However, the Blues boss was far from happy at seeing the side concede another early goal - Ryan Giggs' free kick opening the scoring for the hosts after just 3 minutes. "When the first goal went in so early, you look for your side to show spirit and determination. "We have been hammered from pillar to post, but at least we rolled up our sleeves in the second half and did not collapse. "We had two opportunities to make it 2-1 and carry the fight further. It was frustrating and even the chance which was cleared from near the line you thought it had to go in. "After Emile Heskey missed his chance, they went straight up the other end and made it 3-0, but at least in the second half the players showed something about themselves and were not humiliated again. "After losing 7-0 the other night we could not have had a more difficult place to come to, but at least we have restored some pride."
"One thing we spoke about was making a solid start to give ourselves a platform and a fighting chance," Bruce said after the 3-0 defeat at his old stamping ground.