Under-18s manager Pete Haynes praised his team's desire and attempts to execute the team's game plan in their narrow FA Youth Cup second round defeat to Exeter City.
On a night played in soaking conditions at St James Park the under-18s were knocked out of this season's competition in extra time, missing out in a 3-2 defeat having led early on and then come from being behind to earn a draw after 90 minutes.
The conditions made for a real battle in what proved to be a tight affair throughout and though disappointed to go out Haynes was pleased with what he saw from his players.
"We knew that we needed to play in a certain way and the lads deserve a lot of credit for the game plan they tried to execute," he said.
"Showing the fight and desire when they went behind, they are the fundamentals that any footballer needs so it's great to see their character.
"Credit to Exeter they took their chances very well and it was a game of very few chances."
Watch Haynes' full post-match reaction above on iFollow and on the EFL iFollow app on your smartphone.
You'll be able to see more from Wednesday's action in Friday's episode of Inside CTFC #6 on iFollow and here on the club website.