Diss Town manager Garth Good ‘enormously proud’ of team’s Thurlow Nunn League First Division North performance

The disappointment of a semi-final play-off defeat has already made way for pride in the mind of Diss Town boss Garth Good.

His side were beaten 2-0 away at Stanway Pegasus – ending the Tangerines’ hopes of ending their 10-year stay in the Thurlow Nunn League First Division North.

However, Good has insisted that one result does not define his team’s entire campaign.

After all, Diss’ fifth-placed finish was the club’s highest position at the end of a season since they were relegated in 2014/15, while their points return of 72 is the most they have collected in a single term for more than 20 years.

And it is those types of statistics that Good believes should be the source of much satisfaction for his players.

“It was a tough result to take. One mistake has ended up costing us, but there was no lack of effort or desire from the players,” said Good.

“It’s a learning curve about dealing with a big game like that – and we can take that forward.

“But this is the best season that the club has had in around a decade and that speaks volumes.

“One result does not define the entire season and the lads should be very proud of what they’ve done.

“It was only a couple of seasons ago that the club was fighting against relegation so to be where we are now should be the source of enormous pride for everyone involved.

“It was not so long ago that gates were less than 100 but towards the end of the season we were getting crowds of 220 or 230. That’s a testament to what the boys have done.”

Good’s challenge now is to ensure that the upward trajectory continues into next term.

He is keen to build on the work that has been done and is hopeful that the squad is of the same mindset.

He added: “The feeling I get from the boys is that they’d like to stay and build on the momentum that we’ve got from this season.

“We’ve had a good season and we know that means some of the bigger clubs at our level and even the level above might come calling for some of the players. Some clubs could probably double or treble what we’re able to offer financially and that’s a tough obstacle to overcome.

“We have to be aware of the size of that challenge but I do believe the nucleus of the group are determined to stay.

“It’s well known that some players are motivated by money but there’s still a good percentage that are motivated by the environment they’re in and hopefully that will work in our favour.

“We want this project to continue and I’m sure a lot of the boys do as well. And if we can find another two or three that will help to take us to another level, that’s what we’ll be looking to do.”