Scunthorpe boss Nigel Adkins conceded that the strength and quality of Manchester City was the difference in the FA Cup fourth round clash between the clubs.
The Premier League outfit managed to overhaul a plucky Scunthorpe side and win 4-2 at Glanford Park but Adkins was happy with his team's performance against a much stronger opponent.
"I'm pleased for the players who have worked hard and made it an entertaining cup tie against the might of Manchester City and the big players they have brought here," Adkins said.
"We all had a belief that there was a giant-killing in the offing but it just wasn't to be. We got off to a bad start but credit to the players they didn't buckle.
"They regrouped and kept going and conceded a goal on the stroke of half-time that can deflate anybody. But they came out in the second half and gave it a right good go.
"You've seen the way they break - they're like the Red Arrows at times - and that's the difference between the very top and where we are."