Cardiff City can be proud of their performance in the 3-1 League Cup quarter-final defeat to Chelsea, says head coach Brian Barry-Murphy.

The atmosphere at the Cardiff City Stadium when David Turnbull’s header flew past Filip Jorgensen in the Chelsea got to equalise was unlike anything seen for a long time in the capital.

Despite falling to two late strikes from substitutes Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto, Cardiff played Chelsea level in the first half, with centre half Dylan Lawlor impressing in particular.

The run to the quarter-final stage was Cardiff’s best cup performance – in either the League Cup or FA Cup – since they reached the final in 2011, with a memorable 2-1 victory at Welsh rivals Wrexham in the previous the highlight.

“I’m very proud of all the players and the effort they put in, the performance. It’s probably just the hope that kills you when you score a goal,” said Barry-Murphy.

“I felt we were in the ascendancy and had a great chance to maybe grab a winner, but it wasn’t to be. It was a great occasion for everyone.”

Barry-Murphy’s style of play – turning Cardiff from a 2000s football team into one at the vanguard of the 2020s buzzwords – pressing, rotations, high-energy, high line – has been revelatory for the club.

It has also given a platform upon which a number of young Welsh academy graduates have shone. Isaak Davies and Cian Ashford caused Champions League level defenders issues all evening, while the Colwill brothers – Rubin and Joel – have been the heartbeat of the midfield.

Lawlor is picking up more admirers by the match, and Ronan Kpakio has won Wales honours, impressing from right back.

For Barry-Murphy, with his side top of League One and looking to bounce back up at the first time of asking, this performance is only the start of his side’s journey.

“I think it gives us an insight into what it takes to play at the level the opposition are playing at. We believe some of our players can definitely get to that level,” he said.

“You get a taste of this type of evening at the stadium. It was incredible and the atmosphere was incredible. The support was right behind us, even at 3-1, right to the last minute.

“It just leaves you wanting more and fuelling the fire of wanting to repeat it and do more and more.”

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