LIAM McDonald hailed Redditch United’s fine season after their promotion hopes were dashed.

The Reds’ saw their dreams of winning promotion back to National North end when they lost 3-1 on penalties to Leamington at a packed Valley Stadium.

A crowd of 1,303, the biggest attendance at the club for a number of seasons, watched as Ashley Sammons fired them ahead in the first half.

But Leamington substitute Courtney Baker-Richardson bagged a 94th minute leveller.

After a goalless extra-time, Luke Shearer and Ashley Sammons were denied by keeper Tony Breeden, who also scored one of Leamington’s spot-kicks.

But McDonald believes his team should be proud of a campaign where they finished second in the Southern League Premier.

He said: “This season has been a fantastic achievement.

“The players have given me everything over 47 games and I can’t thank them enough.

“I spoke to the lads the day after the defeat and they all apologised but there was no need, they worked incredibly hard.

“I have told the players they must use this experience to make them stronger.

“A lot of them have never felt anything like this but I told them they will feel disappointment and triumph many times over a career and this will help them.”

With the dust settling on a brilliant season, McDonald admitted he’s going to need a break to recharge his batteries before really stepping up his plans for the 2016-17 campaign.

He said: “I have already started talking to some players for next season and I am confident I have a group at the club who want to play for me next year.

“But I must admit being a manager is incredibly tiring and I need a holiday.

“I am going away with the players for a small break and then have a holiday with my partner and when I come back I will focus again on my plans.”

McDonald added: We’ve proved we can sign good quality players from our level such as Will Richards and Sam Merson and that’s what we’re going to keep trying to do.”