Ryan Lowe was left proud of his Preston North End side, who he felt were well in the game until going a goal down in the 4-0 defeat to Chelsea.
North End headed to Stamford Bridge for third round action in the Emirates FA Cup and were pressing their Premier League hosts right from the off.
A few opportunities were created, particularly on the break, but the sides went in at half-time level, and in the second period the Blues took the game away from PNE.
Armando Broja opened the scoring in the 58th minute, before goals from Thiago Silva, Raheem Sterling and Enzo Fernández made for an emphatic scoreline.
Ryan said: “The performance as a whole, I thought the lads were fantastic. The fans should be proud of what they did, and we’re proud of what they did because they rallied us on and outsang the Chelsea supporters.
“For 58 minutes, you’re thinking, ‘Can something magic happen?’. We were well in the game, but the first goal was disappointing.”
Ryan continued: “I’m proud of the boys for what they did. They were fantastic. Coming here and going here toe-to-toe with Chelsea with what they’ve done and fielding two midfielders who are a combined £250m, so for us to pit our wits against them was pleasing.
“Before they scored, the longer it was going I just felt we may have a chance whether it was a decision, a penalty, a corner, a set play – whatever it may have been.
“Lo and behold they come up with a moment of quality and that’s what they’ve got.
“They’ve got quality players who can hurt you at any time. Listen, I’m proud of the boys for what they did. We’re all disappointed because no one likes losing, but it’s disappointing when you’ve done that well for so long and then concede them type of goals.”
As well as having plenty of praise for his side who battled well against Mauricio Pochettino’s outfit, the manager also had plenty to say about the travelling faithful.
North End were backed by just short of 6,000 fans in the capital who made themselves heard all night long, even after the full-time whistle when they were bouncing up and down as ‘Freed From Desire’ was played through the Stamford Bridge speakers.
Ryan said: “A special mention to the Preston fans, wow. The support was fantastic.
“So again a big thank you from me, the staff, and the players. They outsang the former European champions.
“I can’t believe it. Well, I can believe it because I know what we’ve got when they’re really behind the team and that’s what it was.
“Phenomenal. They should be proud as well because they’ve come to a Premier League ground and outsung them.
“We’ve obviously been well in the game for 58 minutes and been done by a couple of individual errors maybe and definitely moments of quality from them.”