MATT Jansen said he was 'immensely proud' of Chorley's FA Cup achievements this term despite seeing the Magpies suffer a heart-breaking first round exit.

Jansen guided the club to the first round proper for the first time in 27 years and, in front of the BT Sport cameras, they looked set to beat League One Fleetwood when a goal and a man up with 13 minutes remaining.

But the visitors, who are 71 places above Chorley in the league pyramid, struck twice to break Magpie hearts and claim an undeserved passage into the second round.

Jansen said Cod Army boss Uwe Rosler had admitted Chorley were the better side at Victory Park and he said the defeat was a difficult one to accept.

"It’s a tough one to take but I’m immensely proud," he said. "I’m so proud of my boys, they will gain in confidence and I’ll make sure they do, they’ve shown how strong they are and what a team they are.

"It was the magic of the cup, we should have won the game. That’s why it’s so bitterly disappointing."

Marcus Carver had given Chorley the lead before Lewie Coyle's straight red card for a shocking tackle on Jake Cottrell. But Devante Cole equalised for Fleetwood and Jake Sowerby struck a winner in added time.

"Even Uwe at the end of the game apologised and said we were the better team. Gutted is an understatement, the boys should take a shot in the arm, they should have huge belief for what a unit they are," Jansen said.

"In terms of play we were better than them, in my opinion, in Uwe’s opinion and I’m sure anyone watching will think the same thing.

"The second was a misplaced pass and he’s nicked it past the keeper. That’s the fine margins in football. It’s hard to take.

"The boys are disappointed but they shouldn’t be, they put on a hell of a show."

Of the red card, Jansen added: "I’ve seen it, it’s bad. He’s had to have stitches, his shinpad is shattered. It was a bad challenge."

Chorley now return to National League North action with a Victory Park clash against Nuneaton this weekend.

And Jansen is determined that his side will use their cup heroics to fuel a march up the table.

"We have to focus on the league now. You need 24 or 48 hours to digest what has happened (against Fleetwood)," he said.

"I’m proud of what they’ve achieved, sometimes you don’t get what you deserve in football.

"I said to them ‘you hold your heads up high and use this as an adrenaline boost’. We can be proud of this, this is a team contesting to get into the Championship and we’ve outplayed them."

A crowd of over 3,500 packed into Victory Park and Jansen paid tribute to the club and the fans.

He added: "Chorley Football Club have been magnificent on all levels, behind the scenes, the staff, the fans, everyone has been magnificent.

"It’s a family club. It’s been well put on and the players have done everyone around Chorley pride."