Southampton suffered a 2-0 defeat to Man City in the Premier League 2 play-off final. (Image: Craig Hobbs/Southampton FC)
Southampton suffered a 2-0 defeat to Man City in the Premier League 2 play-off final.
(Image: Craig Hobbs/Southampton FC)
SAINTS under-21s boss Calum McFarlane insisted there is "no shame" in losing the Premier League 2 play-off final against Manchester City.
First-half goals from Divin Mubama and Ashton Muir saw hosts Man City claim a 2-0 win over Saints at the Joie Stadium on Thursday evening.
City, a powerhouse in academy football, are now the most decorated team in PL2 history, having won the competition four times in the last five seasons.
"They're a really, really good side. They were the better side on the night. They deserve to win, there's no shame in that," McFarlane told the Daily Echo.
Saints suffered a 2-0 defeat to Man City in the Premier League 2 play-off final.
Saints suffered a 2-0 defeat to Man City in the Premier League 2 play-off final.
(Image: Craig Hobbs/Southampton FC) READ: Saints end proud Premier League 2 run with final defeat at Man City
"Losing this game, losing one game against the best team in the country, doesn't define our season. We've had a good season, one we can be really proud of.
"A lot of lads in there we can be really proud of this season. The whole group we can be really proud of, even though it hurts at the moment.
"That's football. We learn from it. They were the better team, but it doesn't help when you give away a cheap goal early.
"They grew in confidence. We have a little bit of doubt. They pressed really aggressively. We probably risked the ball a bit too much early on.
"For the second half, we were much better. We solved a few problems tactically. We got a bit of control. Yeah, they're a good side. You need to learn from these games."
Saints suffered a 2-0 defeat to Man City in the Premier League 2 play-off final.
Saints suffered a 2-0 defeat to Man City in the Premier League 2 play-off final.
(Image: Craig Hobbs / Southampton FC) READ: 'Much better' - Fernandes admits to surprising himself in first season at Saints
Saints were without Jay Robinson for the final as the 18 year old continues to play a role with the first team.
While they missed his presence in the final, his absence is viewed positively: "Jay's been, for me, one of the best players in Premier League 2 this year.
"He's ready to make that step. I think he showed that at Everton as well. He's ready to make that step.
"Him not playing tonight, because he's with the first team, gives Moses Sesay a chance to make an impact.
"It gives Romeo and Joe O'Brien and other players who we believe can make that step into the first team. They get that opportunity, so it's a positive.
"We'd love to have Jay tonight, but we'd also love to watch him play against Arsenal on Sunday."