LIAM Feeney failed to hide his play-off heartache but vowed: “We will come back stronger.”

The winger was almost lost for words after Cherries’ agonising semi-final shootout defeat at Huddersfield Town last night.

A double from Stevie Lovell and goals from Terriers duo Lee Peltier and Danny Ward forced extra-time, where headers from Danny Ings and Antony Kay sent the dramatic encounter to penalties.

Cherries then suffered the cruellest of exits as Huddersfield claimed a 4-2 win on spot kicks, with Feeney and Anton Robinson both unable to convert from 12 yards.

The defeat ended Cherries’ Championship dream but Feeney insisted the Dean Court outfit would bounce back next term.

When asked what Cherries could do if the team remained intact, he told the Echo: “Just look at what we did this year in our first season in League One.

“Looking to next season, we will come back stronger. This occasion and disappointment will definitely make us stronger.

“Hopefully, we will come back a much better side and, hopefully, we can go up automatically.”

Discussing the penalties, Feeney said: “It is a time to stand up and be counted and I said I would take one.

“You have to pick your spot and go for it. I picked my spot early, I knew where I was going and I wasn’t going to change my mind.

“I went there and he (Ian Bennett) saved it. I can’t describe what goes through your head – you just have to believe you are going for that spot and hope you score.”

He added: “It wasn’t to be for us. I don’t know what to say, I am pretty shocked.

“We had four draws against them this season over 90 minutes. We played a lot of football last night and it had to go to penalties and there had to be a loser, unfortunately it was us.

“The lads have showed great character all season and even more so last night. I am gutted it didn’t go for us.

“It has been a great season. We have all enjoyed every minute.

“We have had ups and downs but there have been a lot more highs than lows. Hopefully, we have done everyone proud to get where we did and I am just sorry we couldn’t bring it home last night.”

• DON'T MISS TOMORROW'S ECHO FOR FOUR PAGES OF REACTION, INCLUDING THE LATEST ON CHERRIES' OUT-OF-CONTRACT PLAYERS AND THEIR FUTURES.