Cove Rangers manager Paul Hartley was proud of his players, despite heading out of the Tunnock’s Caramel Wafer Cup with a 1-0 loss against Connah’s Quay Nomads.
The Aberdeen side made the journey to Wales in confident mood having won seven of their previous eight games.
The Welsh side, who were beaten in the final of the competition by Ross County last season, had already accounted for one Scottish scalp this season by knocking Kilmarnock out of the Europa League.
A late Michael Bakare free kick was enough for Andy Morrison’s side to win Saturday’s tie with Cove left to rue their profligacy in front of goal.
Hartley, however, was pleased with his side’s efforts.
He said: “We are disappointed.
“We put a lot into the game and we handled the directness of the opposition.
“We created more chances than them in the second half but our decision-making could have been better.
“We knew we were up against a tough opposition who play in a certain style.
“We managed to handle that and I felt we were comfortable in the game. In the second half there was only one team that was trying to play and win and that was us.
“Our focus has always been on the league, the cups are a bonus.
“I’m really proud of the players and how they handled themselves.
“They had to play against a different style and we showed we are a really good outfit. When we play we are good to watch.”
Cove dominated for large spells of the second period with Matty Smith hitting the post and Jamie Masson and Declan Glass also going close.
The breakthrough came 14 minutes from time when Bakare caught out Cove goalkeeper Stuart McKenzie with a low free kick at his near post.
Connah’s Quay boss Andy Morrison said: “It was a great win.
“Cove deserve credit.
“I knew they were a good team and they showed that in a 15-20 minute spell in the second half.
“We made two really positive substitutions and I felt that changed the dynamics of the game.
“It looked like they were getting on top.
“I really expect them to romp their league as I have been very impressed with them.
“It is not about being good, it is about winning games of football. It was a tough game but we created some great chances.
“I thought we were valid winners and deserved the win.
“It is tough when you come up against a team who are at the top of their game and as buoyant and confident as this.
“We knew we had to respect them and stop them and we managed to do that.”