Newry led 1-0 thanks to a goal by Darren King (number 2)

City lost 4-3 on spot-kicks to league champions Linfield after a thrilling match at Mourneview Park ended 1-1.

"I feel good because I could not have asked any more from the boys. They matched the best team in the league for 120 minutes," said Flynn.

"But I am gutted for them and the fans who turned up in such numbers."

Newry had led 1-0 through Darren King's goal early in the second half but Blues striker Peter Thompson equalised to send the conetst to extra-time.

Match photos: CIS Cup semi-finals

"It is hard to take in the semi-final, especially on penalties. But I am so proud of the boys, every single one of them," added Flynn.

"I feel we had a poor offside decision go against us which led to the free-kick in the run-up to Linfield's goal.

"We battled hard. This is the standard we need to get to and we are not far away.

"That was our real test tonight. The game could have gone either way.

"If we can keep this squad together we will have more semi-finals and finals."

Linfield manager David Jeffrey said: "We knew it was going to be hard and that proved to be the case.

"It is not a nice way to go through but I know we deserved to.

"The match was everything I expected it to be. I warned the players they did not have a devine right to anything just because they were Linfield."