The 3-0 win at Hillheads on Saturday was not enough for them to go through to the final at Wembley on May 11.

But Mr McIlduff told newsguardian.co.uk after the game: "I am very proud of the lads; they did really well to come back and get the three goals.

"I am devastated, to be honest, we came so close.

"But I thought the lads did Whitley Bay proud and it was a fantastic game of football."

Whitley Bay looked like they were on their way to Wembley at half-time with a 3-0 lead.

However, the second half performance did not match the first and they couldn't produce the vital fourth goal that was needed to take the tie into extra-time.

Manager Ian Chandler described the feeling in the dressing room after the game as unusual.

"It is very quiet, it's not how it usually is in there," he s(id.

"The players are not used to winning a game but losing at the same time.

"I'll give respect to Lowestoft, though, they came and got what they deserved."