Carshalton Athletic midfielder Luke Pigden admitted to conflicting emotions after the Tuesday night exit from the Ryman League Cup.
The Robins lost 3-1 to Ryman Division One South rivals Corinthian Casuals in the second round of the competition, but Pigden and his team-mates were the dominate force during the match.
And he believes the same fighting spirit must be replicated when league business resumes this Saturday.
“We felt a mixture of pride and disappointment. We went to the club second in our league and outplayed them, but they showed why they are doing so well by converting the few chances they got,” said Pigden.
“We made so many opportunities, but only scored one so, while it’s good to be creating, we need to combine this last performance with goals.”
Football: Carshalton Athletic boss rings the changes
Carshalton boss Matt Howard gave two academy players their debut on Tuesday and Rommel Hunte-Christie paid back that confidence by scoring his first senior goal, while forward Josh Phillips won a 75th minute penalty which Lee Hall saw saved.
“We seem to have a problem with penalties this season,” added Pigden, alluding to the fact Carshalton have only scored one of five awarded so date.
“Lee felt confident, but the keeper got a foot on it. It is a situation that has to change however because I thought their penalty [for Casuals' third] was very soft and gave us a mountain to climb.
“But we’ll focus on the positives of our overall performance and go into Saturday looking for a win."
Carshalton Athletic travel to Chatham Town on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here