Nigel Reo-Coker's 30-yard screamer helped Wimbledon to their first win at their new home in Milton Keynes.
Captain Reo-Coker struck in the 66th minute to leave Bradford keeper Alan Combe completely beaten as the ball was buried in the top corner.
It was the culmination of an inspired fight-back by Stuart Murdoch's side after Andy Gray had put Bradford ahead at half-time.
Wimbledon came out fighting after a dull first half and were on level terms thanks to an unfortunate touch from Bradford's Jason Gavin, who deflected Wade Small's shot into his own net following a goalmouth scramble.
The Dons could have had a third with nine minutes remaining on the clock after Patrick Agyemang's through ball split the defence only for Joel McAnuff to fire inches wide.
The visitors looked to be two goals to the good nine minutes after the break when Dean Windass had the ball in the net, but was ruled offside by referee Mike Thorpe.
Wimbledon manager Stuart Murdoch said: "It's a big relief to win particularly after the way we played in the first half when we were poor. We had five 19-year-olds on the pitch, so I did not think we did too badly.
"The last time Nigel scored was against Crewe in August, so we expect him to score his next one in January or February!" Disappointed Bradford boss Nicky Law said: "All the lads are distraught in the dressing room, but were very poor.
"After the goal we were in cruise control and the lads did not look like they had their hearts in it."