Hard-working front man Craig Mackail-Smith believes Peterborough United can count themselves extremely unfortunate not to be in the second round of the Carling Cup after Championship side Bristol City came from behind to secure a 2-1 win at Ashton Gate.
George Boyd gave Posh a deserved lead in the first half and Darren Ferguson's men created numerous chances in front of goal with Aaron Mclean, Sergio Torres and Mackail-Smith all going close to adding to the opening goal.
The Robins improved in the second half, but still found themselves on the back-foot until Louis Carey ghosted in at the back post to head home the equaliser. Steve Brooker scored the winner six minutes from time after diverting Carey's header past Joe Lewis following a corner kick.
'It was disappointing because in the first half we pinned a very good Championship side back for long periods and scored a good goal through George Boyd. In the second half we let it slip a bit and the winning goal was our downfall because it is another goal from a set-piece.
'The lads are very disappointed and frustrated because we believe we matched a very good side for long periods. It was certainly a better performance than the one at Southend last weekend. For me personally, I just wanted to work hard, I felt I was disappointing against Southend and I wanted to put in an improved performance.
'I had a few chances towards the end of the game that I should have done better with, but it was nice to get a boost from the management because I half-expected my number to be up when Scott Rendell was waiting to come on. Scott is a back to goal player and it was a bit different to play alongside, but we have worked hard as a partnership in training.
'I think if you analyse the two matches we have played so far there is definitely nothing to fear. We have played Southend who came close to getting promotion last year from League One and Bristol City who were extremely close to getting into the Premier League and there was nothing really in either match.
'Teams are a bit more clinical and that is an area of our games that we all need to improve in and if we do that then I am sure we can get off and running against Leyton Orient at London Road on Saturday,' Mackail-Smith said.
Fans are reminded that they cannot buy tickets for the Norwich and Peterborough Family Stand on the day of the match from the London Road Box Office. Tickets will be on sale until 5pm on Friday for the Family Stand. Supporters will be able to pay at the Family Stand turnstiles on Saturday and must sit in the seat shown on their ticket given to them.
