BRADFORD City manager Graham Alexander called for perspective after his high-flying side lost out for the third successive League One game in a 3-0 reverse at second-placed Lincoln City - and believes that his side, promoted last year, have earned respect from the division's leading lights and attention.

Freddie Draper, Jack Moylan and substitute Ben House gave the Imps a convincing victory over Bradford, who have now lost three matches on the spin at league level for the first time since March 2024.

City dropped down to fifth spot, with fans vociferous in their criticism of Tuesday's poor showing at half-time and full-time.

Alexander, who made five changes on the night, said: "It's the same players who have got us into this position in the first place this season.

Bradford City manager Graham Alexander, pictured during the derby at Huddersfield Town. Photo: Tony Johnson.

placeholder image — Bradford City manager Graham Alexander, pictured during the derby at Huddersfield Town. Photo: Tony Johnson.

"I have looked around at how teams are now playing against us. I wouldn't say Lincoln as they are exactly the same in the first game and that was a really tough game as well. But obviously in the previous two games when we played Cardiff and Huddersfield, we won convincingly, home and away.

"And now, I think because of what we have done this season, there's a new-found respect for us. We have to understand that's a good thing - that people don't see us as they maybe did four months ago or before they played us. But it's also an opportunity and challenge for us to make the improvements on the quality there is in this division.

"I don't know if we caught teams by surprise. There's four new clubs in this division and I think we're the only ones anywhere near competing near the top end of the table and I reminded the players of that before the game.

"The strides we have made this season don't get washed away.