DISAPPOINTED Stockton Town manager Michael Dunwell admitted the Wembley occasion got to his players as they were beaten by Thatcham Town in the FA Vase final.

The Anchors lost by the only goal after trailing at the break as Thatcham became only the second non-North East side to lift the Vase in the last decade.

And when asked if nerves played their part, Dunwell said: “In the first half, definitely. I think a few of them, I wouldn’t say froze but they made choices they wouldn’t normally make.

“They probably got over it at half-time and second half they come out, regrouped and had a real go of it.”

But after seeing two efforts cleared off the line by Thatcham – including one in the closing moments of the game, Dunwell added: “Luck wasn’t on our side today.

“On another day, maybe. But you only get one chance in a final like this.”