"It was tough; we made it harder than it should have been with the goals we conceded," he says.
"It is always difficult to play teams from the so-called lower divisions because they make it hard for you and even a Premiership side would struggle."
As for the trip to Chelsea in the next round, Nigel adds:
"We have a job to do and we have to focus on that.
"It should be a great game and hopefully we will play to the best of our abilities.
"It will be a marker of where we are - but you can't reflect on it too much because it is a cup game, a one-off."
As for the trip to Nottingham Forest, he says:
"All that matters is getting three points; I know of Cloughie's reputation and the occasion will make it a very difficult day but at the same time we have to stay focused and concentrate on the job in hand."
Regarding his own form, he concludes:
"I have set my own standards that I have to live up to and I don't believe I have to prove anything."