WAYNE Goodison believes the magnitude of 1874 Northwich’s achievement to reach the last four of the FA Vase will sink in after initial disappointment fades.

His side were eliminated following a 3-2 defeat against Thatcham Town in a semi-final second leg on Saturday, leaving them 4-2 adrift on aggregate.

The Kingfishers’ prize is to meet Stockton Town, conquerors of Marske United, in the Wembley showpiece.

“There are some broken hearts to mend,” said Goodison, who manages the team together with Paul Bowyer.

“It’s a massive disappointment, of course it is, to fall short at this stage.

“There was an honest conversation in the dressing room after the final whistle, and we know we didn’t quite do enough.

“We didn’t reach the standards we know we’re capable of – although the lads’ effort is not in doubt – and that means we were found wanting.

“I’ve no complaints about the outcome; Thatcham did a good job – they’re a good side that is well-drilled and their game-plan worked perfectly.”

He told the Guardian that a slow start in both games – they fell behind inside three minutes on Saturday after conceding a fourth-minute penalty in the first leg – had proven costly.

It left 1874 giving chase to a side that proved to be capable front-runners.

Goodison said: “Over the two games, we’ve conceded three goals early in halves – at bad times – and that makes life so much easier for them.

“We wanted to score an early goal, and it might have changed things, and instead we were back on our heels straightaway.

“The goals we’ve conceded were poor defensively, and we’ve not reacted to the second balls. That’s unlike us.”

A huge crowd, totalling close to 1,700 spectators, trying to enter Wincham Park delayed the start by 15 minutes.

It had an impact, according to 1874’s co-boss.

He said: “The late kick-off didn’t help, but it’s the same for Thatcham.

“It does throw you; we’d done our bit to be ready, and then had to refocus.

“I wonder if perhaps we were a bit too keyed up, and that was a factor.

“It was a big occasion for a lot of our players who haven’t been in this situation before. Were we too tense? Perhaps.”

Northwich have next to no time to reflect with a North West Counties League fixture at City of Liverpool scheduled for Monday.

They then host Abbey Hey on Wednesday night.

Goodison said: “I think we won’t know until later in the week how we’ll react.

“I hope, when we all reflect, that a sense of pride at what we’ve done does come through.

“Look at it; we’ve reached the last four of a national competition – and that takes some doing.”