Gatlin O’Donkor missed three presentable chances for Oxford, who extended their run without defeat to seven games.

At the other end, Jamie Cumming saved well from Callum Connolly and Kayden Jackson as the Bantams stretched their unbeaten sequence to eight matches, with just one goal conceded in that time.

Oxford made a fast start with O’Donkor, sent clear by Tyler Goodrham, denied by Jon McCracken’s save in the second minute, and Ciaran Brown then seeing a header at a corner cleared off the line by William Swan.

When O’Donkor was put through again, by Siriki Dembele, he fired over as McCracken raced off his line.

O’Donkor missed a golden opportunity to break the deadlock at the start of the second half when he headed wide, unmarked, from eight yards out.

The contest became open, Cumming saving well from Conolly as City grew in stature and menace – but neither side could find the finish.