ANDY Ballard is already looking to next season after Didcot Town’s promotion hopes ended with defeat in the play-offs.

The Railwaymen had won their last three games of the regular season to finish sixth in the Evo-Stik South League’s West Division.

But their tilt was ended by a 2-0 semi-final defeat at Wimborne Town, who went on to lose Monday’s final to Swindon Supermarine on a penalty shoot-out.

Ballard, whose side also fell just short in losing the BigFreeBet.com League Cup final last month, was proud of what his squad had achieved this season.

And the Town boss believes they have what it takes to improve in the next campaign, if the squad can be kept together this summer.

“What a season that was,” he said.

“I’m gutted with the way it finished, but reaching the League Cup final and finishing in the play-offs has given us all valuable experience.

“The players must take all the credit for our success this season.

“The footballing ability this squad has is frightening at times and along with their workrate and determination they have everything it takes to be successful again.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to manage them.

“Planning has already begun for next season and if we can keep all of this squad together we’ve got a great chance.”

Ballard knew Wimborne, who finished four points and three places above Didcot in the table, would prove a tough test, despite winning both matches against them in the regular season.

The visitors were on the back foot from the start, as the Dorset side forced two early corners.

And Wimborne went ahead in the 21st minute, when Billy Maybury’s free-kick deflected off the wall to the unmarked Tobias Holmes, who made no mistake from close range.

They doubled the lead four minutes later.

Didcot defender Cameron McNeill was caught in possession by Holmes, who crossed for Jack Lovell to score.

The visitors had to wait 35 minutes for their first chance, but McNeill headed just over.

Wimborne stayed in charge at the start of the second half, and only a great saves by the Railwaymen’s keeper Leigh Bedwell kept out Holmes.

Felipe Barcelos and Sam Barder tested home keeper Gerard Benfield, but Wimborne never looked troubled.

When Barcelos missed a late chance, Didcot knew their hopes had gone.