Cardiff City manager Mark Hudson beamed with pride after his team's spirited display against Premier League outfit Leeds United, despite an agonising late equaliser.
The Bluebirds shot into the lead in the first half thanks to goal from Jaden Philogene and Sheyi Ojo, however Rodrigo scored after the break before Sonny Perkins' stoppage-time strike served as a gut punch as it forced the third-round FA Cup tie into a replay.
Regardless of the late disappointment, Hudson was delighted with the manner in which his players acquitted themselves against a top team.
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"First and foremost, the overriding feeling is proud of the performance we put in against a top Leeds side," Hudson said after the 2-2 draw with the Yorkshire club.
"Tactically, we got it right. We showed a good shape. We countered when we could, we frustrated them. Scored two really good goals.
"We knew we would suffer in the second half. They have got an abundance of talent to come off the bench. It's not bad when you can bring Rodrigo off the bench!
"Obviously, from Joel's point of view, it's a great save! He's put his body towards it. Testament then to the keepers for doing their homework, it's a great save. Then you think maybe we could get to the end and hold on, but they scored a good goal, in that respect.
"Overall, I'm proud."
It was a much-changed side, which included a change of shape and a last-minute change in personnel owing to illness to Rubin Colwill.
When asked which players impressed, the Bluebirds boss said: "All of them, every single one of them should be proud of their performance after being called upon. Rubin was due to start, then pulled out this morning, because we've got a bit of illness in the camp. Jaden woke up this morning thinking he was on the bench, then turns up here and he's not. He's starting.
"Isaak's (Davies) first start since Derby at the end of last season and he looked really sharp and ready to go. It was a good test for him, too, because he had a whack in the middle of the part. He twisted and caught one on the knee but got through it fine, so that's good for him.
"Romaine (Sawyers) playing in a slightly deeper role, Sheyi playing inside. The back four defended wilfully. Sangy (Tom Sang) playing against two players who are sharp and the two centre-halves dug in. We restricted them."
It was notable just how attacking the Bluebirds were during the encounter. They hit Leeds on the break and the visitors' defence could not deal with the pace of City's forward players.
Cardiff fans will hope that is the attacking blueprint moving forward into Wigan Athletic at home next Saturday.
"We have been working on certain aspects of the game which will improve us. We get from our box to the opposition's box really well and then it's about simplifying it," he added.
"I thought we were really attacking. We picked and chose when we went. The recovery runs were brilliant. You could see the togetherness and there were two really good goals.
"It gives us an opportunity to review it as well. To show what we worked in in the week can be out into action at the weekend.
"There were some really good passages of play. We knew we could restrict them and pose a threat on the goal even if we were deeper. We got it spot on. They have all put themselves in the right frame of mind to continue to kick on. I'm proud and they should be proud. They are, they are in good spirits."
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