Penrith crashed out of the Northern League Division One Cup with a 4-0 defeat at Guisborough.
But the Cumbrians included nine teenagers in the squad, a good proportion of them 17-year-olds.
Chairman Billy Williams said: “It was a game spoiled by the wind but we hope the experience will have done these young lads a lot of good.
“Two of them, in particular, did really well, Alfie Brunskill and Josh Padgett who had both previously played in the first round when we beat Bishop Auckland.
“Alfie actually scored in that match and again at Guisborough both of them really worked hard and stood out throughout the game.
“It was particularly tough going in the last 20 minutes when Guisborough were virtually in total control with the strong wind behind them.”
Penrith are in a desperate struggle to avoid relegation and face a trip to fifth-placed Newton Aycliffe tomorrow.
All four away games left are against teams in the top four and one of the four home games is against current leaders and title favourites Consett.
“It’s a stiff ask for us but our next two home games are absolutely vital which we need to win.
“A week on Saturday we entertain Billingham Town, the team below us in the table and on the following Wednesday we are at home to mid-table Whickham.
“Our last home game is with Seaham Red Star on April 16 and we have just drawn away against them.”
Taking Consett out of the equation Penrith will probably need to win their other three home games to give themselves a chance of avoiding the drop.
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