CHERRIES captain Gemma Hillier described as “heartbreaking” ending the league season without promotion, despite going through the entire campaign unbeaten.

Cherries finished on 60 points in Women’s National League Division One South West, winning 19 and drawing three of their matches.

But they end as runners-up, two points off fellow ‘Invincibles’ Exeter City, who drew 1-1 with Cherries on the final day to clinch the title.

Hillier, who previously expressed her feelings more than one team should be promoted from this level of the pyramid, told afcbTV: “In the first half I thought we were absolutely outstanding, gave everything.

“We had a few more chances. The second half we just wanted it so, so bad. We just ran out of legs in the end and our quality wasn’t quite there.

“But fair play to Exeter, they did what they needed to do.

“1-0 up at half-time, we knew we had done the easy bit – 45 minutes we just had to not concede. Unfortunately they got a really, really good goal to secure their draw.

“I’m so proud of the girls. Being unbeaten at the end of the season and not getting promoted is heartbreaking, but that’s the way football goes.

“We’re all hurt. Not going up and not losing a game, it hurts.

“But we know that’s got to fuel us for next season.”