Head Coach Stephen Crainey spoke to the press after his side fell to defeat against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday evening.
Town looked to have started the game positively after creating multiple chances before Ellis Harrison made the most of a loose back pass, as he slotted the ball into the near post to open the scoring.
Second-half goals from Elliot Embleton, Luke O’Nien, and Jack Clarke swayed the tie in the home side’s favour and finished off the tie in Tyne and Wear.
Here’s what Stephen has to say in this post-match interview:
On the game…
“I just said to the group in there, I’m absolutely gutted for them because I thought on the night, we were outstanding. I know we lost the game 3-1, but it’s not a reflection of the game at all for me.
“I thought we were comfortable in the lead up to Sunderland’s first goal. We were really comfortable at that point but unfortunately, we didn’t get anything out of the game.
“If we keep performing like that, we’re going to be absolutely fine I’ve got no doubt about that. We’re losing games of football, we need to start winning games of football, but the character in the dressing room is big and that will see us alright in the end.”
On the young talent…
“We’ve got a top group of young players at the club, and they went and showcased their talent tonight yet again against a good Sunderland side who will be there or thereabouts at the end of the season.
“It’s not just the younger players, it’s the senior players as well. They helped them and guided them through the game, so as a collective it was a good performance but really disappointed not to get anything out of the game.”