GRAHAM Alexander insists City should put their first setback of the season into perspective.

The Bantams were beaten 2-1 at Grimsby yesterday and lost Aden Baldwin with a hamstring injury that could keep him out for some time.

It ended an unbeaten run in the league stretching back to Harrogate in March – and Alexander stressed that the players should retain confidence from that after their poor showing.

The City boss said: “We’ve got to remember we had won eight of our last 10 league games. That’s not win, lose and draw – that’s a phenomenal record.

“You’re not going to go unbeaten throughout a season at this level. We’re constantly learning about our team.

“We learn when we win and we constantly talk to players about what we’ve done well and what we can do better.

“I think there will be quite a bit from Saturday where we can do better. But win, lose or draw, we’re going to try and improve the players, the team and our opportunities to be successful.

“There are some things we can’t control. I spoke to them at half-time that I didn’t want anyone losing their discipline through frustration with the officials.

“But there are other areas where we know we need to be better.”

Brad Halliday admitted City could not argue about the result – Grimsby’s first league win against them for 26 years.

“We didn’t deserve anything and the better team won,” he said.

“We lacked quality all over the pitch for whatever reason. We struggled to get going and couldn’t build any momentum.

“It wasn’t individuals, it was across the board. We pride ourselves on being strong defensively and conceded two poor goals.

“We’re coming off the back of three good performances and turn up and play like that.

“We might have walked away with a point in the end but that’s clutching at straws.

“I feel for the travelling fans. But it’s down to us to change things.”

Grimsby boss David Artell said: "I thought we were the better team by a distance. The only disappointing thing was the narrow margin of victory."