Derry City manager Peter Hutton believes the future is bright for his young side despite their defeat in Sunday’s FAI Cup final.
The Candystripes went down 2-0 in the showpiece final as St Patrick’s Athletic ended a 53-year wait to lift the trophy thanks to two goals from Christy Fagan.
Hutton’s side piled the pressure on St Pat’s after going behind early in the second half but despite having their chances they couldn’t break down the Saints defence and a last-gasp strike from Fagan wrapped things up.
"I thought it was a very tight game, a very cagey game and if anything, the first goal was always going to be critical," Hutton told RTÉ.
"Unfortunately for us, we conceded a very sloppy first goal but I thought after that we rallied really well and got a bit of momentum. A few half chances but unfortunately we couldn’t capitalise on them.
"Once we went behind, we had to go for it and impose ourselves even more but it was a very tight affair and we showed a lot of character, particularly the young players and they really put it up to St Pats."
Hutton paid tribute to those young players and believes that his side can use this experience as a stepping stone to go on to bigger things next season.
"It’s been a bit of a roller-coaster season but as I said to the players afterwards, I'm immensely proud of them, even just to get here. It’s been a bit of a turbulent season but it’s a learning experience for most of them.
"But you can’t dwell on this too long. The future is bright and they have to look forward.
"It doesn't help there is a few walking wounded and you could see that during the course of the game, a few of them battled through the pain barrier but unfortunately for Paddy McEleney his leg just gave up on him and Barry Molloy was also playing through the pain barrier but that’s the character of the squad.
"Could have, would have, should have unfortunately but it just wasn't to be today and congrats to St Pat’s, they’re a fine team and they've waited a long time for this."
