Bromley winger Adam Mekki is ‘desperate’ to exchange his man of the match award for an FA Trophy winners’ medal following defeat to Brackley Town.
The 26-year-old set up Omar Bugiel’s first-half goal after a superb run from midfield but couldn’t provide another as the Saints snatched the win.
Despite being on the losing side, Mekki was voted the best player on the pitch as he repeatedly threatened the opposition defence.
LIVE COVERAGE: FA Trophy final at Wembley: Brackley Town vs Bromley - as it happened
Mekki said: “I’m holding the bottle of champagne but I’d rather have the winners medal.
“It’s a gut-wrenching feeling to be that close and yet have it taken away from you.
“It was a sickening moment when that penalty went in.”
Neil Smith’s men went into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead, courtesy of Buigel’s strike on 18 minutes.
Brackley Town had a strong spell early in the second-half where it looked as though they may score had it not been for some determined defending and a lack of luck.
However, Mekki believes the team sat back and allowed Brackley to come forward after Bromley scored the first goal.
PLAYER RATINGS: How Bromley performed against Brackley Town
He added: “We had a really positive start, we got the early goal and then it just felt as though we set back and invited the pressure.
“We rode our luck at times.”
Although disappointed to lose, the winger still took some positives from the game after Bromley were tipped for relegation from the Vanarama National League.
Mekki said: “To have the season that we’ve had, to get into the playoffs and almost win a trophy, is still an achievement.
“It’s been a long season but we’ve got to rest, recover, and go again next year.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here