Oldham Athletic manager Paul Scholes always knew visiting the league leaders was going to be a tough test.
Despite the uphill battle ahead of them, Latics came out of the blocks the more dominant again.
"I was really happy with them, the first 15 minutes I thought we started really well, their keeper made a good save. After that, after the Jose sending off it obviously was a long night but I thought the effort was sensational and at times we defended brilliantly."
Jose Baxter was given his marching orders just before the interval and at a crucial time when Dapo Afolayan was also removed due to injury. Two players who have been performing well recently.
"It was caused by the referee. There was so much going on off the ball, after the ball had gone that he just wasn't pulling up and I've lost my temper at that time as well and can totally understand what Jose's done. I'm not condoning it but from experience I know why he's done it."
He added: "We couldn't get up the pitch really, it was always going to be difficult. I wanted to bring two forwards on, obviously Dapo going off, he had a really bright start and it was a blow to us because I really like him. He's got energy, he can beat a man but I'm not sure what's going to happen with the rest of the season with him now.
"But I wanted to get two people in up front and hopefully try and knick a goal and make them a little bit nervous but it was never to be.
"Like I said, I'm really proud of their effort tonight, if we show that effort and determination again on Saturday we'll be fine."