STUART McCall accepted the blame after City suffered their heaviest home loss since March 2019.

The Bantams went down 3-0 to new League Two leaders Newport – falling behind inside the first minute.

It was City’s second defeat of the season – both at Valley Parade – and their worst on home soil since Blackpool won 4-1 in March 2019.

McCall said: “I’ve got to take responsibility for the result and the fact that the shape we selected to have a go at them didn’t work.

“It didn’t get chance to work in a way if you lose a goal in the first 40 seconds.

“I’ve seen Newport two or three times this season and they are a side playing full of confidence.

“We wanted to have a go at them, play up against them and stop them getting out. We tried to put on some pressure.

“It was a good strike from the lad but we see he’s there and don’t react to it.

“Then we lost a goal on 44 minutes just when we were about to come in and change things.”

McCall had made four changes from the Walsall draw but changed systems at half-time.

He added: “We had a little period when we looked at getting a grip on the game without creating any real opportunities.

“But they are a side who’ve been together for a few years. They’ve got off to a really good start and obviously confidence and momentum is high.

“That’s something we need to look at and try to build. They showed what a good side they are but we’ve got to look to do better in the final third.”