FOOTBALL: Worthing's play-off reaction

Simon Colbran, the management team, coaches and players were saluted by the Rebels fans, who continued to sing as they had done all night and they showed their appreciation for the season.

The harsh reality, however, was that Worthing's season was over and that left both players and management distraught.

Assistant manager Simon McMenemy said: "I'm just gutted for the boys. I know how much they have put in this year and the obstacles they've had to overcome and, at times, when the chips were down, they have really worked hard.

"The boys are gutted in there (changing rooms) and some are close to tears. I don't mind losing as I've been there and done it, but losing like that is hard, when you have referees like that.

"I don't want to blame officials, but we've had no luck this season and again tonight decisions just went against us. You ask anyone who has watched us here this season, especially the past six or seven games at home, and we just don't get anything."

Worthing captain Paul Kennett said: "We're all gutted.

"I thought we edged it over the 90 minutes and were unlucky to be 1-0 down.

"We dominated the second half and could have got back to 1-1 early on before a great goal got us back in it.

"We kept it tight in the first half of extra-time before we gave away the penalty. Their guy was very quick and would probably have scored anyway if he hadn't been fouled.

"It's a disappointing end to the season as we all thought we had a really good chance and we feel like we missed out.

"We've got a good young team, though, and if we all stick together we'll come back next year and look to get promoted, without needing the play-offs.

"I'd also like to thank the fans on behalf of the players. They were brilliant, as they have been all season."

Rebels goalscorer Chamal Fenelon said: "I'm just gutted. When we scored I thought we'd done it and would push on from there, but it didn't seem to break for us.

"When I scored, I thought we'd go on from there and we'd be in fairy-land, but their second one just killed us.

"I can't quite believe that's it now. The chance of promotion is gone and it's a bit of a slap in the face.

"There are only a few clubs around like this, with such great fans. I just wanted to help secure promotion to give something back."

Striker Ben Williamson, who hears soon if he has been successful with his Glenn Hoddle Academy trial, said: "All our hard work for the season has come to an end just like that.

"We fought back well but it's another penalty and another decision.

"The only argument I'd have about it is whether it was in the area as I couldn't see from where I was.

"It's been a really good season, though, and I've really enjoyed it. I owe a lot to Simon Colbran and Simon McMenemy. They've always stuck by us and looked out for us."

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