Geoff Horsfield's seventh - and possibly last - goal for Wigan Athletic was enough to get Paul Jewell's men back on track as they recorded only their second win in nine outings.
The subject of transfer talk with West Brom, Horsfield put the rumours behind him to clinch the points with an 84th minute strike that was just about deserved for the home side.
The big striker picked up a ball from Andy Liddell and held off two challenges before unleashing a fierce drive past Bradford keeper Mark Paston.
It was just about what the home side deserved as they had done most of the passing in a tense and often dour clash, but Bantams boss Bryan Robson will no doubt feel aggrieved at heading back over the Pennines with no points in the bag.
The visitors created probably the better chances especially in the first half after they weathered a fierce opening spell from the rejuvenated Latics.
Andy Gray, Michael Branch and Nicky Summerbee all should have opened City's account but the game turned on the hour when defender Jason Gavin was sent off.
The Bradford man was booked for a first-half challenge on Horsfield but then showed amazing petulance when a free kick was given against him.
Gavin hoofed the ball at least 40 yards in a fit of temper and referee Andy Penn had no hesitation in bringing out a second yellow card followed by a red.
Bradford then simply reorganised in their quest for a point but their work was undone thanks to Horsfield's late winner.