Graham Alexander felt Bradford looked very composed in beating Reading 2-0 at Valley Parade.
It was a third win in a row and fourth consecutive clean sheet for the Bantams, who remain second in League One.
Antoni Sarcevic scored the first in the 55th minute after Brad Halliday nodded down Ibou Touray’s cross and substitute Bobby Pointon made sure with a far-post header set up by Tyreik Wright after 84 minutes.
Manager Alexander said: “It was a really strong performance. The first half was very tight and Sam Walker has made a couple of good saves.
“We just had to keep our discipline in the second half and not get frustrated if there was a loose pass or miscontrol. Just keep getting on the ball and making things happen and make sure our press is on point to limit the chances.
“I thought the second half was a real performance of control. When we took the lead and then we had more composure and scored the second goal.
“Our control in possession of the ball was excellent. The midfield two really linked the whole team together and outside of that there were some really good performances.
“It doesn’t matter if teams are at the bottom or the top. They’ve all got good players and good coaching.
“I thought our mentality was really strong. We had to get back to that team that’s difficult to play against and score against and I think we’ve seen that in the last few games.”
Reading’s best chance came early on when Kamari Doyle intercepted Aden Baldwin’s short backpass, but goalkeeper Sam Walker blocked his shot and Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan drove the rebound over the bar.
Royals manager Leam Richardson said: “Our first half was very good for an away performance with our energy and how we pressed them and forced them long.
“My disappointment was that we couldn’t sustain that second half. The first goal disappointed us quite a lot but you’ve got to remember we’ve only been together for a short period.
“The likes of Bradford have been recruiting and been with Graham now for over two years. They’ve got a style of play and have a lot of continuity.
“Our club is the total opposite with a big transition of change and you can see the difference. We will get there as a club.
“It won’t happen overnight but it will happen with hard work and really strong habits and good people here.
“I don’t think Joel Pereira has made a save but we’ve been on the end of a 2-0 loss. That’s the league and we need to have a team that is consistent.
“Sixty to 70 per cent of our players have never been to Valley Parade and played against the likes of Bradford but we’ve got to be better.”
