AFC Wimbledon boss Terry Brown accepted his side had come off second best after they crashed out of the FA Trophy to Blue Square Premier side Torquay United.
The Dons conceded two second-half goals to slump to a 2-0 defeat at Kingsmeadow on Saturday, extending their recent barren run to five games without victory.
But Brown had no complaints over his team's efforts.
He said: "I was proud of the players' performances. They gave it a really good go.
"Having said that, the best side won - they were stronger than us in most areas.
"We worked hard and competed but we did fall short. We never really tested their keeper or looked like scoring."
The Gulls' first goal came from the spot after Jason Goodliffe was adjudged to have sent Tim Sills sprawling.
Former Don Roscoe Dsane fired home the penalty but, despite the goal's controversial nature, Brown refused to use that as an excuse.
He said: "I do think the referee gave them a lot of decisions that could have gone either way.
"But Jason said he thought he caught the player so I have no real complaints about the penalty."
With no cup distractions, the Dons can now set about correcting their league form which has seen them pick up two points from the past 12 prior to last night's match at Bromley And the Brown revealed he may be welcoming some new arrivals to boost the team's stuttering form.
He added: "We have a big week now to get back on track for promotionm which has always been our main priority.
"We need some new blood to freshen things up. We would like to bring in one or two new faces if we can and we hope to do that this week."
The Dons visit Harrow Borough on Saturday.
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