The system was not to blame, says Holleran

Sanders, who had been on loan at Barwell, had not made an appearance for Brakes since the 4-0 win at Bashley on January 29.

However, with Jamie Hood sitting out the final game of a three-match suspension and Jamie Husband still struggling for fitness, Sanders was brought into a back three alongside Liam Daly and Scott Lycett, with Holleran packing out the midfield.

The reshaped defence was breached inside nine minutes when Kyle Patterson found himself in acres of spaces to open the scoring and struggled all game to cope with the pacy striker.

However, Holleran said the 3-1 defeat was down to defensive naivety and not the deployment of the 3-5-2 system.

And he believes a serious injury to Neil Barnfield, sustained after a two-footed lunge from former Brake Jay Denny, was as much a turning point as the Pitmen’s second goal on the stroke of half-time.

“I’d had a good look at Hednesford,” said Holleran. “The idea was to match them up and, even though Guy Sanders had not been with us, we thought he would be able to help with their aerial threat.

“For the first goal we got the situation wrong and the shape was poor and that can happen whatever system you play.

“I still think it was the right thing to do. The midfield five were dominating until Barnfield had to go off.

“For the second goal, you get a centre-half and goalkeeper mix-up - the line was too deep, the keeper missed the punch and the defender ducked.

“It was so important in the manner of the game and was something that has crept into our performances recently.”

Despite the season ending in such a disappointing fashion, Holleran said it was important not to let the play-off exit overshadow what has been a successful season for the club.

Brakes finished the season 13 points better off than in 2009/10 despite having played two games less and Holleran says it will be a diffcult tally to replicate.

“I’m more than happy with what we’ve done. The points tally is a good return - 78 points from 40 games.

“We’ll look to move on again next season, but it will be tough to match.

“I’ve learnt a lot about the players, especially in the last three months.

“They’ve shown great character and when we’ve had a couple of blips they’ve bounced back.

“It just would have been nice to end it better.”

 Brakes’ presentation evening takes place at the New Windmill tonight (Friday) and includes a pig roast and salad buffet. The event starts at 8pm, with the clubhouse and bar open from 7pm. Tickets, costing £7, can be purchased on the door.