Brackley Town boss Jon Brady says his players can ‘hold their heads high’ after narrowly missing out on a play-off promotion to the Blue Square Bet Premier Division.
The Saints were edged out 1-0 by Halifax Town in front of a record attendance of more than 2,500 at their St James’ Park ground.
Brady was a man of mixed emotions after the game, admitting his disappointment at the side’s performance in the final but confirming his enormous pride at the season they have enjoyed.
“We had no complaints in the end,” he said. “I thought both teams were very edgy and only really had one or two half-chances.
“Did we test their keeper enough in the game? No, not as much as I would have liked us to.
“Last week our front two (Gary Mulligan and Jefferson Louis) were oustanding but today Halifax’s back four and their holding midfielder snuffed out anything into them.
“The only time we looked a really strong threat was when Marvin Robinson and Steve Diggin came on but at the same time they scored from their only real shot.”
To reach the play-off final at the end of the club’s first season in regional Conference football is a substantial achievement for Brady, whose pre-season ambition was simply to survive at that level.
“It’s disappointing but we hold our heads high,” he said. “The players have given me absolutely everything this season.
“Halifax lost in the semi-finals last season and they came back to win it this season.
“Sometimes football does kick you in the teeth but we’ve exceeded ours and everybody else’s expectations this year.
“I don’t feel we did ourselves justice on the day. We’re better than that but I can’t have a go at anyone because they’ve given everything over the course of the season.”
