We spoke to Sam Lavelle following our FA Cup exit, after an extra-time defeat to Wigan Athletic.
Speaking to CUTV, Sam said: “It's a really positive performance and it's frustrating because we've put in so much effort and got nothing out of the game, but I think that's got to be our benchmark going forward.
"There was a bit of a surreal moment at the end, getting clapped off and literally cheered off the pitch when they scored the second goal.
“So yeah, it has to be the turning point and I believe it will be.”
United went down to 10-men early on, after Ethan Robson was dismissed following a challenge on the Latics' defender, Steven Sessegnon.
“First thought was [is] it harsh. I think everyone thought that.
"I think that it would have been easy for us, with the way it's going at the moment, to sort of cave a little bit and go under in ourselves but we didn't. We kept calm and kept the shape right and probably created a decent amount of chances to score a goal.
"I think the reaction was great from everyone.
“I think it helps when we've defended so well and they've missed a big chance. It keeps you in the game and it's nil-nil and it gives you more motivation, and it's just a bit of a cycle because the fans get behind you.
“So yeah, it's got to be a benchmark. That hard work and desire to defend has got to be a benchmark for us now."
It felt like if it was 11 v 11, the Blues might have got the better of their League One opponents.
Its a sentiment the defender shared, saying: “It's frustrating because we started off well, and Ethan was getting into the game. He just started coming back from a long-term injury.
“So its frustrating for him because he's a brilliant player. So yeah, we'll see how that pans out but it's frustrating."
Luke Armstrong came agonisingly close to levelling the contest in the dying embers of extra-time and would've done so if it wasn't for an exceptional stop from Wigan 'keeper Sam Tickle.
“I was near it and it's right in the corner. I don't know where he's pulled it out from. But yeah, it just shows it's not just digging in and defending backs to the wall, we've created chances as well.
"It just happens at the moment when you're down there and going through a tough time. The belief isn't fully there that you're going to score a goal, but we were just a bit unlucky today and it didn't fall for us.”
We asked Sam if he felt this game could be a turning point in our season, he stated: “I think so, yes.
“I really hope so. I believe that once we get on the run, I think we'll be unstoppable.
“I can assure [you that] everyone in that squad cares. We have meeting after meeting, trying to put things right.
"Me personally, I care loads for this football club. I believe it will turn around.
"That's probably killed me at times last year when I was out of form or getting a bit of stick or whatever. I could have easily just not turned up or not made myself available.
“I played every game, which probably in hindsight killed me. This season, I think as a team, everyone cares loads and that showed today. I'm glad that the fans finally could see that side of us because it is there.
“It just shows you this club, the fans are so good and they appreciate that. We've been beat again today, but the effort was unbelievable from everyone, even until the 120th minute.
"When the fans can see that effort, it radiates to us because they're loud and they're getting behind us.
“I think this club will turn this around and once it gets going on, I don't think we'll be able to be stopped."
Speaking on shot-stopper Gabe Breeze following a Man of the Match display, Sam said: "He was unbelievable.”
"The thing is with Gabe, he's a great 'keeper. We see it, but it's just about concentration at times.
“That concentration from him today was there the whole game. His decision-making when to kick long or when to play short was perfect. He was commanding the box and coming for crosses, that helps you massively.
“He bided his time and it paid off today because I thought he was brilliant.
“I thought the game was destined to go to penalties.
"So frustrating, because we almost got over the line, but just one lapse of concentration and they punish us. But yeah, Gabe was brilliant and he's deserved his chance."
Finally, speaking on the support at Brunton Park on Saturday afternoon, he added: “It was brilliant support again. Like I said before, getting clapped off from a two-nil loss is obviously quite special.
"The next league game is Salford. I know it's a packed out away end so if we perform like that and work as hard as that, it'll be a good day and hopefully, like I said, it'll be a turning point today because I believe it will be.”
