Met Police midfielder Billy Crook believes everyone associated with the club can be proud of their season despite losing the Ryman Premier Division play-off semi-final last week.

Crook and his team-mates travelled to Hendon and, although they took the lead through a Charlie Collins penalty, a goal either side of half-time put the hosts ahead 2-1 before the late dismissals of Rob Bartley and Stuart Searle compounded the Blues’ misery come full-time.

Hendon went on to lose Sunday’s play-off final to Margate, managed by former AFC Wimbledon boss Terry Brown.

But Crook says the disappointment can be balanced by winning the Surrey Senior Cup earlier this month, and the fact the club were rarely outside the top 10 during their domestic league season.

“The Hendon game was an even affair, but their first goal knocked us out our stride a little,” said Crook.

“I think this is the most successful season the club has had in a while however so we must all take the positives out of it.”

It was a shot by Crook, handled by an opponent in the box, which led to Collins giving the Met the lead and, upon reflection, the midfielder feels the incident could have led to an earlier dismissal.

He added: “For me, neither of our red cards denied clear goalscoring opportunities, but I can understand why they were given, but the guy who blocked my shot could have also been sent off.

“We were so pumped up about winning the penalty that I certainly didn’t think to question that decision at the time.”

Crook is now looking forward to a short break after a season which has seen him make nearly 60 appearances for the club.

“I’m happy with my contribution throughout this campaign and, if it can keep the majority of this squad together, perhaps the club can push on yet further again next season,” he said.