Captain James Ward-Prowse spoke of his disappointment in the aftermath of Southampton's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Leicester City, where a single goal scored by Kelechi Iheanacho settled a cagey tie in the second period.
The midfielder, who is on a run of over 100 consecutive starts for Saints, felt that his side were missing a spark in the final third, having reduced Leicester to very few chances, but struggled to create little of their own.
Speaking candidly, he conceded that the game began with some nerves and that Saints may come away from Wembley Stadium tinged with a slight feeling of "regret", after the occasion didn't quite live up to its billing for Ralph Hasenhüttl's side.
"Yeah it's disappointing, of course," Ward-Prowse commented. "Growing up you dream of games like this and obviously playing in a final. But it wasn't to be today.
"If we're honest with ourselves we didn't create enough to win the game. We didn't have that bit of conviction in the final third.
james ward-prowse
if we're honest with ourselves we didn't create enough to win the game.
on fa cup semi-final disappointment
"That's the most disappointing part. I can't fault the effort. It was just that final bit that was missing for us today.
"Games are won and lost in those defensive thirds and we lacked that final pass. If you look at their goal, if the shot goes wide it's a goal-kick and we carry on.
"They forced their own luck and it just didn't fall for us today. It's a great occasion to be involved in and all of us will come away from here stronger, looking to finish the season strongly.
"You could tell in the early moments of the game, it was quite nervy. Everyone was making little mistakes. It felt like a strange occasion.
"It's been a terrific run for us, but of course there is that little bit of regret and disappointment that we couldn't overcome this hurdle. We've got seven games to go and there's still a lot to play for. We want to finish as high as we can. That's the mentality of the manager and the team as well. "
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