidently smashed home his third penalty of the season.

It was entertaining stuff as McLaughlin tipped over a 30-yarder from Danny Shelley and Dominic Rowe, making his first start, tested Rhys Taylor.

But City were immediately undone from their own corner as Crewe cleared quickly with a lethal counter attack which Miller finished off.

Worse followed two minutes later. City did not clear their lines and former Rhodesway School pupil Clayton Donaldson spun on the edge of the box to fire his 28th league goal.

And the first half lurched even lower a minute before the break, McLaughlin allowing Shelley's shot through his hands for a Crewe fourth.

Peter Jackson took off Omar Daley and Hanson at half-time, both presumably with knocks, and gave Alex Flett his first taste of senior football.

Crewe continued to threaten with Shelley and Moore looking for more within ten minutes of the re-start.

And their fifth arrived midway through the half from the outstanding Shelley. His initial shot was charged down but the rebound popped free for him to fire in his second.

City's wretched afternoon - and season - was summed up with six minutes left when Speight totally missed his kick from eight yards out.

The final whistle, which referee Graham Salisbury blew early, was greeted with derision.

Syers, the only bright spot of the year, was at least given the ovation that his performances have deserved.