Rob Kelly refused to be too critical of his players after they were beaten by Southend United in the final home game of the League Two campaign.
The caretaker boss admitted his frustration following the 2-1 defeat and also expressed sympathy for Phil Brown’s visitors, who were relegation to the National League despite their victory.
“Goals change games,” Kelly told iFollow.
“At times in the first half we played some good football, but we’re disappointed in the manner in which we’ve conceded both goals.
“Maybe it was just a game too far for us at the moment, particularly after Tuesday night because we invested a lot physically and emotionally in that.
“Joel has been unbelievable for 45 games this season and I have to say there were a couple of weak challenges into the build-up to that second goal, so it wasn’t just down to him.
“You have to be mentally tough to be a goalkeeper and he will suffer now but it will toughen him up and he’ll move on quickly because he’s been great for us.
“Southend had a good go at us today and Phil has done a good job there to give them a chance to stay up and he’s got them fighting for him, so I am disappointed for him and the Club.”