Cape Town - Highlands Park manager Allan Freese hailed his side's character following an admirable performance against Mamelodi Sundowns in their Nedbank Cup Last-32 fixture.
The high-flying National First division outfit suffered a 1-0 loss courtesy of a spectacular Keagan Dolly goal in extra-time, after holding the Absa Premiership leaders for most of the game and Freese admitted he couldn't have asked for more from his side.
"First I want to thank my boys, they did a good job," the former Platinum Stars boss said after the game.
"I thank Sundowns, we had a good game. I would like to thank the people who came to watch, what a wonderful crowd. I think they kept the game going with their 'oooo's' and 'aaaa's'.
"I think we could have also won it. In the first-half we had two good chances. Well done to their goalkeeper, he was man of the match. I would like to say to my boys, well done," the 59-year old added.
The Lions of the North are currently third in the first division standings and Freese believes they can take heart from the performance to motivate them for the rest of the campaign.
"If we can perform like this and take it into our league games I will be very happy.
"I would just like to say my players, the team, let's take this forward now."