Football:
Boss frustrated by play-off heartbreak

RUGBY Town boss Dave Stringer was understandably a frustrated man after watching his side lose out to Biggleswade in Monday’s Southern League Division One Central play-off final.

Town were beaten 3-1 despite David Kolodynski putting them ahead and speaking straight after the game, Stringer reflected: “I’m obviously bitterly disappointed. The target this season was promotion and we haven’t achieved that.

“We didn’t pass it around particularly well today to be fair, and gave away three poor goals - one of them controversially so with the penalty.”

After initially appearing to waive away claims, referee Anthony Serrano then awarded a spot kick on the advice of his assistant, which saw Biggleswade cancel out Rugby’s opener - a 35th of the season from Kolodynski.

Stringer continued: “From where we stood it looked a very harsh one to give. On such a big occasion I think you’ve got to be 100 per cent and the referee has gone with his linesman. It’s a disappointing decision, but we have to accept it.”

Town finished the main campaign in second place in the table, with their total of 96 points normally enough to gain automatic promotion.

However, the form of champions Burnham left them with the lottery of the play-off system as their only route back to the league’s top division after a three year spell away.

Stringer added: “It’s just a shame that we couldn’t get over the line after such a fantastic season. It was a great finish from Kolo - which is what he has done all year, but we just couldn’t build on it.

“To be fair we didn’t defend too well for their second and third goals, but I can’t be too harsh on the lads after what they have done for me previously. It was just one step too far on the day.

“Of course it hurts now, but in a few days time, hopefully we can look back on what we have achieved this season with a lot of pride.”

Regarding the play-off system as a whole, Stringer said: “I honestly believe that the top two should go up automatically in every league, but the rules are the rules and we knew what they were before we started, so we just have to go with it.”

With the hurt of the defeat still raw, Stringer chose not to dwell too much on plans for the future.

He said: “I will take stock over the next few days and speak to the Chairman and see where we are, and then make some decisions.”

THE CLUB’S annual presentation evening will take tomorrow (Friday) in the V.S.Bar, with all welcome to attend.

The event will start at 7pm and include a race night in aid of the rehabilitation of skipper Robbie Banks - who broke his leg in the away game at Royston in February.

MONDAY’S attendance of 1,126 was the fourth largest ever to watch a home Valley Southern League fixture, and the biggest since the 1,233 crowd for the visit of Rushden and Diamonds in April 1994.

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