"There was one team trying to win and one team trying not to lose," said Nolan.
"That was them and the respect they showed us. They snuffed us out, but I am proud of the lads.
"They were all disappointed at not winning afterwards and I am delighted with that because it shows how far they've come in such a short space of time.
"They felt like they have let each other down, but they haven't. They should all be proud of what they have achieved."