GARRY Flitcroft has urged his Chorley players to use the disappointment of their cruel FA Trophy exit to inspire them to win promotion to Conference North, as champions.

The magnificent Magpies were denied a place in the FA Trophy quarter finals after losing 6-5 on penalties in their replay with Tamworth.

They came close to a second consecutive Conference Premier scalp after Andy Teague forced extra time with a stoppage time equaliser.

But despite the heartache of bowing out after a shoot-out, which went to sudden death after Sam Ashton saved two spot kicks, Flitcroft said their memorable Trophy run can give them the confidence to kick on in the league.

“I’m mega proud of the lads tonight. Over two legs we’ve been the better side – the same as we were against Forest Green – so we take a lot of pride from that,” said Flitcroft.

“At full-time I thought we looked a lot fitter than them and I thought overall we deserved to win the match.

“But our goal at the beginning of the season was to win this league and we’ve got to go for that now.”

“I’ve got a good bunch here, probably the best I’ve had in four seasons.

“They’re a mentally strong unit, they know what we want to do at the end of the season and they just never give in.

“We’ve just got to make sure we’re fresh for Saturday’s game against Skelmersdale.

“I don’t need to pick them up for the game because they’re so together.”

Chorley have the chance to make ground on leaders Skelmersdale, who go into the game four points clear of the second placed Magpies.

“We’ve missed out on a lot of games and have four games in hand on Skelmersdale, but the players know if we win on Saturday the lead is down to one point.”