Great pride was tinged with frustration for Sittingbourne manager Ryan Maxwell following their FA Trophy exit.
The Brickies lost 3-0 at home to Aldershot Town in the quarter-finals on Saturday but the game was far more competitive than the scoreline suggests.
Maxwell’s Isthmian South East side more than held their own against National League opposition once again but conceded the opener in first-half injury time.
That was a significant blow to the game plan and while the part-time hosts threw everything at Aldershot after the break, they were picked off with two late goals in front of a 1,300 sell-out crowd at Woodstock.
Defeat ended Sittingbourne’s history-making run, having never been past round two before this season, with a Wembley final tantalisingly close.
“I’d rather have been completely outplayed if I’m honest,” said Maxwell. “Three-nil is flattering.
“I feel as if we played really well in patches, put them under a lot of pressure and had chances without making the most of them.
“They didn’t have a lot of shots at our goal but they’ve come away 3-0 winners and credit to them.
“It was a pleasing performance other than the scoreline.
“It’s been a hell of a journey, I’m gutted it’s ended like this.
“I’d rather have been outclassed and outdone but we weren’t and I suppose the players take great credit for that.
“I’m proud of them. They would do anything for me and these fans and I’m absolutely gutted for them, I feel for them.
“It’s come to an end but what a journey, what a phenomenal achievement.
“These boys have beaten six teams in a league or two or three above and that’s no fluke.
“They are tremendous, a great team, great lads, great men, great people, and I’m very proud to manage them.
“We didn’t seem to get any
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