Coach Jimmy Lowes said: "I didn't think Sheffield offered a great deal but it wasn't about Sheffield, it was about us.
"In the first half our forwards were very good but there were periods where they were very pretty average.
"We were very loose in the second half and we need to improve massively in a lot of areas but I'm sure that will come."
Speaking about the accolades directed towards Gaskell, Lowes pointed out: "Everybody is overlooking Danny Addy - I thought he was great and gave us a superb platform."
Sheffield boss Mark Aston admitted his side got what they deserved and pinpointed Gaskell as the difference.
He said: "Gaskell is the key for Bradford and he scored three tries at a canter."
Salford survived a second-half fightback from Wakefield to win 34-26 at the AJ Bell Stadium.
The Red Devils led 16-6 at the break through, Josh Griffin's two scores and another from his brother George.
Wakefield's Jacob Miller twice touched down before Danny Washbrook gave them the lead, with all three tries set up by former Salford scrum-half Tim Smith.
Late scores from Rangi Chase and two from Cory Paterson secured the win, after Trinity led through Reece Lyne.
Widnes overcame a stiff test from part-timers Halifax to start the Qualifiers with a 14-0 victory at The Shay.
Charly Runciman scored twice on his debut and prop Alex Gerrard added the other in a hard-fought contest.
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