AFC Fylde manager Dave Challinor admits his side were devastated following Saturday’s Promotion Final defeat to North Ferriby United.
The Coasters had a goal chalked off for offside in the dying embers of the match to level the scores but Challinor believes luck just wasn’t on their side.
“Obviously we are gutted. We knew it was going to be a tight affair and it was whether we got that little bit of luck that seems to have eluded us all season. We didn’t get that unfortunately.
“Lloydy’s goal late on looks onside but ultimately we haven’t done enough to win the game. We haven’t been good enough over the course of the season and we haven’t been promoted.
“We have been on the end of bad decisions all season and usually these thing even themselves out but we haven’t had our fair share of luck this season.
“It wasn’t a great game to be fair and there wasn’t much quality on show. It was obviously going to be nervy and I don’t think either side deserved to win the match.
“There were very few chances and three scrappy goals but we have come out on the wrong side of the scoreline and it’s tough to take.
“Hopefully circumstances like this make you stronger even though it’s a massive disappointment for everyone. Congratulations to North Ferriby and I hope they do well in the National League next season.
“There’s nothing we can do about it now, it’s gone and we have to try and get the players in that will improve the side.
“Unfortunately for some of the lads in that changing room, that will be the last game they play for this club. It’s a shame some will go out like this but we have to improve and that’s the nature of football
“We have been preparing targets probably since Christmas and a lot depended on which division we were in, but now we can start moving.
“It’s a difficult way for a season to end. It will hurt and it will hurt until the next time we play,
“We have to dust ourselves down and prepare for next year and make sure we are stronger next time around. It’s my job to make sure we do that. We need to look forward now, prepare for next year and make sure we are up there competing again.”