Northampton Town Under 18s manager Jon Brady was in a positive mood despite his side’s penalty defeat to Cambridge United which knocked them out of the FA Youth Cup First Round Proper.
The scoreline was level at 1-1 after 120 minutes, but after 30 spot kicks in the shootout the Cobblers lost 11-10.
Despite the disappointment of being knocked out of the cup on penalties, Brady said: “I’m immensely proud of the boys today.
“They worked and fought really hard to get back into the game.
“We conceded an early goal, which seems to be a common theme at the moment, but we were right back in it when we scored.
“It was a lovely cross from Tommy Curry and a great volley from Jack Connor.
“We had most of the clear-cut chances before we had to ride it out with 10 men.
“Our discipline was excellent, and our shape was great so they couldn’t break us down.
“It’s a lottery when it goes to penalties and on another day we could have won.”
Brady’s team face top-of-the-table Luton Town in the EFL Youth Alliance League this weekend, and Brady added: “It’s been a long day for the boys, but they’ve got to regroup and pick themselves up.
“Since lockdown they’ve been absolutely brilliant, and they’ve come together as a team.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge on Saturday.”