DESPITE suffering the heartbreak of FA Cup defeat, Tigers fans were left feeling proud of their club and city.
Gloucester City Football Club lost 2-0 to Leyton Orient on Wednesday night in the FA Cup first round at Whaddon Road, in Cheltenham.
Around 1,500 fans were at the ground, where they now play their home games after their Meadow Park stadium was ruined by floods in 2007.
But although disappointed by the result, fans left with a smile on their faces.
Craig Vernon, from Abbeymead, said: "I think the boys can be really proud, they played well.
"It would have been great to have won, but they have definitely done their city proud and they have raised their profile.
"Games like that bring people out and it's great for the club. That is what they need, more support."
Brian Foulshar, from Longlevens, was there but not for the Tigers – he is a Leyton Orient fan.
He said: "I used to live in that neck of the woods, and I was pleased when this fixture came out.
"Gloucester definitely didn't disgrace themselves, they played really well and should be proud."
John Power, from Gloucester, said: "They played well. As soon as that second goal went in it killed the game and there was no way back.
"The game was great for the club, but we really need to get our own ground sorted now, that is the next step."
An outline planning application to press on with development work at Meadow Park, ravaged by floods in 2007, was denied in September amid flooding and access issues.
However, it is understood plans are still being made to find a way to bring the Tigers home.
Billy Hunt, a Tigers fan from Berkeley, said: "Winning would have raised the profile of the club even more, but they did well."
And Graham Birch, from Gloucester, said: "I have been supporting them for 25 years, and Wednesday was a great occasion.
"But we need to get the ground sorted now and bring the club back to the city where it belongs."
Mark Witts, from Gloucester, was taking his son Samuel, six, to his first football game on Wednesday.
Mark said: "The scoreline flattered Leyton Orient, we did very well.
"It was really fantastic to see so many people watching, that's what this club needs – the support."
The black and yellows conceded two late goals after having a number of opportunities to break the deadlock against their opponents, who sit four leagues above them.
