JAMAL Lewis pointed to a showing of collective spirit after Norwich City Under-18s were edged out in the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals by Manchester City on Monday night.

City performed admirably for much of the contest, restricting the hosts' opportunities while also creating numerous openings of their own.

Although strikes from Brahim Diaz and Manuel Garcia eventually took Man City through, Lewis told Norwich City TV: "I'm happy with the way the team stuck together until the end.

"After struggling a bit early on we got ourselves organised and were always in the game. In these kind of matches, Murts [Graeme Murty] wants us to react to situations ourself rather than having to be told.

"Ahead of the game, we knew we could be competitive. Driving down here on the coach we had the 2013 FA Youth Cup run on replay, and that's inspirational.

"Getting to the quarter-finals is a very good achievement. We'd have liked to have gone further, but we're still proud."

Lewis himself produced a highly impressive personal display, frequently providing an outlet for his team down the flanks by carrying the ball confidently at pacr.

"I just wanted to be positive every time I got on the ball," the winger explained.

"There were a few times I was able to exploit the full-back, and create chances for the team. Unfortunately that didn't end in a goal or assist for us, and I eventually ended up moving over to the left.

"By that stage we were tiring, and weren't able to get the ball through as quickly. At the start of this process we targeted at least reaching the quarter-finals.

"Unfortunately we couldn't get the result we wanted, but we'll take the positives of having made that stage."

JAMAL LEWIS: WE SHOWED UNITY

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