Whyteleafe boss John Fowler has vowed to come back stronger next season after suffering play-off heartbreak at Folkestone Invicta last night (Tuesday).
The Leafe’s season came to an end in Kent after a 2-1 extra-time defeat sent their hosts into the Ryman Division One South play-off final against Merstham.
In front of almost 800 fans, the visitors started brightest, and Roscoe DSane hit the woodwork when well placed.
However, the division’s leading goal-scorer Ian Draycott headed Invicta in front moments before the break with his 34th goal of the season.
The Leafe, still playing the better football, but lacking the cutting edge, were level soon after the restart when DSane latched onto a ball down the middle to beat Tim Roberts with a low effort.
Nothing could separate the sides in normal time, but Folkestone regained the lead in the early exchanges of extra-time when Jason Thompson deflected Matt Newman’s close-range volley past Skeikh Ceesay.
Moments later Thompson had the chance to redeem himself after Leafe were rewarded a spot kick for a foul on Jason Henry.
However, the skipper's effort cleared the crossbar, and Folkestone saw out the remaining time with few scares.
Fowler said: “I am gutted, but I could not be more proud of the boys, they were excellent.
“They were probably on top in extra time, but for 90 minutes we were the much better side.
“We could go over all the chances we had in the first half when we would normally test the keeper and we haven’t.
“If we’d managed to get a couple of goals ahead, then it’s a totally different game.”
He added: “Before the game we talked about not giving them too many opportunities to load the box, because they good at set pieces.
“Unfortunately we gave a corner away just before half-time and I could see what was going to happen, we switched off and guy’s got a free header.”
DSane’s goal confirmed his status as Leafe’s leading goal-scorer this season with 24 goals.
Fowler said: “At half-time we told them to keep doing what you’re doing. Keep it high up the pitch, don’t give them space to pass it and keep getting in behind them, which was working for us.
“Roscoe’s goal was a great finish, and I thought we were in a game then.”
He added: “You feel for Jason missing the penalty, but someone has to step up and take the responsibility.
“He’s been our penalty-taker all year and he’s dispatched a lot of them, unfortunately it’s not been his night.
On target: Roscoe DSane fired the Leafe level at Folkestone Invicta
“But we’re upbeat, we can take a lot out of this performance given how far we’ve come and it’s all about building for next year.”
In his two seasons at Church Road, Fowler has guided the Leafe to the Southern Counties East League title, and to within a whisker of the Ryman Division One South play-off final – making him potential hot property.
However, the former Croydon boss is already turning his thoughts to a third season in charge at Whyteleafe.
“We have to maintain the level we’re at now, that is key – it will be difficult next season because people will know what we’re about,” said Fowler.
“We have to make a couple of additions to the squad, keep our key players and go again for the play-offs, or even challenge for the title.”
He added: “I am really happy at Leafe, I know the club very well having been a player here.
“I like the chairman and the supporters, and I have no intention of going anywhere.”
Staying put: John Fowler says he has no intention of leaving Whyteleafe
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