Terry Hawkridge felt Notts Under 23s did enough to take a point from the Central League clash with Rotherham United on Tuesday.
Kristian Dennis had given Steve Chettle’s side the lead early on but the visitors turned the game around and ran out 4-2 winners, with Remaye Campbell netting the Magpies' second.
But Hawkridge feels they were unfortunate to lose after creating a host of goal-scoring opportunities.
“Obviously it wasn’t the result we wanted but we played good stuff at times,” he said.
“I thought we had enough chances to earn at least a point but we conceded some sloppy goals which is quite disappointing.
“We let four goals in so we know we need to keep working on things and stick at it.”
Hawkridge got 90 minutes in the tank playing at right-back and is focused on getting himself back into Harry Kewell's first-team squad.
He explained: “I feel good and just have to keep ticking over and waiting for my chance.
“I’ll focus on working hard and improving the areas I think I need to and then hopefully I’ll get an opportunity.
“It was good to get 90 minutes under my belt so I’ve just got to concentrate on myself and fingers crossed I’ll get the message from the gaffer.”
Andy Kellett also played the full game as he looks to stake a claim for a first-team place, and Chettle thinks the match was a good exercise for a number of players.
“Kristian Dennis, Dan Jones, Branislav Pindroch, Terry and Andy were all involved so it's a decent workout for them,” he said.
“We brought on youngsters Corey Bucalossi and Oscar Ramirez who acquitted themselves well and in spells we were very good in possession.
“I thought the overall performance was good but we let in two sloppy goals which cost us the result. It was nice to play well but not nice to lose.”