Sean Roughan was proud of the efforts his team-mates displayed against promotion-chasing Bolton Wanderers.
City put on a battling performance in front of more than 10,000 at the LNER Stadium, and the defender believes the side can take positives from the character shown on Boxing Day.
He said: “We put bodies on the line and all credit goes to the lads because we gave our all – it was just one of them days.
“The lads gave it everything. Bolton are towards the top of the table for a reason, but we nullified them for much of the game and it’s one lapse of concentration that has cost us. It’s frustrating to take because we should defend it better.
“The best thing about football is games come thick and fast so we have to pick ourselves up in training and hit the ground running in time for Northampton Town. We’ll watch this game back, learn what we can do better and look to take three points on Friday."
The Ireland U21 international was pleased to return to the side as he completed 90 minutes at wing-back for Michael Skubala.
He added: “I am hard on myself, but I returned from international duty with an injury and then didn’t play my best against Accrington. It was important for me to put the graft in on the training pitch and to not let my head slip.
“I got my opportunity and hopefully I can stay in the team, but the lads who have played ahead on me have done well.”