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Getting better

14/ 5/2008

STALYBRIDGE Celtic manager Steve Burr refused to be too downbeat despite seeing his side beaten 1-0 by Barrow in last Friday’s Blue Square North play-off final.

Matt Henney’s second-half goal gave the Cumbrians victory at Burton Albion’s Pirelli Stadium in a game where Celtic struck the woodwork late on, having earlier been denied a penalty.

While unhappy with the officials, Burr focused on the positives at the end of his first year in charge at Bower Fold.

He said: "I suppose I look back on the season with a lot of pride because a new, young team has come together quite quickly.

"With the players being young, it’s important we try and add to what we’ve got and have another crack at it next season.

"You always try and build things, so I’m looking to make us stronger and the fans will expect us to be better next season.

"However, it’s going to take some doing but at the same time, with the set of players we’ve got, there’s no reason why we can’t do that."

Despite his pride in the squad, Burr was still seething at a couple of decisions four days after the game.

There was a hint of offside about Henney’s winner, while the same player was at the centre of a handball controversy in which Celtic felt they should have had a spot kick.

Burr said: "On reflection, it was a very tense game which could have gone either way but I think they shaded it.

"Maybe one or two of our lads who had been good didn’t get going like we know they can, but it wasn’t for the want of trying.

"However, I don’t know how the referee could not give a penalty for handball; you couldn’t see a more blatant penalty and we’ve had enough given for us and against us!"