Player-manager Jamie Coyle insists Whitstable’s young squad will come back stronger after their play-off semi-final shootout disappointment on Tuesday night.

The Oystermen’s wait for a return to Step 4 football will go on for another season as they went down 4-3 on penalties to Fisher in their final-four Southern Counties East League Premier Division showdown after a 1-1 draw in normal time.

Captain Jake McIntyre looked to have set Whitstable on their way with his goal in the second half, but away top scorer Kesna Clarke came up with a late leveller, before Ajay Ashanike’s men were victorious on spot-kicks.

Coyle reflected: “We're devastated with the end result. I thought the boys did really well.

“If I'm honest, I thought we had far better chances in the game but, unfortunately, it's a cruel game at times.

“They've had one shot on target that's gone in the back of the net, towards the back-end of the game and, obviously, won on penalties.

“So, really, I'm devastated for the players. They've given me everything this year.

Report: Whitstable 1-1 Fisher (Fisher win 4-3 on penalties)

“They've run through brick walls for the management team and the football club and I feel for them.

“But I said to them in the changing room, it's an experience that they'll learn from and they'll come back stronger, better for the experience with the young group that we've got.

“It's hard to find the words straight after a game like this but, obviously, I’m gutted.”

Remarkably, it was a 10th match in 23 days for the Oystermen, albeit left-back Jake McIntyre was the sole survivor in their starting line-up from the team that won 3-2 at home to Glebe to end their regular season such is the size of their squad.

Asked if tiredness had been a factor, 41-year-old centre-back Coyle replied: “I don't think so.

“We freshened things up. We didn't look tired.

“As I said, I thought we were on top after the first 15 minutes of the game. I thought they started really brightly without creating any chances.

“We grew into the game and we spent the majority of the game in the final third with set-pieces and long throws.

“But I think, with the amount of service that we got into our final third, we didn't create enough clear-cut chances. Their keeper has pulled off maybe one or two brilliant saves, one from Ronald [Sithole].

“But outside of that, we've not really threatened and done enough to win the game.”

The hosts had several chances to extend their lead at The Belmont in front of a 762-strong crowd, soon after breaking the deadlock, but ultimately paid the price for not taking them.

“Ultimately, we talk about being ruthless in both boxes and they've done that,” said Coyle.

“They've defended their box really well with the onslaught of our set-pieces. And then they've had one, I wouldn't even call it a chance.

“He's done really well - the forward - and got it on the edge of the box and spun, and it's gone through Finn O’Mara’s legs. That was their only real chance, a half chance.

“It's frustrating but, as I say, I've not got a bad word to say about this group of players, whether they started, were on the bench or the boys that didn't even make the squad. They've given us absolutely everything.

“The final message in the changing room is, if we start the season now with the same group, it's going to be one heck of a different season.”

Teenage forward Nathan Jeche, who has been a revelation since he joined on dual registration from Isthmian Premier Cray Wanderers, was the player to be denied by Fisher keeper Isaac Ogunseri with the decisive penalty.

It was particularly harsh on the 19-year-old. He was denied by Ogunseri once and, although referee Matthew Pollington ordered a retake, it made no difference in the end.

Coyle admitted: “It's tough but, again, it's experience. This builds character. We've all been there at 18-years-old or 19-years-old.

“Stepping up, Ronald's the same and even Harvey Smith, they're all youngsters, they're under 21, so that's only going to benefit them, moving forwards.

“It's a flick of a coin when it goes to penalties and, unfortunately, it's not landed on our side.”

Whitstable Town’s sole focus will now be on a huge day out at Wembley.

They will play Combined Counties League Premier Division South side AFC Whyteleafe in the FA Vase final next Sunday.