GRAHAM Alexander felt City were “unjustly beaten” in their final EFL Trophy group game against Rotherham.

The Bantams hit the woodwork three times in last night’s 1-0 loss at a freezing Valley Parade.

Alexander was also adamant they should have had a penalty for a challenge on Richie Smallwood.

“We should definitely have had a penalty on Richie,” said the City boss.

“He’s saying it was absolutely a penalty and I’ve watched it again. It was a definite foul.

“We were the team in the ascendancy and dominating the attacking opportunities.

“We wouldn’t have stopped at 1-1. I think we’d have gone again.

“It’s disappointing that two weeks ago we get a penalty given against us in exactly the same scenario.

“But it’s not gone for us. That’s out of our control.

“We’re getting punished for anything we do give away and we just have to get a bit more quality in front of goal to take advantage of our strong spells.”

Shaun McWilliams scored the only goal after five minutes after City failed to react quick enough from a corner.

Alexander added: “I think it was another cheap set-piece to give away.

“I don’t think we have to clear it for a corner but then we have to do better on the second phase.

“We’ve lost our man in the box so that wasn’t a great way to start the game. But I thought the players were superb after that.”

Vadaine Oliver, Andy Cook and Jamie Walker all hit the same post as City pushed for an equaliser after the break.

“I thought we played well,” said Alexander. “We had a few moments in the first half when we could have done better. We got in some great positions.

“Second half was when we became more prolific with our opportunities.

“But the post isn’t the target. We have to be strict with ourselves and do better in those situations if we can.

“But it’s great to see players are still committing to good areas, to getting shots off and crosses.

“I felt we were unjustly beaten but that’s the way it goes.”

The defeat left City in second spot in northern group H – and they will be away in the draw for the round of 32 later this week.