Workington Reds boss Dave "Dabba" Hewson believes the desire in the squad can lead them to greater heights next season.

And he indicated that he and Lee Andrews would love to lead the way once again.

Hewson said once the hurt of Monday night’s play-off defeat at Stourbridge receded, the players could take stock of what has been another successful season.

And he said the talent in the young squad was only going to get better.

“We have the nucleus of a fantastic squad and we have age on our side,” said Hewson.

“The lads are getting a lot more experienced now and we have some outstanding talent.

“If you match that with the desire and the endeavour that we’ve shown over this season, then we won’t go far wrong.

“I would love to still be here, have the same group of players, and give it another really good go next year.”

Hewson admitted the 3-2 defeat to Stourbridge, after extra-time, could be a motivational tool to spur Reds on to greater things next term.

He added: “You look to use it as motivation.

"Right now it won’t seem that way but when we reflect on the season, it has been another magnificent effort to get into the play-offs.

“It was such a big effort from the lads. To give such a good account of themselves is a credit to them and we’ll use it and take into next year.

“But at the moment its difficult to get across to the players.

“I just think that anyone watching that semi-final could see what a credit the lads are to the club and what a privilege it is for myself and Lee to be joint managers of a team like that.

“I am full of pride and I just wish I could take some of the burden off them, but I can’t.”

Hewson said the Stourbridge manager had been gracious after the match and declared it a great advert for non-league football.

“It was a fantastic game for the neutral," added Hewson.

“Their manager came over and all credit to him. He said there didn’t deserve to be a loser and I think he’s probably right.

“But that’s football. There has to be a winner and there has to be a loser.

“Unfortunately, it was us who lost but it wasn’t through a lack of trying or a lack of effort.

“But we just weren’t able to get over that line.”