Dan Higgins reckons Cove Rangers showed they could mix it with the best against Hibernian.
The defender curled home an exquisite free-kick to give the League One side the lead, before the Hibees fought back to triumph 2-1.
Cove, however, showed they were not cowed by their higher-level opponents and Higgins said that was testament to the belief in the squad.
He said: “I’ve practised a few in training and managed to catch it nicely. I think a few boys tried to jump in but I fancied myself. I thought we played really well for our first competitive 90.
“Hibs are fit and a good side but the boys played really well.We played our game as well and we didn’t sit off them.
“That’s always the plan with Cove. There’s no point sitting off – that’s not our strength. We believe in ourselves and the boys all know their jobs. We’ve got boys up front who can do damage.
“We’ve worked hard during pre-season getting running into the legs. The boys are naturally fit and we all came back in good shape.”
Cove travel to Brora Rangers tomorrow night for their second Betfred Cup fixture, but all the preparation has been geared towards the league opener against East Fife next Saturday.
Higgins added: “I just want to play well every week, work hard for the team and keep improving. Listen to the stuff the coaches are saying.
“I’m in no rush to do anything – I’m enjoying my football here at Cove, I like the way the team plays and it’s a good bunch of boys.
“I’ve been given the chance to express myself and it suits the way I like to play football.
“I’m playing with good, experienced players and they’re bringing my game on. Once you get that confidence you can only build on it and we’re all a close bunch.”