GRAHAM Alexander voiced his frustration at City throwing away victory in the EFL Trophy.

His side were pegged back by a stoppage-time equaliser from Newcastle under-21s – who went on to grab the bonus point from their opening group game at Valley Parade in the penalty shoot-out.

Alexander was unhappy with both goals his side let in during the 2-2 draw – particularly as the late leveller came from a free-kick.

It was the third game in a row when City have conceded from set-pieces.

The Bantams chief said: “It was an excellent performance, really creative, really assertive, we were on top for the majority of the game – and we’ve thrown away two points.

“Prior to the shoot-out, just drawing that game is frustrating for me because we should have won.

“We’ve been the authors of our own downfall. The mistakes we’ve made on both goals are really poor.

“It’s frustrating that I can’t go into that changing room and pat everyone on the back.

“We’re in the game for results and for winning and there’s a lot of frustration among us all.”

Olly Sanderson equalised within three minutes of Newcastle taking the lead just before half-time.

Andy Cook, who came off the bench for City’s much-changed side, then put them in front – only for the Premier League youngsters to score off a ricochet from a free-kick.

Alexander added: “The previous two games we’ve given away cheap free-kicks in similar areas and conceded two goals. We’ve done the same again.

“Whoever you play in the world, if you’re going to give set-pieces away round your box, anybody can deliver into goal-scoring areas.

“I think it’s come off a thigh because we slash at a clearance. But it’s not that.

“It’s the opportunity for them to bring a load of bodies into our box when they shouldn’t do that. It’s a lack of discipline.

“I can understand if it’s the first time we’ve done it. But it’s the third game on the trot that we’ve done something like that and been punished.

“All right, we weren’t against Bromley because we were 3-0 up but we said at the time that sort of ill-discipline can cost us going forward.

Alex Pattison looks forlorn after his penalty is savedAlex Pattison looks forlorn after his penalty is saved (Image: Tom Pearson)

“It cost us the first goal on Saturday and cost us a win again. The lessons are there and we have to learn fast.

“The first goal was poor as well from something we saw on Saturday and tried to correct. The warning’s not been heeded.”

Alexander made eight changes in the starting line-up and was pleased with several individual displays. He felt debutant Cheick Diabate, Joe Adams and Jay Benn all slotted in well.

“Cheick showed how assured he was and calm. Joe Adams was really effective with the ball and picked up great areas.

“Jay Benn came on and set up the second goal and Olly got his second goal in two games.

“There were some really strong performances. We have to try and focus on them but right now all I feel is we’ve thrown two points away.”

Alexander confirmed that Aden Baldwin’s scan result showed a slight hamstring strain. He is expected to miss two to three weeks.