ACCRINGTON Stanley boss John Coleman admits his players are 'hurting' after missing out on automatic promotion to League One but insists the Reds will pick themselves up for the play-offs.

A last minute Bristol Rovers winner meant Stanley's 0-0 home draw with Stevenage at a sold-out Wham Stadium was not enough for a top three finish.

The Reds missed out on goal difference and will now face AFC Wimbledon in the play-offs.

“I am hurting at the moment, and the players are," said Coleman. "My fears came home to roost as I felt some people, not the players, felt we were up.

“I am a positive person and we will turn up on Monday and be bright and bubbly and prepare for AFC Wimbledon.

"It has been a great season but I have been in football long enough to know it can be cruel and it can be brilliant. It was brilliant last week at Wycombe but cruel today.

“I want to congratulate Oxford and Bristol Rovers and I wish them all the best in League One."

Of the game itself, which saw Stanley hit the bar three times, the Reds boss added: “Stevenage were difficult to break down defensively and we couldn’t pass the ball or move it like we can.

"We have hit the woodwork three times but they have come to do a job and will feel like the deserved a point."