Hednesford boss fears losing stars

Hednesford manager Rob Smith has admitted he fears the break-up of his play-off team - but pledged the Pitmen will regroup after their penalty heartbreak.

Smith's men missed out on promotion from the Zamaretto League yesterday in a 3-2 penalty shoot-out defeat to full-timers Salisbury.

And the Pitmen boss believes their success in charging into the play-offs could attract higher-ranked clubs to cherry-pick his stars, but insisted the club will fight back from yesterday's disappointment.

He said: "It would be nice to keep them together but I'm sure there will be a lot of clubs after the players and I wouldn't blame them if they wanted to play at a higher level.

"But, whatever happens, we will be back to have another pop. The lads have brought this club into a good position. It's hard but we've got to try to regroup and have a bash at it next season.

"We have only lost one game in 20. It's been an unbelievable run and full credit to the lads, even to have a shot at it was great.

"Nothing will hurt more than that but we know now we're a good side and we have pushed a full-time team all the way.

"The best players in the world miss penalties. Danny Quinn has missed a penalty but without his goals we wouldn't even be here.

"We don't want to feel too sorry for ourselves but it's very hard at the moment because it's an experience you never want. It's a cruel game.

"I thought we had done enough and we looked quite comfortable at 2-1 in extra-time."