Gary McCann was understandably despondent after the play-off defeat on Sunday, but was able to look at the bigger picture. He said, "I am absolutely gutted to lose the game and in the way that we did.

"It was a gritty, determined and wholehearted performance. I admit it wasn't our best performance, but these were very difficult circumstances, especially after the sending off.

"I have an adulation for this group, and I feel proud and humbled for these players for what they have done in the past three and a half months. It has been a fantastic run.

"We played for 75-80 minutes a man short and we were still in the game right up to the final minute. You could see how desperate Margate were for the final whistle.

"But we have to take it on the chin, although it isn't easy. We have to turn the page and do it quickly.

"Their manager Terry Brown came up to me after the game and congratulated us on a fantastic season and was full of admiration for what we have achieved."