Phil Parkinson began turning his sights towards another promotion push next season after seeing Altrincham’s Wembley dream wrecked by three goals in nine second-half minutes in Sunday’s National League play-off semi-final.

Alty looked primed for a place in the promotion final after leading at half-time through a Regan Linney goal, but defensive lapses at the start of the second half proved costly as Bromley booked their passage with a 3-1 win.

It left Parkinson with mixed emotions as he reflected on a topsy-turvy 90 minutes at Hayes Lane and vowed to spend the summer months ensuring his squad is equipped for another challenge next season.

“The first half went exactly how we wanted it to, with us looking strong and comfortable,” said the Alty boss.

“We made it very clear at half time that the next 15 minutes would be pivotal, so to concede three goals like that was really frustrating and a kick in the teeth.

“It just wasn’t good enough, and we certainly didn’t deserve to go through based on that.

“What pleased me most was that, for 45 minutes, the lads showed they could play their way and control a big game in front of a big crowd, but unfortunately it proved a bridge too far in the end.

“That is the hurt and the learning curve they will take from this. You can’t concede three goals at Bromley and expect to get something out of it, but the fact remains it has been a fantastic season for us and I am so proud of how far we have come.

“To reach the play-off semi-finals in our second season as a professional club is phenomenal. Like a fairytale, only without a happy ending.We are going in the right direction, but we have to keep building.

“To keep moving forward, we are going to have to reinvest in the squad.

“We don’t have an embarrassment of riches, but if we lose one or two, the players coming in must be at least as good, if not better.”