Paul Tisdale proud of Exeter City after Liverpool loss

Skipper David Noble (right) was singled out for praise by Tisdale as he competed with the likes of Jordan Henderson (left) and Raul Meireles

Exeter City manager Paul Tisdale says he is proud of the way his side performed in their 3-1 defeat by Liverpool in the Carling Cup.

A full house at St James Park saw the Grecians compete well with the Premier League side in their first second round tie in the League Cup for 18 years.

"I'm very proud of the way we played," Tisdale told BBC Radio Devon.

"The players, the club, supporters, the way St James Park looked tonight, it was a really good football night."

And Tisdale felt his side handled the nerves and pressure of facing the five-time European champions well: "I kept it as light as I could and I just urged them to enjoy themselves and play and give it their best shot, and I think they did."

The Exeter boss praised skipper David Noble for his performance in the centre of midfield up against Charlie Adam, Jay Spearing and Jordan Henderson.

"David Noble looked like an absolute class act and he handled the ball as well as any of their players, there's no doubt about it."