Raith Rovers manager John McGlynn felt the loss of the first goal proved crucial in his side's 2-0 Scottish Cup semi-final defeat to Dundee United.David Goodwillie's opener followed by Andy Webster's header booked United a place in the final to face Ross County.
"I thought we were the better team until the first goal," said McGlynn.
"David Goodwillie took it very, very well. It was an excellent finish from him. They got a wee bit of a grip of it after that."
McGlynn, whose side almost took the lead at Hampden when Allan Walker was foiled by United goalkeeper Dusan Pernis, was pleased with the effort and determination of his side after they had fallen behind.
"Being 1-0 down at half-time, we were still in the game," he added.
Obviously there's two goals in it but there wasn't an awful lot in it and we put up a good show
John McGlynn
"I'm disappointed to lose a goal from a set piece, it's unlike us to lose a goal like that so cheaply.
"But the guys fought right to the end. There were a lot of tired legs there but they kept on going and we showed a lot of hunger and desire so we're pleased about that.
"No-one chucked it or threw the towel in. We gave it a good shot.
"The first goal is important in any game and certainly in cup ties. It gives you the initiative. Dundee United are a very, very good team and they're hard to peg back if you get behind them.
"You really need to try and score first and in the first 20 minutes, we almost did that.
"I thought the officials were different class today. They get a lot of stick but Craig Thomson and all his officials were superb."
The defeat ended a fairytale cup run for the Kirkcaldy side, which started with a 0-0 draw against Peterhead in late November and included memorable away victories over Aberdeen and Dundee.
"We'd like to thank the fans for the numbers that turned up (at Hampden)," said McGlynn.
"I'm sure they saw the team fight right until the end. We didn't get the result but we were up against a top class team - they're not third in the league and having Europe in the bag for nothing.
"Obviously there's two goals in it but there wasn't an awful lot in it and we put up a good show."
Raith's thoughts will now turn to preserving their First Division status with the Stark's Park outfit currently six points above the relegation zone and having three games in hand over the two sides immediately below them.
"I'd like to think that 40 points would do it, another two wins would do it, so we need to make sure we get them," added McGlynn.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport