Waynes Hatswell says Newport County AFC were dealt a harsh lesson by Southampton on their Rodney Parade homecoming, but will quickly put the result behind them.
The Exiles were knocked out of the Carabao Cup after an 8-0 defeat by a ruthless Saints side on Wednesday evening.
County have chalked up a lengthy list of cup scalps against higher-division opposition at Rodney Parade in recent seasons, but Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side proved to be too strong as their Premier League quality shone through
But Hatswell, who will lead County for the final time against Salford City on Saturday before Michael Flynn’s return next weeks, says the result won’t knock his side’s confidence.
And they will be looking to round off their August league fixtures by bouncing back at the Peninsula Stadium.
“It was a harsh lesson and that was the calibre of team that we were up against,” said Hatswell.
“When they get chances they are clinical in what they do, but playing Southampton is not going to define our season. We've got a really big game coming up against Salford now and that has always been in the back of our minds.
“We've been able to get a rest into some players and we were mindful that Saturday is important as well. It's not going to take anything out of us mentally, we've got to forget about it. It's done, we move on, that's how we do it.
“I expect them to do exactly that, we will prepare for Salford and that's our next challenge.
After the opening day win over Oldham Athletic, County made 11 changes for the victory over Sky Bet League One side Ipswich Town in the first round of the competition.
Nick Townsend, Aaron Lewis, Louis Hall, Chris Missilou and Timmy Abraham all helped County pull off a shock result at Portman Road and were brought back for the visit of the Saints.
And Hatswell says they warranted an opportunity against the Premier League side after claiming a scalp against the Tractor Boys.
“We played well at Ipswich and some of them that played there were rewarded against Southampton,” said Hatswell.
“They deserved a chance against a Premier League team in the next cup fixture. We've been mindful of the weekend, we move on now and forget it. Salford is out next challenge.”