Tony Pennock pointed to the period before half-time as the turning point after seeing his young guns bow out of the FA Youth Cup.

Despite turning in a spirited performance, the young Swans were beaten 5-1 by Manchester United at the Liberty on Thursday night to exit the competition at the fifth round stage.

After a tight opening 40 minutes in which both teams had their chances, United scored three times in five minutes to put the tie beyond the home side's reach at the end of the first half.

"The lads gave everything they had, but it was just that three minute spell before half-time that cost us," said Pennock. "Up until then we had looked comfortable in the game, but realistically that was the end of the tie.

"We had a couple of chances before they scored and we looked threatening. We knew they were strong on the counter attack, so to concede goals like that is disappointing.

"The lads never gave up, we got the goal back and maybe 5-1 is a little harsh on the boys, but United are a good side and we have to give them credit."

After seeing his side overcome Liverpool and Portsmouth in the previous rounds, the Swans were one of only three clubs in the last 16 of the Youth Cup who didn't hold Academy status.

And Pennock had nothing but praise for his players as they now prepare for a league game against Swindon Town on Saturday in the Youth Alliance.

"I'm immensely proud of all the players," he said. "We've had a fantastic run in the competition and hopefully the lads can learn from the experience and kick on between now and the end of the season.

"We've got ten league games left and the quarter-finals of the Welsh Cup, so hopefully we can climb the table and do ourselves justice."

See the full interview with Tony on Swans Player now.