Steve Coppell says he saw a dressing room full of heartbroken players after the 3-2 extra-time defeat to Southend United in the Carling Cup first round.
City twice led through goals from Jamie McAllister and Ivan Sproule but were pegged back on both occasions, before exiting the competition at the first round stage through an extra time goal.
Speaking on Player, Steve said: "Twice we led and we looked really good for 20-25 minutes.
"Jamie (McAllister) scored a great goal from the free kick and we had further chances. Then they changed formation to match us up.
"They made it more difficult for us but having had the initiative twice I thought we should have been more robust to see it out.
"At 1-1 at half-time it could have gone either way. To score late on and then hand the momentum to them (with another equaliser) it was going to be hard for us.
"I've got a dressing room full of heartbroken players again because we wanted to win this one and kick start our season.
"I thought we should have been more robust to see it out"
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"It was physically very demanding for us and it's 120 minutes when we are struggling for players."
Speaking to the 307 fans who made the trip, Steve added: "I want to thank them. It was a tremendous effort to travel this far on a night like this.
"It must have been hell of a journey and to keep cheering us on and singing was a great effort."
Cole Skuse was withdrawn at half-time due to a hamstring complaint. "He might have carried on but we can't risk things at the moment."
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