Jon Stead said Notts were fully deserving of their 1-1 draw with Swansea City in the fourth round of the Emirates FA Cup.
The striker's goal extended his hot streak to six goals in his last six games, leaving him on 11 for the season.
And the former Huddersfield man said County were more than equal to their Premier League counterparts.
"We matched them and we've got to be immensely proud of ourselves," said Stead.
"We were a bit cagey in the first half but at the start of the second half we really showed what we are capable of and pushed them all the way.
"You know they are going to have large amounts of possession and keep the ball well so it's about getting in the right areas and limiting their space.
"We had to work hard for it but we gave as good as we got and created some decent chances.
"If we had won the game I don't think you could have argued too much about it but, on reflection, a draw is probably a fair result."
"It's nice to get a tap in and be in the right place at the right time!" he laughed. "That pleases me as much as bending one in from 20 yards.
"We'll go there for the replay and thoroughly enjoy it. There's no reason why we can't go there, express ourselves and take today's performance and result and use it to go on another run."