Supersub Nahki Wells scored one of the best goals seen at Valley Parade for years to fire City into the second round of the FA Cup.
The Bermudan smashed a long-range screamer six minutes from time to sink Rochdale as the Bantams claimed their second League One scalp in a week.
City followed up their JPT success at Sheffield United with another notable cup upset to put them in tomorrow's draw.
City had played second fiddle in the early exchanges as Jon McLaughlin saved from Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro and Gary Jones.
Ross Hannah tried an ambitious 30-yarder at the other end after good work by Jamie Devitt.
But the League One side continued to knock on the door and McLaughlin had to produce another strong block from Harry Bunn's cross-shot.
Hannah's header was saved from City's first corner in the 34th minute but keeper David Lucas had not been troubled by half-time.
City looked much brighter after the re-start. Jack Compton let himself down after a fine run by overhitting the cross and Luke Oliver nearly beat Lucas from Chris Mitchell's corner.
But Bunn went close to breaking the deadlock when he swept over Nicky Adams' pass from close range.
Phil Parkinson switched his attack with 25 minutes left as James Hanson and Wells replaced Hannah and Devitt.
Four minutes later, City had their best chance as Oliver's header was cleared off the line by Jason Kennedy.
Then the subs almost got in on the act as City found their shooting boots. Hanson's flick released Compton who picked out Wells for a well-struck volley which was superbly saved by Lucas.
City had upped the ante and Hanson muscled his way past Marcus Holness before pulling back to Mitchell, whose drive was blocked by Stephen Jordan in front of goal.
The impressive McLaughlin came to City's rescue again with two more good saves as the game opened right up.
Then came the moment that will live long in the memory. Wells picked up the ball just over halfway, surged forward and then let fly from well over 30 yards.
The ball screamed past Lucas, dipping on its way before crashing against the stanchion in the top corner. You'll do well to see a better strike in the rest of the competition.
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