While there was inevitable disappointment at missing out on a Wembley dream, Braintree Town boss Danny Cowley’s over-riding emotion was of pride after their play-off defeat by Grimsby Town.

The Iron had been hoping to book their place at Wembley next Sunday when they faced the Mariners in the second leg of their Vanarama National League play-off semi-final at the Avanti Stadium.

They held a one-goal lead following the first leg and knew a win or a draw would propel them to a final at Wembley, however, it was not to be in the end.

The Mariners, who finished a spot below third-placed Braintree in the final National League table at the end of the regular season, won 2-0 on the day with a Padraig Amond penalty and a header from Omar Bogle to secure a 2-1 win on aggregate.

However, it took Grimsby extra-time to get past their part-time opponents, who had to play with ten men for the added 30 minutes in searing heat at the end after Mark Phillips’ sending off.

And Cowley was rightly proud of his team on a day when he felt footballing fate wasn’t in their favour.

“We just came up a little bit short,” he said.

“There’s obviously a certain amount of disappointment but the overriding feeling is one of pride in the players.

“Unfortunately the football gods weren’t with us in this one.

“There was the penalty which I think he gave for pulling in the area and then to lose Mark Phillips so soon after, that was tough for us.

“It was a very hot day and when you are playing with ten, it makes it very tough.

“Throughout the game, Grimsby had a lot of possession and territory, but we didn’t feel that they were hurting us.

“We didn’t feel threatened by them and for 70 minutes, they didn’t hurt us, but the penalty swung it for them “Grimsby came at us as we expected them to.

“They are a fantastic team with some fantastic players and credit to them.

I’m disappointed for us but I’m pleased for (Grimsby manager) Paul Hurst and I hope they can go on to finish it now.”