Gerard Lyttle was left to reflect on the proverbial 'game of two halves' as Northern Ireland were edged out by Manchester United.
The young Red Devils came from 2-0 down at the break to record a late 3-2 win at the Coleraine Showgrounds.
The Under 18 challenge match is the first of two games between the sides at this week's SuperCupNI, with the reverse fixture on Wednesday night in Ballymena.
Read more: Northern Ireland 2 Manchester United 3: Late agony for Gerard Lyttle's young side at SuperCupNI
Northern Ireland dominated the first half to lead through goals from Conor Scannell and Lewis Trickett.
United rallied after the break with replies from Ethan Williams, Jack Kingdon and Ethan Ennis.
"It was a game of two halves," Lyttle admitted.
"First half I thought we were absolutely fantastic in terms of what we asked of the boys. Tactically, out of possession, how we controlled the game. And I think we surprised them a bit.
"They changed their formation three times in the second half and that is a compliment to my players. We just struggled when that happened.
"We ran out of steam, out of legs. And you could see their full-time conditioning coming through in the end.
"We expected that in the second half, but we are very proud of the performance and it gives us something to build on going into Wednesday's game.
"We will go back and watch the game and then see how we approach Wednesday's game. Fans came out in their numbers tonight, and hopefully they're talking about Northern Ireland players as well as these United youngsters."
Northern Ireland were rewarded for a bright start with Scannell's opening goal in the sixth minute.
The Glenavon forward picked up possession about 22 yards from goal and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.
Lyttle's side doubled their lead in the 16th minute, Trickett latching onto Sam Glenfield's pass before coolly slotting past Tom Myles.
Manchester United grew into the half but failed to threaten Pierce Charles' goal. If anything it was the hosts who looked likely to add to their tally.
Glenfield scuffed an effort wide in the 38th minute, and then a teasing cross from Scannell forced a last-ditch tackle from Louis Jackson.
The half-time break inspired a marked improvement from United and they found a quick breakthrough in the 48th minute.
Dan Gore was the creator, dropping his shoulder to ghost past two Northern Ireland defenders before sending in a low cross from the left that was bundled home by Williams.
Buoyed by the goal, the young Red Devils went hunting for an equaliser - and they got it in the 68th minute.
A short corner was eventually played into the back post, and Sonny Aljofree had time to nod it into the path of defender Kingdon who finished off from about five yards out.
United were now pressing for a winner, and they forged ahead for the first time on the night in the 83rd minute.
James Scalon won possession inside the Northern Ireland box, and he crossed for Ennis to force home at the near post.
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