Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale thought he side showed plenty of energy and intent against Notts County but admitted they were beaten by a good team at St James Park.
The manager was not happy with the way his side fell behind in the opening minute – with Lewis Alessandra lobbing Christy Pym from the edge of the box having latched onto a Jon Stead flick on – but the response from the Grecians was good.
They performed much better than they had in the defeat at Coventry last time out but were ultimately undone by two second-half goals from Jorge Grant as County ran out 3-0 winners.
“We were beaten by a good side,” said Tis. “I thought we showed plenty of energy and intent tonight in many areas that we lacked on Saturday.
“I was pleased with that response but we were beaten by a good side today and I have to say that the two goals we conceded were disappointing.
“And, if you concede goals like that, it is very, very hard to win football matches. The first goal was very simple. It was a kick and a flick and a finish.
“You would want to better than that as a back four and the second one was being indecisive in the box which we haven’t been for a long time. So, all in all, it was a disappointing night.”
City created plenty of chances after going 1-0 down, with Jake Taylor having strong appeals for a penalty turned down before Lee Holmes curled an effort wide.
Taylor then also tested Adam Colin with a close-range volley just before the break. And, after going 2-0 down from a corner, the Grecians kept pushing forward with substitute Kyle Edwards causing problems down the right and Jayden Stockley heading a good chance over.
“I thought we showed plenty of energy,” he said. “There was no lack of endeavor and eagerness to play, but we have got some work to do.
"We have lost some points but we will have to accept that and try and not lose anything else from what has been a very good first couple of months. We will just have to draw a line under it and start again on Saturday.”