LITTLE Oakley joint-boss Sean Tynan believes his side should feel inspired - rather than deflated – following their defeat in the Essex Premier Cup final.

The Acorns suffered a 4-1 loss against Frenford Senior, in Wednesday’s showpiece match at Thurrock’s Ship Lane ground.

Rory Harmon put them in front, early in the second half, but their opponents fought back to run out convincing winners.

Tynan admitted his players were bitterly disappointed to fall at the final hurdle.

However, given that it is a predominantly young squad, he hopes their cup exploits this season should whet their appetites for more success in the future.

“The players should be hungry for more now,” he said.

“This has given them a taste and it’s a young side, so hopefully they can get to the final again in their careers and go one step further next time.

“It should inspire them to keep working hard, in training and on a Saturday afternoon.

“A lot of our young development team were here watching, too.

“It shows them what can happen if they work hard and push on.”

Tynan hopes his players come back “even stronger”, after their midweek disappointment.

In the short-term, they are still chasing a top-four spot in the Essex and Suffolk Border League and they will be hoping for three more points from tomorrow’s match at Lawford Lads.

“They’re good lads and we’ll stick together and come back even stronger,” said Tynan.

“They know what an achievement it’s been to get this far.

“Unfortunately we just came up a little bit short in the final.

“It’s a fine line when you don’t take your opportunities, but we’re philosophical about it.

“We’re bitterly disappointed but, at the same time, proud to have got this far.”