Nico Valentine says that Town's run in the FA Youth Cup is testament to the work that the players and coaching staff have put in this year.
The young Blues, having twice led despite going down to 10 men after 34 minutes, eventually fell to a 4-2 quarter-final defeat in extra-time against a West Ham side who currently sit top of the U18 Premier League South table.
Over 3,700 supporters, as well as first-team coaching staff and players, were in attendance at Portman Road for another spirited and impressive display from Sam Darlow's side.
"It was a tough one to take but the boys gave it everything," Nico, who scored Town's second goal, said after the game.
"We’ve experienced a lot throughout the competition. The boys were not fazed by going into extra-time. We’ve come out of extra-time before but obviously it was a different experience to go into that with 10 men.
"We pushed them right down to the wire and they’re one of the best teams in the country, which is testament to what we’ve done and what the coaches have done throughout the season.
"When you’re down with a few minutes to go, it’s a case of risk versus reward. We wanted to give it everything and throw everyone forward so we knew they’d get a counter attack.
"It didn’t reflect the game but that is the scoreline and we now have to move forward."
Reflecting on his goal, which regained the young Blues' lead midway through the second half after Finley Barbrook's early opener had been cancelled out, he quipped: "I was getting a bit bored of defending!
"The ball fell to me and I saw the 'keeper off his line so I thought I’d have a snapshot. We hadn’t had too many shots or attacks. When you go down to 10 men, you have to take everything you get."
