SOME Stockton Town players were nervous, admitted defender Tom Coulthard, during the first half of their FA Vase final defeat yesterday.

They lost 1-0 to Thatcham Town, the only goal coming midway through a first half in which Stockton were not at their best, and despite an improvement in the second period they were unable to avoid Wembley woe.

Coulthard, Stockton’s captain, said: “At half-time the manager just said go back out and change way you play. He told us not to be scared to make mistakes.

“Some of the lads were nervous, it’s a massive stage and to have 4,000 fans there.

“But the gaffer said there's no need to be nervous, go out and do a job.

“The lads gave it everything in second half.”

In the second period, particularly in the latter stages, Stockton had Thatcham pinned in their own half, with the Teessiders wining seven corners to the Berkshire club’s none.

At one stage the Thatcham were grateful for Baboucarr Jarra clearing off the line from defender Dale Mulligan.

“I think we had a corner a minute, just couldn't put the ball in back of the net,” added Coulthard.

“Obviously everyone disappointed but in a week or two we'll realise how good we've done to get here. At the minute we're all just devastated.

“It was a different class experience, professional footballers don't get the chance to play here. Just massively disappointed.

“The lads give everything. Seven years ago some of the lads were playing in the Teesside League for Stockton.

“The fans were class, singing all the songs, it was absolutely different class.”

Adam Nicholson, a defender who came off the bench in the closing stages and was sent up front, added: “We've come a long way in short space of time.

“Naturally we're disappointed but once the pain of defeat wears up we'll realise what we've achieved this season.

“I just want to say thanks to every single fan. They were unbelievable. Sorry we couldn't win it for you, we did everything we could.

“It's been an amazing run. Two years ago playing Wearside League, to be here running out at national stadium in front of 4,000 fans is amazing.

“Unfortunately, the fairytale has had to come to an end.

“I don't think there was much in the game but unfortunately we've come off second best.”